People have been gathering to worship, study and to serve in the Methodist and Wesleyan spirit here in the Columbus area since 1858. According to our foundational statement of beliefs found in The Book of Discipline, we share the following basic affirmations in common with all Christian communities:

  • We believe in the triune God — Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  
  • We believe in God, who is one, is revealed in three distinct persons. 
  • We believe in the mystery of salvation through Jesus Christ.  God became human in Jesus of Nazareth; and his life, death and resurrection demonstrate God's redeeming love.  
  • We believe in the Holy Spirit, God's present activity in our midst.  When we sense God's leading, God's challenge, or God's support or comfort, it's the Holy Spirit at work.  
  • We believe that Genesis 1:27 asserts that all people have been made in the image of the Creator, and human beings have the capacity to love and care, to communicate and to create.
  •  We believe that the Church is the Body of Christ, an extension of Christ's life and ministry in the world today. 
  • We believe that the Bible is the primary authority for our faith and practice.
  • We believe that the Kingdom of God, or the Reign of God, is both a present reality and a future hope.

The Wesleyan spirit continues to inspire us as we celebrate God's prevenient, justifying and sanctifying grace at work in the lives of Christian believers. We celebrate an Open Table and welcome all people to share in the bread and cup of Holy Communion.


We are Believing, Belonging, Becoming, and we invite you to join us on this journey!  



What We Believe

First umc's mission

statement


Our Mission: 

In the Great Commission, Jesus sent his disciples forth (Matthew 28:19-20):

To make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. 

First Umc's vision



Our Vision:

Believing.  Our faith is inspired through worship & study as we seek to understand God, Christ & Spirit.  We then live out our faith in meaningful ways.

Belonging.  We belong to the Family of God and the Body of Christ, and we engage in small groups for spiritual growth and fellowship.  

Becoming.  We desire to become disciples of Jesus Christ to make a difference.  

(Vision Team, 2019)

first umc's PURPOSE & core values


Our Purpose:  

To represent God

by helping people

to grow in faith & understanding, 

to grow in friendship & unity of spirit, 

to grow in service & stewardship, and

to grow in caring & love.


Our Core Values:

God

Jesus Christ

Holy Spirit

Sacred Worth

Inclusiveness

Scripture

Reason

Experience

Tradition

Community

Social Holiness

Personal Piety

MISSIONAL

COMMUNITY


Jesus inspired his disciples to "love God and to love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22: 37-40).  Ministering to others through missions and service is a primary goal of the Christian's life journey.  Turns out Jesus means our "neighbors" are not only here in Columbus, yet as John Wesley said it best "the world is my parish." Christ inspires us in our mission and ministry every day!