Our Methodist Beliefs
Universal Redemption: Jesus Christ died for all people and all people can be saved - not just a select few. Acceptance by Jesus Christ has nothing to do with one's status in life or with one's position or possessions.
Justification by Faith: We are saved by faith in the saving grace of Jesus Christ alone. The service of the Christian life is an expression of one's faith - not the faith. It is because of the grace, the unmerited love of God in Jesus Christ, that men and women are saved - not because of anything they do.
The Witness of the Holy Spirit: Each Christian is a child of God; God is at work in the world and in the life of the believer bringing about His Kingdom
The Sacraments: A sacrament is a "visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace" instituted by Jesus Christ. There are two sacraments observed by Methodists: Baptism and The Lord's Supper.
Christian Perfection: Although a perfect, sinless life has never been attained, we believe that it is attainable. Every Christian must strive for perfection and should evidence some progress in that direction.
Falling from Grace: There is a real possibility that a Christian can live in such a way that he/she will reject God's grace even though it was once accepted.
The most fundamental distinction of Methodist teaching is that people must use logic and reason in all matters of faith. John Wesley believed that the core of the faith was revealed in Scripture, illumined by tradition, vivified in personal experience, and confirmed by reason. Each United Methodist is obligated to reflect critically on all issues of faith, using these four guidelines. This individual responsibility means that we are a church of great diversity and variations. We are intentionally inclusive of variety in terms of theology, heritage, and life-style.
Our Purpose:
The purpose of Long’s Chapel United Methodist Church is to be a life transforming fellowship where God’s grace brings unbelievers to faith, grows believers into servants, and deploys servants who transform the world.
Our Core Values:
- Long’s Chapel is a … Place of Grace … a place where each person is accepted and valued in a loving atmosphere wherever they are in life’s journey.
- Long’s Chapel is a … Safe Harbor … a place where people can seek shelter from the storm … a place where brokenness is mended.
- Long’s Chapel is a … Greenhouse ... a place of spiritual growth and nurturing relationships.
- Long’s Chapel is a … Place of Service (not Serve Us) … a place of outward focus, mission and witness.
- Long’s Chapel is a … Place of Celebration … a place where people can experience God through innovative, joyful and passionate worship.We value striving for excellence in all that we do as a way to honor God.
