John Wesley believed that the living core of the Christian faith was revealed in Scripture, illuminated by Tradition, verified in personal Experience and confirmed by Reason. Scripture is primary.

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The Story of St. Timothys

• Our church's history
   
• History of United Methodism
   

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Foundations of Methodism

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. We invite you to learn more about our rich theological heritage.

Scripture
The Bible is the unique testimony to God's self-disclosure in the life of Israel; in the ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus the Christ; and in the Spirit's work in the early church.

Tradition
Between the New Testament age and our own era stand countless witnesses on whom we rely in our theological journey. Through their words in creed, hymn, discourse, and prayer, through their music and art, through their courageous deeds, we discover Christian insight by which our study of the Bible is illuminated.

Experience
We interpret the Bible in light of our cumulative experiences. We interpret our life's experience in light of the biblical message.

Reason
We use reason in relating the Scripture and tradition to our experience and in organizing our theological witness in a way that's internally coherent.