The purpose of the United Methodist Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
John Wesley and the early Methodists were particularly concerned about inviting people to experience God’s grace and to grow in their knowledge and love of God through disciplined Christian living. They placed primary emphasis on Christian living, on putting faith and love into action. This emphasis on what Wesley referred to as “practical divinity” has continued to be a hallmark of United Methodism today.
Members of First UMC of Santa Monica covenant to support the work of the church within five important areas in the life of any church:
- Prayers
- Presence
- Gifts
- Service
- Witness
We pledge to fulfill our calling as disciples of Jesus Christ and as members of the United Methodist Church, commissioned and empowered by the Holy Spirit to transform the world for the sake of the Reign of God, by freely extending all the ministries of the church to all God’s children. We pledge to welcome and embrace all the members of our church families in God’s boundary-less love and grace and to welcome all those in our communities through the inclusive hospitality of the Holy Spirit.
We go forward In the example of John Wesley who said: “if your heart is as my heart, take my hand,” that it may be said of us: “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” (John 13:35)
Ask the UMC
Ever wonder whether The United Methodist Church has an official Bible? Curious about the church’s global structure or certain phrases said each Sunday during service? Find answers to these questions and more with “Ask the UMC,” a new UMC.org feature inviting readers to submit questions about the denomination.
Explore Ask the UMC.