THE BIBLE

We believe that the Bible is God-breathed. It is a collection of books, letters, poetry, and other writings written by human beings in order to share their experience of God. We believe that the Bible paints a picture of the way God intended for human beings to live in relationship with Him and with one another. We look at the Bible within its historical context first, and then reflect on what it means for us today by asking these three questions:

• What does it say about God?
• What does this passage say about human beings?
• What does it say about the relationship between God and human beings?

GOD

We believe that God is the creator of all things and we are all His beloved children. God is too big to be put into the box of any church, denomination or doctrine. We believe that God is the perfect expression of love and that His hope for our lives is that we would do His will “on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10).

• What does it say about God?
• What does this passage say about human beings?
• What does it say about the relationship between God and human beings?

JESUS

We believe that Jesus became God in the flesh. We believe that Jesus is the Son of God, that He died for our sins, and that His resurrection gives us new life. We believe that Jesus taught us the way God wants us to live in a relationship with one another and with God (Matthew 22:36-40).

THE HOLY SPIRIT

We believe that the Holy Spirit is the living presence of God in our lives. The Holy Spirit is our Comforter and Advocate (John 16:5-15). Through the power of the Holy Spirit, God changes our lives and we become more like Jesus.

SALVATION

We believe that through the death and resurrection of Jesus, God conquers death and renews our lives so that we will never be separated from Him again. We believe that the gift of salvation is based on grace, not because we deserve it. We believe that salvation is a choice and that when we say “yes” to God’s grace we are forgiven, made new, and begin a new journey with God.

Aldersgate Inclusivity Statement

We welcome and work for the full inclusion of all persons into the life and ministry of Aldersgate United Methodist Church. As followers of Jesus Christ, we believe all persons are created in the image of God. We celebrate our diversity and recognize the sacred worth and dignity of all persons without regard to gender, race, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental ability, family structure, economic status, or education.

We proclaim this statement of welcome to all who have experienced the pain of exclusion and discrimination within the church. We respect the differences that remain among us as we journey together in faith toward greater understanding.