Beliefs

Ella Doyle lifts her head in prayer and tells fellow parishioners to "hold your head up. God's got a better day coming," during an outdoor worship service at Hartzell Mt. Zion United Methodist Church in Slidell, La. The church's sanctuary was ruined by storm surge from Hurricane Katrina. Doyle rode out the storm in a boat with her husband and two sons. A UMNS photo by Mike DuBose.

Photo: Ella Doyle lifts her head in prayer and tells fellow parishioners to "hold your head up. God's got a better day coming," during an outdoor worship service at Hartzell Mt. Zion United Methodist Church in Slidell, La. The church's sanctuary was ruined by storm surge from Hurricane Katrina. A UMNS photo by Mike DuBose.

John Wesley and the early Methodists were particularly concerned about inviting people to experience God’s grace and to grow in their knowledge and love of God through disciplined Christian living. They placed primary emphasis on Christian living, on putting faith and love into action. This emphasis on what Wesley referred to as "practical divinity" has continued to be a hallmark of United Methodism today. We invite you to learn more about our rich theological heritage.