Our Beliefs
At Richmond Hill UMC, we are Christians who are excited to be part of the United Methodist Church.
What is a United Methodist?
United Methodists are the second largest Protestant denomination in America. We are the home to both President Bush and Senator Dole, as well as President Clinton’s family when he was in the White House. Methodists have played a significant role in shaping our nation, and especially south Georgia. John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, and his brother, Charles, both served in the colony of Georgia as Anglican missionaries.
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 authoritative guide for faith and practice. Methodists have a passionate faith with strong convictions, but we also recognize that the world is not always black and white. We are willing to ask questions, to wrestle with difficult issues, and to do so with grace and compassion.
Methodists have been known for our emphasis on a personal faith, lived out in concrete ways in the world. We have historically valued well-informed and passionate preaching, worship that was lively, and small groups where people could grow in faith.
Methodists have open hearts, and open minds–and welcome anyone interested in learning more about the Christian faith.
United Methodists confess belief in the triune God - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This confession embraces the biblical witness to God’s activity in creation, encompasses God’s involvement in history, and return of our Lord.
We believe that we are sinful creatures who have become estranged from God, and hurt not only each other but have injured the world we live in as well through our sinfulness. We all stand in the need of redemption. And that redemption comes through Jesus Christ, our Lord.