Our Beliefs
What do Christians believe?We believe that Jesus was the Son of God who preached the Gospel - the Good News of the Kingdom of God. Through Jesus' death on the cross, and his resurrection, Christians believe that God has broken the power of all that is evil, in the world and in ourselves. If we accept forgiveness and liberation, and are willing to be open to the Holy Spirit, God can enable us to resist evil and to live life to the full.
Christian views are often summarised by the the Apostle's and Nicene Creeds, which you can download to the right:
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What is a Methodist?
Methodists are one denomination (or 'branch') of Christianity - and we have some particular views and beliefs. The beliefs of the Methodist Church have traditionally been described as:
All need to be saved.
All may be saved.
All may know themselves saved.
All may be saved to the uttermost.
Methodists have always been clear that no-one is beyond the reach of God's love. Salvation is there for everyone who turns to God, and not just for a chosen few.
The Methodist Church puts a focus on the ministries of 'Lay' people, in other words people that are not ordained Ministers. Around 90% of the jobs and roles within the church are carried out by Lay People and members of the congregation are always encouraged to participate where they can.
The Methodist movement has a heritage of being 'born in song' - in other words music and singing is seen as a primary way of worshipping God. In fact, the founders of the Methodist Movements were avid hymn writers themselves! The Methodist Church also has quite a different structure from other churches, as we are all joined together in something called the 'Connexion'. This means that each Methodist, and Methodist Church, is part of this very large worshipping community.
We also believe that it is important to make a Covenant (or 'promise') with God each year, when we share a Covenant Service, with a particular prayer and promise.
All need to be saved.
All may be saved.
All may know themselves saved.
All may be saved to the uttermost.
Methodists have always been clear that no-one is beyond the reach of God's love. Salvation is there for everyone who turns to God, and not just for a chosen few.
The Methodist Church puts a focus on the ministries of 'Lay' people, in other words people that are not ordained Ministers. Around 90% of the jobs and roles within the church are carried out by Lay People and members of the congregation are always encouraged to participate where they can.
The Methodist movement has a heritage of being 'born in song' - in other words music and singing is seen as a primary way of worshipping God. In fact, the founders of the Methodist Movements were avid hymn writers themselves! The Methodist Church also has quite a different structure from other churches, as we are all joined together in something called the 'Connexion'. This means that each Methodist, and Methodist Church, is part of this very large worshipping community.
We also believe that it is important to make a Covenant (or 'promise') with God each year, when we share a Covenant Service, with a particular prayer and promise.
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Where can I find out more?This is just a brief summary of our views and beliefs - if you have a particular question then please get in touch with us, or see the National Methodist website by clicking here.
You would be very welcome to come to any event or service and ask the Minister, or a member of the church staff for some more information - we would be glad to see you and to be able to help. |
