What We Believe

THE BIBLE

We believe the scriptures of both the Old and New Testaments are the inspired word of God. (2 Timothy 3:16-17) We believe the Holy Spirit guided and directed human authors to create God’s written means of communication with us, which reveals God’s love and plan to be in relationship with all of humanity. The Bible is God’s blueprint for living the Christian life and is our source for faith and practice.

GOD

We believe in one God, who exists in three distinct persons: the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Each person of the Trinity is equally the one God! (2 Corinthians 13:14)

JESUS

We believe that Jesus is Christ, the Savior who came to earth in the flesh to reveal God to humans and to restore faith in humanity. Jesus lived a perfect, sinless life and embodies the truth about God and the Truth of God. Jesus willingly died on the cross to demonstrate God’s love for sinful humans and to provide salvation for all humanity, giving us the opportunity to reconnect with our loving Creator. Jesus ascended into heaven, where he rules as our Lord and advocate. Jesus will return to earth in the future to establish God’s perfect peace and justice for all time. (Isaiah 9:6, John 14:10-30, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4)

THE HOLY SPIRIT

The Holy Spirit is God present, living within each follower to empower a life that reflects the lifestyle, values, and character of Jesus. The Holy Spirit is the change agent in the lives of Jesus’ followers, illuminating God’s word for application in the life of each. The Spirit is involved in the transformation of each follower into the image Christ has for us, and is actively working within the Christian community to bring about God’s plan of redemption for all people and all creation (Acts 2).

SALVATION

Salvation is one of the many gifts God has promised man. We, as humans, will never be able to "make up" for our sins through good works. Trusting in Jesus Christ offering himself for His forgiveness can allow man savior from sin. Salvation and eternal life with Christ (John 14:2) begins when Jesus Christ is received into your life by a proclamation of faith. (John 14:6)

Our Mission

To help people look to Christ and live like Jesus in order to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

STRATEGIES FOR THE MISSION:

Grow - Develop your relationship with Him in faith and community.

Serve - Deploy your relationship with Jesus by serving God and others.

Missions - Find your Ministry with us
Each of us can serve in ministry to accomplish Christ’s mission by following Jesus’ example. At Taft FUMC, we enjoy using our unique, God-given gifts to serve others.

What we believe it means to be a disciple

Undiluted Devotion to the Lordship of Jesus Christ

Biblical authority ~ Matthew 4:3, 7, 10
Spirit-discerned ~ John 16:12-15
Incarnational ~ John 14:12-14

A Missional Lifestyle

Service ~ Romans 12:1
Practice of personal & corporate disciplines, including personal devotion & corporate worship & commitment to spiritual, physical & relational health ~ Acts 2:42, Hebrews 10:22-25
Simplicity ~ Luke 9:1-6, Acts 2:44-45