Edwardsville United Methodist Church
Our Foundational Beliefs

At Edwardsville UMC, our faith isn’t something we keep to ourselves. We believe that following Jesus means loving God with all our heart and loving our neighbors with our hands, voices, and choices.

As part of the United Methodist Church, our beliefs are rooted in Scripture, shaped by tradition, tested by reason, and made real through experience. We don’t shy away from the real issues of life—we lean in with grace and courage.

Faith in Action

John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, taught that personal faith and social action go hand in hand. It's not enough to just believe—we’re called to live out that belief in ways that bring healing, justice, and hope to the world.

That means:

  • Caring for our neighbors and communities

  • Seeking justice and standing with the vulnerable

  • Engaging thoughtfully in the social and spiritual questions of our time

  • Living with grace, humility, and conviction

We believe that God’s love is active, not passive. It shows up in relationships, in hard conversations, in service, and in systems. We’re not just observers—we’re participants in God’s ongoing work of redemption and renewal.

Our Social Creed

As United Methodists, we share a basic statement of belief known as The Social Creed, which reflects our deep convictions about the relationship between God, creation, and humanity.

We believe in:

  • The worth of every person

  • The sacredness of life and creation

  • The responsibility to love, serve, and pursue peace

The Social Principles

For those seeking a deeper understanding of how our faith guides our engagement with the world, The Social Principles expand on the Social Creed. These principles reflect how United Methodists seek to live faithfully in areas like:

  • Human rights and dignity

  • Economic and environmental justice

  • Peace, politics, and global responsibility

  • Marriage, family, and sexuality

  • The value of community and diversity

These principles are part of The Book of Discipline and shape both church actions and personal discipleship. They don’t tell us what to think—they help us reflect, respond, and grow as disciples of Christ in a complex world.

Belonging, Belief, and Becoming

Whether you’re just starting your faith journey or have been walking with Christ for years, you’re welcome here. We invite you to explore your beliefs with us, ask questions, and discover what it means to live out your faith—together.