Who are United Methodists
Who Are United Methodists?
United Methodists are Christians who are connected by our mutual accountability to our Lord Jesus who empowers us to be in ministry together around the world.
A Church of England priest, John Wesley, had a vision for church renewal before the Revolutionary War. Out of this movement has grown one of the most carefully organized and largest denominations in the world. The United Methodist structure and organization was designed to accomplish John Wesley’s goal of spreading “Scriptural holiness” over the land.
Our connectedness means that all local churches are bound together by a common task and common governance that reach around the world. They share the common goal of making disciples for Jesus Christ and reaching the world in ministry together. Our model is found in Ephesians 2:19-21a:
"Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together..."
Deliberately, The United Methodist Church has no single central office, no archbishop and no pope. This reflects the representative nature of the church’s organization. What principles guide United Methodists?
Our lives are guided by some very simple principles first set down by John Wesley, they are known as the General Rules:
To those following Jesus as disciples it is expected that they should live by these simple principles:
1. Doing no harm, by avoiding every kind of evil.
2. Doing good, by being filled with mercy, and as opportunity affords, by performing good works to all people.
3. Staying faithful to God by public worship, ministry of the Word, receiving the Sacraments, family and private prayer, searching theScriptures, and fasting.
What We Believe
· We believe there is but one living and true God, everlasting, of infinite power, wisdom, and goodness; the maker and preserver of all things. And we believe in the unity of this God as three distinct persons, of one substance, power, and eternity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. (Witnessed in both Old and New Testaments)
· We believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God. We also believe it contains all that is necessary to be convicted of our sin, pleads with us to repent and call on God for salvation, and assures us of a life that is blessed and eternal. (2 Timothy 3:14-17)
· We believe in God’s grace reaching out to us while we are yet sinners. (Romans 5:6-8)
· We hold in common with all Christians a belief in the necessity of salvation in and through Jesus, the Christ, by faith. (Romans 3:20-26)
· We believe the witness of the Scriptures that Jesus, being in nature both God and man, was sent to offer the gift of salvation to all people by revealing the righteousness of God and condemning our own sinful desires. (John 1:1-18)
· We believe that Jesus was crucified, died, and was buried. But on the third day after his death, he arose victorious over death, ascended to heaven and is seated at the side of the Father, God Almighty. Jesus offers believers this same victory over death. (John 14:1-3)
· We believe in Christ’s universal church, where sinners become a part through their repentance, acceptance of Jesus by faith, and receiving the promised Spirit of God become “born again.” (John 3:1-18)
· We believe that God’s grace touches those who repent of their sin, and through faith in Jesus are restored to God’s favor and gain the assurance of their salvation. (Romans 8:12-16)
· We believe that the greatest commandment of God is to love. This love is expressed to God through our personal devotion, our obedience to God’s word, and when we bear good “fruit” for God by loving, forgiving, and serving others in the name of Jesus. (John 15:9-17)
· We believe that personal salvation always involves Christian mission and service to the world. Working out one’s salvation is more than personal piety; love of God is always linked with love of neighbor, a passion for justice and renewal in the life of the world.
· We believe that our lives are given purpose and relevance in Jesus, and that these lives were meant to be lived in joy. (John 10:10b)
· We believe that the end result of life lived to and for one’s self is death, both physical and spiritual. (Revelation 20:11-15) The mandate for all Christians is to make disciples and help usher them into God’s kingdom. (Matthew 28:16-20)
· We believe that Jesus will come again to usher in God’s new creation. On that day God will judge the hearts of all people, and for those who have trusted Jesus, they will inherit the glorious inheritance of God’s children. (Revelation 21:1-4)
Three Important Questions
Why do people need Jesus Christ?
Answer: People need to be saved from the consequences of their sins and into a restored relationship with God and others through Jesus. We find our ultimate purpose and God’s blessing in reflecting the love of God as we are empowered by Jesus who lives within us.
Why do people need the Church?
Answer: The Church is God’s instrument to:
1. Strengthen families
2. Share fellowship
3. Encourage spiritual growth (Discipleship)
4. Minister to others (Outreach)
5. Deepen faith through worship
6. Make new disciples (Evangelize)
Why do people need this church?
Answer: In the midst of an uncaring world, First United Methodist Church of Dardanelle is a place where people can experience the full grace and love of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Our Vision
As the people of God, our vision is to share the love of Christ and offer his grace to the world.
The ministry of Jesus Christ was passed on to his disciples who organized the believers into churches where people could learn about the Kingdom of God, the love and righteousness shown by Jesus, and be organized to share that grace with the world. Our mission as Christians is to continue that work and offer it to the communities and the world around us.
Ministries to individuals and families are our weekly focus. We encourage participation in Bible studies, Sunday schools, fellowship opportunities, and several worship opportunities.
Our mission and ministry take us into our local community to share with those in need, to offer food to the hungry, minister to the sick and homebound, and to share the good news of the gospel with the lost. Our reach goes further around the world as we go on mission trips to other countries and our connectional giving shares with people around the world.
We believe in the sanctity of human life and affirm that all people, regardless of gender, race or nationality, can and should be transformed by the life-giving word of God and faith in Jesus, our Lord.
How You Can Join Us
At First United Methodist Church, Dardanelle we believe in offering you the opportunity to enter our church fellowship without having to respond to make a decision on short notice.
Every six weeks or so we offer a New Member Sunday. If you or your family desires to become a member of our church family, we will be glad to welcome you. New members may join in several ways:
· Profession of faith and baptism (a first-time commitment to Christ)
· Profession of faith and confirmation (for baptized youth committing their lives to Christ)
· Transfer from another United Methodist Church
· Transfer from another Christian denomination
· Statement (baptized Christian without current church membership)
· Re-instatement (baptized Christian renewing church membership)
· Affiliation (member of another faith who wants to worship regularly and support this church)
I f you desire to become a part of the group joining on our next New Member Sunday, please note your name, address, and telephone number below. Bring this form with you and give it to the pastor if you are making the decision today when you come forward with others joining. If you prefer to join on another Sunday, just call our church office (229-3720) and the pastor will make the arrangements with you. We want to be your church home!
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