Our Mission
“Help each person grow as a disciple of Jesus through receiving and sharing God’s Love and forgiveness.”
Core Beliefs
01
Belief in God
The United Methodist Church centers on the belief in one God, the saving work of Jesus Christ, the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and the transformative power of grace in Christian living.
02
Trinity
United Methodists affirm belief in one living and true God, eternal, holy, all-powerful, all-knowing, and ever-present, who is the creator and sustainer of all things, both visible and invisible. God exists as a Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, three persons in one Godhead, working in unity to guide and redeem humanity
03
Jesus
Jesus Christ is fully God and fully human, born of a virgin, who lived, taught, and demonstrated God’s love. He willingly suffered and died on the cross to atone for humanity’s sins, rose physically from the dead, ascended into heaven, and will return to judge and establish God’s reign. Jesus is recognized as the way to salvation.
04
The Holy Spirit is active in the world and in believers’ lives, transforming, empowering, and guiding them. Through the Spirit, Christians experience spiritual gifts and the fruit of the Spirit, enabling them to live faithfully and serve others
Holy Spirit
05
The Bible is the inspired word of God and the primary source for Christian doctrine, guiding faith and practice. United Methodists also value church tradition, reason, and personal experience to interpret scripture and live out their faith
Scripture and Tradition
06
The mission of the Christian life is summarized in the two great commandments: loving God and loving one’s neighbor. This is expressed through acts of mercy, justice, humility, and making disciples of all nations. Worship, baptism, and communion are key practices that nurture discipleship and spiritual growth
Christian Living
Doctrine of Grace
Grace is central to United Methodist theology and is understood in three forms:
Prevenient grace:
draws individuals toward God before salvation.
Justifying grace:
brings people into right relationship with God through faith in Christ.
Sanctifying grace:
continues to transform believers into the likeness of Christ .
All Are Welcome
We believe every person is a beloved child of God and a person of sacred worth. No matter your background, your story, who you love, where you've been, or where you are on your journey of faith, there is a place for you here.
At Brother Van Parish, we seek to follow the example of Jesus by opening our hearts, our doors, and our lives to all. Come as you are. You are welcome here.