We have inherited our central beliefs from Christians who have gone before us and we respect diversity in theology. As long as our different beliefs are rooted in the essentials of the Christian faith and are consistent with the Scriptures, then these differences will enhance our understanding of God and challenge us to grow in Christ. Much of the distinctiveness of the Methodist movement begun by John Wesley in 18th century England grows out of Wesley’s insight into GRACE. Grace pervades our understanding of Christian faith and life. By grace we mean the powerful, undeserved, loving activity of God in human existence. We understand that grace is expressed in our lives in three basic ways: bringing us to faith (prevenient or preceding grace) and transforming us (justifying grace), then nurturing us and drawing us toward perfect love (sanctifying grace).

First, we believe divine love surrounds all humanity at all times. This grace prompts our first wish to please God, our first glimmer of understanding concerning God’s will, and our first inkling of having sinned against God. Long before we reach out to God, God is seeking us with love.

Second, we believe God reaches out to the repentant believer with accepting and pardoning love. A decisive change in the human heart occurs under the prompting of grace and the guidance of the Holy Spirit to bring us into a right relationship with God. This change is often called “conversion” or “new birth,” and the new relationship with God is called “salvation.” Such a change may be sudden and dramatic, or gradual and cumulative. It marks a new beginning, yet is part of an ongoing process.

Third, we believe faith in Christ is bound to be expressed in outward works of love; that personal salvation leads us into a mission of evangelical witness, caring service, and social action for human liberation, reconciliation, justice and peace. The underlying energy of the Wesleyan theological heritage stems from an emphasis upon practical Christianity: the realization of authentic discipleship in the daily lives of believers. When faced with a decision, we are to ask ourselves: What would Jesus do? And then, as God gives us guidance, we are to do it!