For Roman Catholic Visitors
What We Share in Common
- Core Beliefs: We worship one God in three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Like Catholics, we affirm Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection as the foundation of salvation and the authority of scripture in shaping our faith.
- Sacraments: Baptism and Holy Communion are celebrated as sacred encounters with God’s grace.
- Faith in Action: Both traditions emphasize caring for the poor, stewardship of creation, and living out Christ’s love in the world.
- Liturgy: While Methodist worship may be less formal, you’ll recognize shared elements such as prayer, scripture readings, hymns, and a sermon.
How We Differ
- Grace: Methodists emphasize prevenient grace, God’s love at work before we respond, and sanctifying grace, which helps us grow in holiness.
- Authority: Unlike Catholics, Methodists do not have a central authority figure like the Pope. Instead, we are guided by scripture, tradition, reason, and experience.
- Sacraments: We affirm baptism as a one-time sacrament, recognizing baptisms from all Christian traditions. Holy Communion is open to all who seek Christ, without requiring a specific preparation or confession.
How We Can Help You Feel at Home
- Participate in worship and Holy Communion—Christ’s table is open to you.
- Join a study group to explore Methodist theology or deepen your understanding of scripture.
- Share your gifts in ministries of service and outreach.
For Episcopal Visitors
What We Share in Common
- Liturgy and Tradition: Both traditions value liturgical worship, with prayers, scripture readings, and sacraments at the center of worship life.
- Sacraments: Like Methodists, Episcopalians celebrate baptism and Holy Communion as central acts of grace.
- Commitment to Social Justice: Both traditions emphasize God’s call to care for the marginalized and work for justice in the world.
How We Differ
- Governance: While Episcopalians are led by bishops in a hierarchical structure, Methodists also have bishops but combine this with a connectional system that involves clergy and laity in decision-making.
- Eucharistic Theology: Episcopalians often affirm a “real presence” of Christ in the Eucharist, closer to Catholic doctrine, while Methodists describe this presence as a holy mystery, open to interpretation.
- Theology of Grace: Methodists emphasize prevenient grace (God’s grace at work before we respond) and sanctifying grace (the process of growing in holiness), which may feel new to Episcopalians accustomed to a more sacramental theology.
How We Can Help You Feel at Home
- Experience a liturgical worship service that honors tradition while incorporating Methodist distinctives.
- Join in ministries that reflect our shared commitment to justice and mercy.
- Learn more about Wesleyan theology and its emphasis on grace and personal holiness.
For Lutheran (ELCA) Visitors
What We Share in Common
- Grace and Faith: Like Lutherans, Methodists believe in salvation by grace through faith, apart from works.
- Scripture and Tradition: Both traditions value the authority of scripture while honoring tradition and reason in interpretation.
- Sacraments: Baptism and Communion are central acts of grace in both traditions.
How We Differ
- Theology of Communion: ELCA Lutherans speak of Christ’s presence “in, with, and under” the elements, while Methodists emphasize the mystery of Christ’s real presence.
- Worship Style: Methodists embrace both liturgical and free-form worship, depending on the community.
- The Means of Grace: Methodists emphasize works of piety (prayer, study, worship) and works of mercy (justice, compassion, care for the poor) as ways of experiencing God’s grace.
How We Can Help You Feel at Home
- Experience familiar elements of liturgical worship in a Methodist context.
- Participate in mission opportunities and acts of mercy.
- Grow in faith through study and reflection on scripture and grace.
For Presbyterian Visitors
What We Share in Common
- Covenant Theology: Both traditions emphasize God’s covenantal relationship with humanity and the importance of communal faith.
- Scripture and Grace: We affirm the authority of scripture and share a belief in salvation through God’s grace, not our works.
- Mission Focus: Like Presbyterians, Methodists prioritize justice, mercy, and stewardship of creation as acts of faith.
How We Differ
- Governance: Presbyterians have a representative system led by elders, while Methodists are connectional, with bishops and conferences providing shared leadership.
- Sacraments: While Presbyterians often view Communion as a memorial and spiritual presence, Methodists affirm Christ’s real presence as a mystery.
- Sanctification: Methodists emphasize growing in holiness and living out our faith daily through God’s sanctifying grace.
How We Can Help You Feel at Home
- Join a small group to explore scripture and theological concepts.
- Participate in ministries that reflect our shared passion for justice and mercy.
- Learn about Wesleyan theology and how it complements your faith.
For Southern Baptist Visitors
What We Share in Common
- Scripture-Centered Faith: Both traditions affirm the authority of scripture and its role in guiding our lives.
- Personal Relationship with Christ: Like Baptists, Methodists emphasize a personal, transformative relationship with Jesus.
- Mission and Evangelism: We share a commitment to sharing God’s love and serving others.
How We Differ
- Theology of Grace: Baptists often focus on justification by faith, while Methodists emphasize prevenient, justifying, and sanctifying grace as God’s ongoing work in our lives.
- Sacraments: Baptists practice believer’s baptism by immersion, while Methodists affirm baptism for infants and adults, emphasizing God’s initiative in baptism.
- Governance: Baptist churches are autonomous, while Methodists are connectional, with shared oversight and resources.
How We Can Help You Feel at Home
- Join a Bible study or small group to engage scripture deeply.
- Serve alongside us in outreach ministries.
- Explore the Wesleyan understanding of grace and how it complements your faith.
For Evangelical Non-Denominational Visitors
What We Share in Common
- Christ-Centered Worship: Both traditions emphasize a personal relationship with Jesus and the transformative power of faith.
- Scripture-Focused Teaching: Like non-denominational churches, we value scripture as central to our worship and life.
- Mission and Service: Both traditions are deeply committed to living out faith through action and love.
How We Differ
- Theology of Grace: Methodists emphasize God’s grace at work in all stages of life—before, during, and after our conversion.
- Structure: Unlike independent non-denominational churches, Methodists are part of a global connection, with shared resources and governance.
- Worship Style: While non-denominational churches often favor contemporary worship, Methodists embrace a blend of traditional and modern styles.
How We Can Help You Feel at Home
- Experience the breadth of worship styles, from traditional hymns to modern music.
- Engage in study groups that dive into scripture and theology.
- Join mission efforts to serve the local and global community.
An Invitation to Journey Together
No matter where your faith journey has brought you from—Roman Catholic, Episcopal, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Southern Baptist, or Evangelical Non-Denominational—we celebrate the unique gifts and perspectives you bring to our church. Together, we can grow in faith, explore God’s grace, and share Christ’s love in the world.
Next Steps
Connect: Speak with Pastor Rob Hamilton to learn more about our church and how we can support you on your journey.
Worship: Join us this Sunday and experience the joy of worshiping as a diverse community.
Serve: Get involved in ministries that reflect your passions and God’s call to love and serve others.