Core Beliefs
We believe in God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Matthew 3:16-17
We believe the Bible is the inspired and inerrant Word of God. It is the revelation of God to mankind. 2 Timothy 3:16
We believe that Jesus Christ is the way, the truth and the life and no one comes to God except through Jesus Christ. John 14:6
We believe that by the grace of God through faith a person can find new life through Christ and spend eternity with Him. Ephesians 2:8-9
We believe that the grace of God enables a person to be born again and spend eternity with Christ, and also provides power by which to live this life in a way pleasing to God. James 2:18, Ephesians 2:10, Philippians 1:11
We believe that water baptism and the Lord's Supper are sacraments of the Church commanded by Christ, tokens of our profession of Christian faith and signs of God's gracious ministry towards us. Matthew 28:19, Luke 22:14-20
We believe that we were given a commission by Christ to reach out to the lost (those in this world who are trying to find their way on their own) and show them that we don't have to do it alone, but Christ came to seek and to rescue the lost. Matthew 28:18-20
Ways we fulfill these beliefs and specifically this Great Commission from Jesus:
BIBLICAL AUTHORITY: The Bible is the highest source of written authority for God's plan for His people; it reveals how to live out that plan, individually and corporately. Beliefs, practices, priorities are to be anchored in clear biblical teachings.
CHRISTLIKENESS: Jesus Christ is the defining feature of God's will for all humankind. In Christ is found the highest and most practical meaning and clearest example for holy living or godliness. Christ is both example and strength as Wesleyans pursue integrity, excellence, faith, hope, and love.
DISCIPLE-MAKING: Making disciples is a clear mandate from Christ. This requires a strong focus on evangelism and training in spiritual growth and holy living. Done effectively, this will produce and promote growth and health in and among the churches.
LOCAL CHURCH CENTERED: The denomination exists to serve local congregations. Local churches are the most fundamental and strategic points of evangelism and discipleship. The challenge of the denomination is to keep finding the best ways to serve and strengthen congregations.
SERVANT LEADERSHIP: Wesleyans respect leadership that is placed over them, while realizing that the authority and effectiveness of spiritual leadership is not primarily bestowed, but earned and manifested by a loving and willing heart of obedience that serves God and mankind gladly. Wesleyans desire to be leaders in serving.
UNITY IN DIVERSITY: There is intrinsic value in every person. Unity becomes all the more important and beautiful in the light of the wide ranges of difference in personality, culture, race, talents, and perspectives. Loving each other eliminates devaluation and deprivation of life to one another.
Visit www.wesleyan.org./beliefs for more information.
