What We Believe
The basic tenets of Christianity and our United Methodist tradition.
Our Christian Faith
United Methodists belong to the wider Christian family. At the heart of our faith are God’s love, the good news of Jesus Christ, and the work of the Holy Spirit.
One God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
We worship one God, known as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. God creates and sustains life, redeems us in Christ, and remains present through the Spirit.
Jesus Christ
Jesus is God’s Son, truly divine and truly human. Through his life, death, and resurrection, God offers forgiveness, reconciliation, and new life.
The Holy Spirit
The Spirit guides, comforts, and strengthens us, helping us follow Jesus and love our neighbors.
The Bible
The Old and New Testaments are our primary authority for Christian faith and practice.
Human Dignity, Sin, and Salvation
Every person bears God’s image. Sin damages our relationship with God and others; we depend on God’s grace, received through faith in Christ, for forgiveness and renewal.
The Church and Christian Hope
The church is Christ’s body, called to worship, nurture faith, and serve. We trust God’s promise of resurrection, eternal life, and the renewal of creation.
Our United Methodist Heritage
Our Wesleyan tradition emphasizes grace that meets us where we are and helps us grow in love.
Grace Throughout Our Lives
Prevenient grace: God reaches toward us before we recognize or respond to that love.
Justifying grace: Through faith in Christ, we receive forgiveness and a restored relationship with God.
Sanctifying grace: God continues shaping us toward holiness—greater love of God and neighbor.
Faith Expressed in Love
Good works do not purchase salvation. They express a faith made alive by grace. Prayer, worship, study, compassion, and justice belong together.
Scripture, Tradition, Experience, and Reason
Scripture has the primary place in our faith. Christian tradition, lived experience, and thoughtful reasoning help us interpret and apply it.
Growing Together
United Methodists are connected across congregations in shared ministry. We seek to avoid harm, practice goodness, and cultivate our relationship with God.
Baptism
Baptism is a sacrament of God’s grace and our incorporation into Christ’s church. United Methodists baptize infants, children, and adults, and recognize Christian baptism received in other churches.
Holy Communion
We practice an open Communion table. Christ is the host, and you do not need to be a member of Emilie UMC or The United Methodist Church to receive. All who love Christ, repent of their sin, and seek to live in peace with one another are invited. Through the bread and cup, we encounter Christ’s presence and receive God’s grace.
Living Our Faith at Emilie
We seek to bring people to Christ, grow together in Christ, and serve others for Christ. Questions are welcome as we learn, worship, and put love into practice.
Explore more: Our Christian Beliefs · Our Wesleyan Heritage