What We Believe

United Methodists are part of a rich heritage that began with the birth of our country. We share a common heritage with all Christians. Our faith is rooted in the grace of God. We believe in God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit.

About the United Methodist Church

Our community of faith connects to around 10 million members worldwide. We embrace the legacy of discipleship, affirm our faith through Christian living and God’s grace, and share the hope of the coming kingdom. While we nurture our faith through worship and private acts of devotion, we also strive to share God’s love with our neighbors.

God is a Trinity. Three persons in one:

The God who created us.

The God who saved us.

The God who is always with us.

Father

God is everlasting and infinite. God creates, sustains, loves, suffers, recognizes sin, redeems, and renews us. God reigns over all in power and majesty, guiding us with grace and offering eternal hope.

Son

The mystery of salvation is embodied by Jesus Christ who freed us from our sin. He is the Messiah, the Chosen One who brings salvation to all people through his life, death, and resurrection.

Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and Son, present in our midst as our comforter. The Spirit’s fruits renew, strengthen, and empower us for ministry by grace, not personal gain.

Our core beliefs

What does it mean to be United Methodist?

At Simi Valley United Methodist Church, we strive to live out these beliefs in our worship, our ministries, and our daily lives.

Open Hearts

01

Our caring community takes care of one another. We are there for you (prayer, meals for the community, visitation) whether you grew up in the church or are new to our community.

Open Minds

02

Our time in the Word, and our time with one another, continually opens our minds. We aren’t set in our ways. We are an organic church living, breathing, and growing.

Open Doors

03

We embrace and celebrate the unique tapestry of all backgrounds, cultures, races, ages, and experiences within our faith community. We are committed to inclusivity and unity. “…for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28)

Grace

04

God’s grace is with each of us! We cannot achieve holiness alone. Through God’s gift of grace God prepares our hearts and minds, restores us, and then assists us as followers of Jesus Christ.

Social Justice

05

Ministry is God’s love in action. Through social justice, United Methodists treat all people equally and without prejudice. We ensure mutual welfare and well-being. Jesus modeled this through inclusion, feeding and caring for others, and the solidarity of love.

Church as Connection

06

John Wesley began a network of classes, societies, and conferences as an organized form of communication and accountability between Christians. Now, church leaders, members, and those seeking to better know God gather to connect, converse, and discover God’s will.

Scripture

07

Bible scriptures are the primary source for our Christian doctrine and the Word of God. We interpret the texts of the spirit-filled Biblical authors through theological reflection. We recognize their original context and intention to grasp its meaning.

Wesleyan Heritage

08

Our Wesleyan heritage originated out of the Catholic and reformed Church of England Christianity. John Wesley and his brother Charles pursued “holiness of heart and life.” Now, our faith is demonstrated in how we live. We’ve expanded upon Wesley’s General Rules within the Book of Discipline.