What We Believe
Inspiring people to live and love like Jesus.
Welcome to St. Paul’s United Methodist Church.
No matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.
St. Paul’s United Methodist Church is a congregation united in the belief that God loves each of us unconditionally. Whether you are young or old, conservative or liberal, a Spartan or a Wolverine, single, attached or “it’s complicated,” there is a place for you at St. Paul’s. Together, we strive to model God’s love by listening to one another, caring for each other, and respecting each person’s unique gifts and perspectives. Our umbrella is wide. Our table is long. St. Paul’s is a church where you can be you, be loved, be change. You belong here.
We believe that
Love changes lives, and therefore, we are called to love all people as Jesus Christ loves us.
Worship is a celebration of God with one another, where our souls are nurtured through scripture, message, music, and prayer.
Service provides an opportunity to share God’s love and compassion as demonstrated by Jesus Christ.
Spiritual growth is our lifelong journey, where we grow our faith in Jesus Christ with one another, living in grace and walking in love through the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Witness is our invitation to others to know God and to share God’s love, peace, and compassion with our members and guests.
Discover the Handbook of The United Methodist Church—a digital, print-ready resource designed to help you understand who we are, how we are connected, and how we live out our shared mission together. Updated for the current quadrennium, this handbook offers clear explanations, helpful visuals, and trusted information for learning, teaching, and leading in The United Methodist Church. You can also find a conversation guide for new church members explaining what means to be a United Methodist. (from umc.org)
United Methodist Conversation Guide for New Members
This guide helps lay leaders walk alongside people who are new to The United Methodist Church or exploring what it means to be United Methodist. Each section names a core United Methodist belief and then invites participants to reflect on that belief through conversation. (from umc.org)
The Definition of a Methodist according to John Wesley
John Wesley used the following passage from Matthew’s Gospel in answer to the question, “What is a Methodist?”
‘Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?’ He said to him, ‘“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.” This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.’
Matthew 22:36-40