Our Heritage--What does it mean to be a Methodist?

"​DO NO HARM, DO GOOD AND ALWAYS STAY IN LOVE WITH GOD"

THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH IS A PROTESTANT MOVEMENT AND TRACES ITS ROOTS BACK TO JOHN WESLEY, AN ANGLICAN PRIEST IN THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND IN THE 1700S. JOHN AND HIS BROTHER, CHARLES, INTENDED TO REVITALIZE THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND BY FORMING SOCIETIES OF "METHODISTS"– SO CALLED BECAUSE THE MEMBERS FOLLOWED A DAILY ROUTINE OF RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCE AND SOCIAL WORK.

PART OF THE MARK OF BEING A UNITED METHODIST IS THAT WE HOLD A WIDE RANGE OF THEOLOGICAL BELIEFS. IN GENERAL, WE AGREE ON THE MAJOR ASPECTS OF THEOLOGY.

  • WE BELIEVE IN THE TRINITY: FATHER, SON AND HOLY SPIRIT.

  • WE BELIEVE IN GOD’S LOVE AND FORGIVENESS OF ALL PEOPLE.

  • WE BELIEVE IN THE MYSTERY OF SALVATION THROUGH JESUS CHRIST.

  • WE BELIEVE IN CELEBRATING THE SACRAMENTS OF BAPTISM AND HOLY COMMUNION.


FOR UNITED METHODISTS, SOCIAL CONSCIOUSNESS HAS ALWAYS GONE HAND IN HAND WITH FAITH. WE BELIEVE, WITH JOHN WESLEY, "THAT THE WORLD IS OUR PARISH." HENCE, WE SUPPORT MISSION AND JUSTICE WORK LOCALLY, REGIONALLY AND AROUND THE WORLD. WE BELIEVE IN THE DIGNITY OF EACH PERSON AND THE PRACTICE OF TOTAL DEMOCRACY IN OUR CHURCH’S LIFE.

What We Believe Our Core Christian Beliefs

​GOD
GOD, WHO IS ONE, IS REVEALED IN THREE DISTINCT PERSONS: FATHER, SON AND HOLY SPIRIT.
GOD CREATES. GOD SUSTAINS. GOD LOVES. GOD SUFFERS. GOD JUDGES. GOD REDEEMS. GOD REIGNS.

​​JESUS
JESUS WAS THE SON OF GOD, THE CHILD OF THE VIRGIN MARY AND THE HOLY SPIRIT. THROUGH HIM, GOD HAS FREED US OF OUR SIN AND GIVEN US THE GIFT OF ETERNAL LIFE THROUGH SALVATION. HEBREWS 1: 3 , COLOSSIANS 1: 15-17

​SALVATION
SALVATION CANNOT BE EARNED. THERE'S NO BEHAVIOR, NO MATTER HOW HOLY OR RIGHTEOUS, BY WHICH WE CAN ACHIEVE SALVATION. RATHER, IT'S THE GIFT OF A GRACIOUS GOD. GOD'S LOVE, OR GRACE, IS GIVEN WITHOUT ANY REGARD FOR OUR GOODNESS. IT'S UNMERITED, UNCONDITIONAL, AND UNENDING LOVE. AS WE COME TO ACCEPT THIS LOVE, TO ENTRUST OURSELVES TO IT, AND TO GROUND OUR LIVES IN IT, WE DISCOVER THE WHOLENESS THAT GOD HAS PROMISED. THIS TRUST, AS WE'VE SEEN, IS CALLED FAITH. GOD TAKES THE INITIATIVE IN GRACE; BUT ONLY AS WE RESPOND THROUGH FAITH IS THE CHANGE WROUGHT IN US. THIS IS THE GREAT THEME OF THE PROTESTANT REFORMERS, AS WELL AS JOHN WESLEY AND THE METHODISTS WHO FOLLOWED: WE'RE SAVED BY GRACE ALONE THROUGH FAITH ALONE. WE'RE MADE WHOLE AND RECONCILED BY THE LOVE OF GOD AS WE RECEIVE IT AND TRUST IN IT. (JOHN 3:7, ROMANS 8:16)

THE BIBLE
THE BIBLE WAS INSPIRED BY GOD AND CONTAINS ALL THINGS NECESSARY FOR SALVATION. WHEN READ UNDER THE INSPIRATION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, THE BIBLE IS OUR TRUE RULE AND GUIDE FOR FAITH AND PRACTICE. 2 TIMOTHY 3:16-17​


Rooted in Service

Generations of Neighborhood Grace

For decades, Concordia has been a beacon of neighborhood grace, actively engaged in local outreach and regional missions. Our commitment reflects a deep-seated Methodist tradition of practical divinity and social justice.

We believe in a faith that extends beyond our walls, fostering shared spiritual growth and an open communion for all. Our history is one of continuous service, adapting to the needs of our community while holding fast to our core values.

Our Guides

Meet Our Pastoral Staff

Our leaders are committed to open dialogue, community care, and fostering a welcoming environment for all.

Pastor Sarah Thomas

Marcus Lee

Ellen Vance

Pastor Sarah leads our congregation with warmth and thoughtful guidance, fostering an environment of open questions and spiritual growth.

Marcus directs our vibrant worship services, blending traditional hymns with contemporary expressions to create inspiring musical experiences.

Ellen coordinates our youth programs, creating engaging and supportive spaces for young people to explore their faith and build community.

Contact Us

Have Questions or Need Prayer?

Our pastoral staff is here to listen and support you. Please reach out directly.