Our United Methodist beliefs
The United Methodist Church is a Christian tradition
rooted in Scripture, shaped by grace, and lived through love in action.
We worship Jesus Christ, trust the Bible as holy Scripture, and believe salvation is God’s gift of grace.
United Methodism brings together historic Christian faith, thoughtful discipleship,
and a commitment to love our neighbors as ourselves.
Our Roots
United Methodism comes from the teachings of John Wesley, an Anglican priest who emphasized:
God’s grace at work in everyday life
Faith that leads to transformation
Christianity lived through love, mercy, and justice
Methodism began as a movement focused on spiritual growth, small groups, and caring for the most vulnerable. This vision of grace-filled, active faith continues to shape United Methodists today.
Core Beliefs
United Methodists affirm historic Christian faith:
One God, revealed as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
Jesus Christ is fully human and fully divine
Scripture is central to Christian life and faith
Salvation is a gift of God’s grace, not something we earn
The Church exists to love God and love neighbor
Faith is not just something we believe; it is something we practice.
Engaging Scripture
United Methodists engage faith through four sources:
Scripture — the primary authority
Tradition — the wisdom of the historic church
Reason — critical thinking and learning
Experience — how God works in real lives
This means we take the Bible seriously, not simply literally. We believe Scripture was written in real historical and cultural contexts, and that faithfully interpreting it requires study, tradition, thoughtful reflection, and attention to how God is at work in the world today.
We believe faith should be curious, courageous, and connected to real life; that means asking big questions and engaging Scripture with both heart and mind.
Distinctive UMC Beliefs
Grace is Central
United Methodists understand God’s grace as active, ongoing, and available to all people. Grace is not only about forgiveness; it is about transformation. God is continually shaping who we are and how we live.
Salvation is a Journey
Faith is not a one-time decision but a lifelong process of growing in love of God and neighbor. Discipleship means continually learning, practicing, and being transformed by God’s grace.
Scripture Interpreted Faithfully
The Bible is foundational for our faith. We read it in conversation with the wisdom of the church, careful reasoning, and lived experience. This helps us take Scripture seriously while engaging honestly with the world as it is.
Open Communion
All who seek to follow Christ are invited to the Lord’s Table. Communion is a means of grace, not a reward for having perfect beliefs. It is a place where God meets us and nourishes our faith.
Faith that Leads to Action
Personal faith and social responsibility belong together. Following Jesus calls us to works of mercy, justice, and service in the world. Loving God is inseparable from loving our neighbors.
Unity Without Uniformity
United Methodists hold core Christian beliefs while making space for faithful disagreement on many theological and ethical questions. Being in community does not require complete agreement — it requires commitment to one another and to Christ.
Inclusive Love
In the Methodist tradition, growing in holiness means growing in love. Because every person is created in God’s image and Jesus welcomed those pushed to the margins, we affirm the sacred worth of every person.
Our campus ministry is LGBTQIA2s-affirming because we believe God’s grace, calling, and love are not limited by sexual orientation or gender identity.All people are invited to fully participate in the life of the church.
At the Tulsa Wesley, we believe that all people are beloved children of God. No matter your background, identity, or journey, you are welcome here. We offer a space where you can explore your faith, ask questions, and grow in community without fear of judgment. Everyone—regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, ability, or belief—is embraced and valued.
