Core Beliefs
The following are the core beliefs of Geneva UMC based on the foundational truths taught in the Bible. All of our teaching and ministry is rooted in and flows out of these biblical doctrines.
God
We believe there is one true and living God who is eternal, holy, all-powerful, and ever-present. God is the maker and preserver of all things – both what is seen and 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 Heaven.
Holy Spirit
We believe the Holy Spirit is at work in the world and lives of people. 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
We believe in three stages of grace: prevenient – grace at work in our world drawing all things to God; justifying – grace that brings us into right relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ; and sanctifying – grace that continues to work in us to transform us into the image of Christ.
Sacraments
We 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
“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
We claim John Wesley as the founder of the denomination.
He reminds us that we are to:
Do no harm
Do good
Stay in love with God
He reminds us that we are to:
Do no harm
Do good
Stay in love with God