| Our Core Values: Introduction |
The following core values are enduring beliefs which the people of the United Methodist Church of Webster hold in common and endeavor to put into action. These values are intended to guide our church's pastors, staff, and laity in performing their work and carrying out their ministries. |
| 1. Biblical Authority |
The Bible is the divine revelation of God's plan and truth for all people. It is through the Bible that we meet Jesus Christ; and is the basis for all Christian teaching. We, as believers, strive to study and be obedient to what the Bible teaches in matters of faith, ministry, and life. |
| 2. Christ & Eternal Salvation |
Christ is the model of God's love in human form. In His life, teachings, death, and resurrection, we are shown the way to live and receive God's gift of eternal salvation through a personal relationship with Christ. |
| 3. Prayer Focused |
Jesus teaches us the value of prayer. It acknowledges our dependence on God and strengthens our relationship with Him. It is through the practice of prayer that we express our faith in God's power and receive His blessings |
| 4. Personal Transformation |
Worshipping individually and with others is essential to a deepening faith. Spiritual growth and personal transformation come by grace when we practice the disciplines of faith and respond to the Holy Spirit. |
| 5. Actively Engaged In Church Unity |
Living in harmony with one another is essential to Christian community. We commit to this by listening carefully to one another, appreciating and respecting a diversity of views, forgiving one another, living lives of humility, gentleness and patience, and making every effort to maintain the unity of one Spirit, one Lord, one God and Father of all. |
| 6. Welcoming To All |
We believe that humor, warmth, and friendliness are essential to show that people matter to God. We commit ourselves to welcoming all persons into our fellowship and being sensitive to their human and spiritual needs. |
| 7. Actively Engaged In The World |
Following Jesus means expressing compassion to the needy through acts of service. This includes reaching out in service to the least, the last, and the lonely in our community and our world. |
| 8. Reaching Out To The Lost |
We are called to be witnesses of the work of Christ to our neighbors. We value the dignity of all people, yet we are not ashamed to preach the gospel. It is essential that all believers are committed to developing authentic relationships with the lost. |
| 9. Spiritual Growth With Other Believers |
Authentic sharing, caring, accountability, and the meeting of human and spiritual needs happen when people are connected in a small group. It is also important that these small groups are connected to, and encouraged by the larger body of the church. |
| 10. Culturally Relevant |
It is important that we be sensitive to the human and spiritual needs of all, and that we continue to be culturally relevant yet remain doctrinally sound. In 1 Corinthians 9:22 the Apostle Paul says, "I try and find common ground with everyone so that I might bring them Christ." |
