Where God takes us...
Discipling our church to cultivate a legacy of
Gospel-inspired servant leadership.
Vision Statement
Mission Statement
What we do...
Make disciples of Jesus Christ who become servant leaders in our church and in the world.
OUR VALUES
Who we are...
Decatur First United Methodist is committed to these three values to guide everything we do as individuals and as a church.
Being Together
We are part of the Body of Christ—a community of believers who enjoy learning and serving together across generations. Prioritizing relationships in the local and universal church, we work together as church leaders, staff, and members to build unity and trust.
Walking Together
We seek Jesus as our guide to employ our unique talents and gifts wisely and responsibly so all can grow and shine the light of Christ. The Holy Spirit leads us to examine our reasoning and focus on our responses, not reactions.
Serving Together
We are the hands and feet of Christ. We work together in a tangible way to serve without expecting a return. We are hands-on in missions across the street and around the world.
What We Believe
Four Great Christian Truths Of The United Methodist Church:
1. God’s love includes everyone!
Because of this, God lovingly and persistently seeks to bring us into a loving relationship with Him. United Methodists refer to “prevenient grace,” the grace God extends to us before we say yes to to God:
“The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9; NRSV)
“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.” (John 3:16; NRSV)
This is the most wonderful truth in the world: God loves and seeks each of us, whoever we are, whatever our lot in life! Everyone can say, “I am loved by the Creator God.
2. Though separated from God by sin we can be saved through faith in Jesus Christ!
United Methodists refer to the moment of our accepting God’s gift of Jesus’ death on the cross to forgive our sin as our response to God’s justifying grace. Some refer to this as the moment of “being saved.” United Methodists see justification as the beginning of a lifelong process of salvation that involves continual personal growth.
“God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8; NRSV)
This is the reason Jesus took human flesh, to become the Lamb of God who restores our relationship with the Father. To receive this gift, we turn from sin (repent) and trust our lives to Christ.
3. God’s Spirit brings assurance that we belong to Him!
United Methodists teach the doctrine of Christian assurance based on a living relationship with Jesus Christ in which His Spirit bears witness with our spirits that we are his and he is ours.
“And the Spirit himself joins with our spirits to say we are God’s children.” (Romans 8:16; NCV)
Each of us can be assured of our acceptance with God!
4. A life dominated by perfect love is the goal of the Christian experience.
United Methodists acknowledge God’s sanctifying grace at work in our lives which helps us to grow in our faith and knowledge of Christ. We grow toward Christian perfection with the hope of being made perfect in love in this life.
Jesus said; “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35; NRSV)
Being a follower of Jesus Christ means beginning to reflect His love through our lives.