Beliefs and Values

Our Beliefs

We are Christians who are excited to be part of the United Methodist Church. United Methodists are the second largest Protestant denomination in America. Founded as a reform movement in England in the 1730's by John and Charles Wesley, the Methodist Church was established in America in 1784. Since then Methodists have played a significant role in shaping our nation.

United Methodists hold to the historic doctrines of the Christian faith. We are evangelical, but moderates rather than fundamentalists. We value the intellect and modern science, while at the same time looking to the Bible as the source of all that is necessary and sufficient for salvation, and the true rule and guide for faith and practice. We are willing to ask questions, to wrestle with difficult issues, and to do so with grace, respect and compassion.

United Methodists are known for our emphasis on a personal experience of God's grace through the love of Jesus Christ, lived out in practical, concrete ways in the world by putting faith and love into action. Historically we have valued well-informed and passionate preaching, worship that is lively, and small groups where people can grow in their faith.

Methodists have open hearts, and open minds”and welcome anyone interested in learning more about the Christian faith.

If you would like to know more about what it means to follow Christ, please call 309-867-6021 and ask to speak to our pastor or email us.

Our Mission

Our Mission is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
(Mission statement of the United Methodist Church based on Matthew 28:19)

The mission statement of our BGO churches:

"Growing Together:

       through supporting each other,

           helping those in our community,

                and sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ

Our Vision

To be a Christian community in which non-religious persons and nominal Christians grow to become deeply committed disciples of Jesus Christ. We are committed to transforming lives, renewing the church and changing the world.

Our Purpose

We are leading people to experience God's love, know Jesus Christ, and to grow in His image.

• Invite - I am an Invitation to know Jesus Christ
• Involve - I am Involved and involving others in the ministry of Christ
• Inform - I am Informed and informing others of the Good News of Christ
• Inspire - I am Inspired and inspiring others to grow in Christ

Together, we are the hands and heart of Christ.

Our Values

It is our desire to honor God through all our work on His behalf. To that end, we will do His work with the qualities we most value: integrity, grace, excellence, relevance, authenticity, passion, humility, faith, inclusivity, commitment, community, joy and love.

Our Boundary Lines

In order to remain focused on Experiencing God's Love, Knowing Jesus Christ, and Growing in His Image, United Methodist Church shall not: pursue ministry which is contrary to our vision and purpose; depart from the Scriptures and Biblical principles for living; do anything contrary to the spirit and intent of the United Methodist Book of Discipline; fail to be good stewards of the financial and non-financial resources entrusted to us; cease discerning God's vision for United Methodist Church.