Welcome,

If you are a newcomer to Church or a newcomer to our domination, you may not be familiar with Our Beliefs. First United Methodist Church of Springfield is a member of the Great Plains Conference of the United Methodist Church.

Below is a short summary of our beliefs. Other resources can be found at the Great Plains Conference website www.GreatPlainsUMC.org

WE BELIEVE IN

God

We believe there is one true and living and true God who is eternal, holy, all powerful, all knowing, and ever present.  God is the maker and preserver of all things – both what is seen and what is not seen.

Jesus

We believe Jesus is the one and only Son of God, the Word that became flesh and the savior of ALL humankind.  He was crucified, died, was buried and resurrected, and rose into Heavan.

Holy Spirit

We believe the Holy Spirit is at work in the world and lives of persons.  It transforms, empowers, and guides believers.  Through the Holy Spirit, we experience the fruit of the Spirit and spiritual gifts.

The Bible

We believe the Bible is the guideline for personal discipleship and is viewed through the lens of Tradition, Experience, and Reason to inform our faith and interpret Scripture.

Grace

United Methodists believe in three stages of Grace:

  • Prevenient- Grace at work in our world drawing ALL to God.

  • Justifying- Grace that brings us into right relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ.

  • Sanctifying- Grace that continues to work in us to transform us into the image of Christ.

Sacraments

United Methodists observe two sacraments: Baptism and Holy Communion.  We recognize baptism at any age, including infant baptism and all forms therein.  Communion is an open table – available to all who love Jesus, who earnestly repent of their failures and misdeeds, and who seek to live in peace with one another.

Guiding Scripture

Matthew 22:37-39

“You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your being, and with all your mind.  This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it: You must love your neighbor as yourself.” (CEB)

 

John Wesley

United Methodists claim John Wesley as the founder of the denomination.  He reminds us we are to:

  • Do No Harm.

  • Do Good.

  • Stay in love with God.