WHAT WE BELIEVE
OUR MISSION
Discover What God Can Do Through You
OUR VISION
Virginia Beach United Methodist is a loving community where people are equipped to live with PASSION, POWER, and PURPOSE through faith in Jesus Christ.
VALUES
PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD
Accepting God’s grace offered through Jesus Christ and recognizing that a personal relationship with God is essential.
BIBLE-CENTED PREACHING AND TEACHING
Believing that the Bible is God’s living word, how God is revealed to us, and God’s guide for our lives.
INTENTIONAL MISSION
Serving as the hands and feet of Christ to the broken in our midst, outside our doors, and around the world.
BOLD HOSPITALITY
Actively seeking opportunities to be inviting and welcoming, mirroring Christ’s outstretched arms.
GENUINE RELATIONSHIPS
Reaching across barriers of status, education, experience, and beliefs.
JOYFUL GENEROSITY
Giving freely of our resources to support the mission and ministry of our church; we recognize that we are blessed in order to be a blessing to others.
EXCELLENCE IN ALL THINGS
Serve a God who calls us to reflect His excellence; we believe that excellence honors God and inspires people.
AFFILIATION
The United Methodist Church is a unique and richly diverse denomination, featuring congregations of all sizes, a variety of worship styles, and theological emphases of every shade. In short, we are the most ethnically and socially diverse as well as the most evenly distributed denomination in America. Whatever your needs and interests, there is a United Methodist congregation for you.
We are all members of God’s family. We are brothers and sisters who love the same God, proclaim Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, and believe in the Holy Spirit.
"A Methodist is...one who loves the Lord God with all their heart, with all their soul, and with all their strength."
- John Wesley, founder of Methodism
In today’s church, a United Methodist Christian is a person who seeks to be a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ, lives as an example of sharing the presence of God through faith and actions, is concerned with social problems, is inclusive to people of other faiths, and believes in the constant grace and forgiveness of God’s love.
To find out the views of the United Methodist Church on many issues, go to umc.org.
FAQ
I'D LIKE TO GET MARRIED AT YOUR CHURCH, WHOM SHOULD I CONTACT?
We would be honored to host one of the most significant days in a couple's life. Please contact Abigail Gadd for more information regarding weddings at Virginia Beach UMC.
WHAT IS A "SACRAMENT" AND WHAT SACRAMENT DOES THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH CELEBRATE?
In the Christian church a “sacrament” is a certain rite instituted by Jesus Christ and is regarded as a visible sign of inward grace. The United Methodist Church celebrates two sacraments:
• Holy Baptism is the sacrament of initiation that joins us with the church and with Christians everywhere. It’s a symbol of new life and a promise of God’s saving love and a sign of God’s forgiveness for our sins. Water is the special symbol of baptism. Any Christian baptism is recognized by the United Methodist Church.
• Holy Communion or the Lord’s Supper is a holy meal of bread and wine (juice) that symbolizes the body and blood of Jesus Christ. By sharing this meal, United Methodists give thanks for Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins. The Lord’s Supper recalls the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus and celebrates the unity of all the members of God’s family. Every United Methodist should receive Communion when given the opportunity. People from other denominations are welcome to receive Communion within a United Methodist church. Children may receive Communion in a United Methodist church.
HOW DOES THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH BAPTIZE SOMEONE?
We celebrate three modes of Baptism: immersion, pouring, or sprinkling. All baptisms are done with the three-part blessing, “In the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” It is a personal decision of the person being baptized as to which mode they choose.
As United Methodists we believe that baptism unites us with Christ’s church. Baptism brings new members into the fellowship of the church and marks the beginning of a process of growth toward God. We believe that every member of a United Methodist church should understand the significance and practice of baptism, participate in the baptismal celebration whenever possible, help new members grow in Christ and fulfill their baptismal commitment, and renew their own baptismal commitment, when appropriate, to strengthen their faith.
We believe that infant baptism emphasizes that God’s love is freely given, not “earned” by our actions and it is the responsibility of the church and its members to nurture, affirm, and protect all members. We believe baptism to be a parental decision as to when/what age their child will be baptized. (Our pastor is available to answer your questions.)
We believe that baptism of older children and adults emphasizes a personal acceptance of God’s gift of grace and forgiveness, and diligent preparation and serious commitment to Jesus Christ. However, the United Methodist Church does not “re-baptize” someone because baptism is one of God’s promises. We believe God’s promises last a lifetime.
To schedule a baptism, contact Abigail Gadd.
WHAT IS A PROFESSION OF FAITH?
A Profession of Faith (Confession of Faith) is a public testimony of one’s faith in Jesus Christ. A Profession of Faith is an extension of a baptism, not a repetition of it. For information regarding church membership or Professions of Faith, contact Abigail Gadd.
WHAT IS CONFIRMATION?
During Confirmation, the occasion for public profession of faith in Christ, a commitment to a life of Christian discipleship, and the acceptance of the responsibilities of church membership are made. At Virginia Beach United Methodist Church, our middle- and high-school youth are asked to take the Confirmation Class. For information about upcoming Confirmation classes contact Brett Bucklin.