The United Methodist Church (UMC) finds its roots in the 18th-century Wesleyan movement, an evangelical revival initiated by John Wesley and his brother Charles, which sought to "spread scriptural holiness over the land" even as John esley committed to being "more vile" (a reference to field preaching and bringing the church to the masses who were previously excluded). This tradition is characterized by a deep, proactive pursuit of holiness, balancing personal piety with social justice, and is anchored in a distinctive theology of grace
We Believe in:
The Trinity: God is revealed in three distinct persons: God the Father (Creator), Jesus Christ the Son (Redeemer), and the Holy Spirit (Sustainer).
Grace: The heart of Methodist theology is grace. Methodists believe God’s love is freely given before we even realize it (prevenient grace), saves us through faith (justifying grace), and continuously helps us grow closer to Christ (sanctifying grace).
Salvation by Faith: Salvation is an open gift from God accepted through free will. We are saved by grace through faith, not by human achievements or good works, though good works are the natural expression of a living faith.
The Bible: Scripture is the primary authority and ultimate rule for faith and practice. It is interpreted through the "Wesleyan Quadrilateral," which balances Scripture with tradition, experience, and reason.
Sacraments: The UMC recognizes two sacraments as outward and visible signs of inward and spiritual grace:
Baptism (usually performed on both infants and adults to mark the beginning of a life in Christ) and Holy
Communion, where all are welcome to the table, regardless of their specific background or membership.
Key West United Methodist Church is grounded in Love, Inclusivity, The Ministry of All Believers, Faith in Action and a True Sense of Community:
We strive to be a "big tent" that welcomes all people. Our baptismal vows state that we will work to serve Christ through the church which "welcomes people of all ages, nations, and races." In 2024, changes were made to our Book of Discipline that allow and embrace same-sex marriages, and ordination of LGBTQ individuals in UMC churches. Key West United Methodist Church celebrates and embraces this change! The UMC also believes every member is called to ministry (both lay and clergy). Women are ordained as pastors and serve in all levels of leadership. We also believe that social justice and acts of service to the community are vital and important parts of discipleship. United Methodists emphasize helping the poor, advocating for the marginalized, and fighting systemic injustices. We work through our community partners and global ministries to do this work!