Methodist Distinctives

Methodist churches are not independent congregations. We are part of a connectional system, meaning we are linked together in shared mission, accountability, and support.

Our church is part of the Global Methodist Church, connected through the Mississippi–West Tennessee Annual Conference and the Memphis Metro District. This connection allows us to work alongside other churches, share resources, and participate in God’s work on a larger scale.

We do not re-baptize. Baptism is primarily about what God does for us, not what we do for God.
If someone has been baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we trust that God was at work in that moment and do not repeat it.
When people come to a deeper or renewed faith, we encourage them not to be re-baptized, but to reaffirm their faith and continue growing in Christ.

We practice an open Communion table. Just as the sermon proclaims the gospel in words, Communion proclaims the gospel in visible form.
Because we believe that Christ is truly present and able to meet people where they are, we invite all who desire a closer relationship with Jesus Christ to come and receive—including children and those who may not yet fully understand the mystery of the sacrament.

We believe that men and women are equally created in the image of God and are equally called to serve in the life and leadership of the Church.
In Jesus Christ, God is restoring all things. The New Testament teaches that distinctions of privilege are no longer based on gender, race, or status (Galatians 3:28). Therefore, women serve at every level of ministry in our church.

Methodism is deeply rooted in the grace of God. We believe that God’s grace goes before us, reaches out to us, forgives us, and continues to transform us throughout our lives.
This grace leads us not only to faith, but to a life of growing holiness—learning to love God fully and to love our neighbors as ourselves.

Methodism is an ecumenical tradition. We draw from the richness of the wider Christian Church and recognize the work of God across many denominations.
As long as it is faithful to Scripture, we believe God is honored through the many expressions of Christian worship and practice.