The Church
Foundations of Faith: Core Beliefs
The Church: God’s People Together
The Church is the family of God, the Body of Christ, and a community empowered by the Holy Spirit to worship, grow, serve, and share the gospel.
The Church
The Church is the people of God, united through faith in Jesus Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit to worship, grow, serve, and share the Gospel.
The Church is more than a building, denomination, or organization. The Church is the body of Christ made up of believers from every nation, language, and generation. Through the Church, God continues His mission in the world, calling people to salvation, discipleship, worship, fellowship, and service.
Jesus established His Church and promised that it would continue until He returns.
Scripture References
Matthew 16:18
Matthew 28:18–20
Acts 2:42–47
Romans 12:4–5
1 Corinthians 12:12–27
Ephesians 2:19–22
Ephesians 4:11–16
Colossians 1:18
1 Peter 2:4–10
Revelation 7:9–10
What Is the Church?
Many people think of a building, a denomination, or a worship service. The Bible teaches that the Church is much more. The Church is the people of God—the community of believers who follow Jesus Christ, worship together, grow in faith, serve others, and share the gospel with the world.
The word “church” in the New Testament comes from a Greek word meaning “called out assembly.”
The Church is not primarily a building.
The Church is the people who belong to Jesus Christ.
Every Christian is part of the worldwide Church, often called the Body of Christ.
Scripture describes the Church as:
The Body of Christ
The Family of God
The Household of Faith
The Bride of Christ
A Holy Nation
A Royal Priesthood
The Church exists wherever believers gather in the name of Jesus.
What We Believe About the Church
The Church Belongs to Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is the head of the Church. The Church exists to glorify God, proclaim the Gospel, and make disciples.
The Church Is the Body of Christ
Every believer is part of the body of Christ. Just as a body has many parts working together, Christians are called to serve one another using their God-given gifts and abilities.
The Church Is a Family
The Church is described in Scripture as God’s household. Believers are brothers and sisters in Christ, called to encourage, support, and care for one another.
The Church Is Called to Worship
The Church gathers to praise God, pray, study Scripture, celebrate the sacraments, and encourage one another in faith.
The Church Is Called to Make Disciples
Jesus commanded His followers to make disciples of all nations. The Church continues this mission through evangelism, teaching, service, and spiritual formation.
The Church Is Empowered by the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit equips believers with spiritual gifts, guides the Church, and empowers God’s people for ministry and witness.
Jesus Established the Church
Jesus said:
“I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.” (Matthew 16:18)
The Church belongs to Christ.
It is His Church, not ours.
Jesus is the head of the Church, and believers are members of His body.
Everything the Church does should point people to Christ.
The Birth of the Church
After Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, the disciples gathered in Jerusalem and waited for the promised Holy Spirit.
On the Day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came with power.
Peter preached the gospel.
About three thousand people responded in faith and were baptized.
The Church began to grow.
Believers devoted themselves to teaching, fellowship, prayer, worship, generosity, and service.
The story of the early Church is told throughout the Book of Acts.
The Church and the Trinity
The Church reflects the work of the Triune God.
God the Father calls people into His family.
Jesus Christ saves and redeems His people.
The Holy Spirit empowers, guides, and equips believers for ministry.
Just as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit exist in perfect relationship, Christians are called to live in loving community with one another.
The Church is not meant to be a collection of isolated individuals but a community growing together in Christ.
Why Does the Church Exist?
Worship God
We gather to praise God, pray, hear Scripture, celebrate Communion, and grow in faith.
Make Disciples
Jesus commanded His followers:
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.” (Matthew 28:19)
Encourage One Another
Christians need fellowship, support, accountability, and encouragement.
Serve Others
The Church demonstrates Christ’s love through acts of compassion, mercy, and service.
Share the Gospel
The good news of Jesus Christ is meant to be shared with the world.
The Church Is More Than Sunday
The Church gathers for worship, but the Church also serves throughout the week.
Believers live out their faith through prayer, Bible study, service, evangelism,
generosity, fellowship, and compassion.
The Church is called to be a light in the community and a witness to Christ in the world.
United Methodist Understanding
United Methodists believe the Church is called to:
Make disciples of Jesus Christ
Transform the world
Worship faithfully
Grow spiritually
Serve compassionately
Share God’s grace
John Wesley emphasized both personal faith and active service.
Christian growth involves both loving God and loving neighbor.
Why This Matters
God never intended Christians to live the faith alone.
The Church provides worship, biblical teaching, fellowship, encouragement, accountability, opportunities for service, support during difficult seasons, and a place to grow as disciples of Jesus Christ.
The Church is where believers learn to love God, love others, and live out their faith together.
GROW Framework
Ground in Scripture
Read Acts 2:42–47 and Ephesians 4:11–16.
Reasons We Believe
Jesus established the Church and continues to work through His people today.
Obedience in Action
Become actively involved in worship, study, fellowship, and service.
Walk It Out
Use your gifts to strengthen the body of Christ and help others grow in faith.
Living the Message
Being part of the Church means more than attending services.
It means participating in God’s mission.
Ask yourself:
How am I growing in faith?
How am I serving others?
How am I helping make disciples?
How am I contributing to the life of the Church?
God has given every believer gifts, opportunities, and a place to serve.
Reflection Questions
What does the Bible teach about the Church?
Why is Christian community important?
What role does the Holy Spirit play in the Church?
How can I participate in the mission of the Church?
What gifts has God given me to use in ministry?
Possible Answers
The Church is the people of God, not simply a building.
Christian community encourages spiritual growth and discipleship.
The Holy Spirit empowers believers for ministry and service.
Every Christian can help make disciples and share God’s love.
God gives every believer gifts to use for His glory.
Related Pages
Acts: The Story of the Early Church
Discipleship in the United Methodist Church
Prayer and Worship Preparation
The Lord’s Supper and Holy Communion
Holy Communion is one of the two sacraments recognized by the United Methodist Church. Instituted by Jesus at the Last Supper, Communion is a sacred act of worship in which believers remember Christ’s sacrifice, celebrate His resurrection, receive God’s grace, and experience fellowship with one another. Through the bread and cup, Christians are reminded of God’s love, the forgiveness found in Christ, and the promise of His coming kingdom.
Every local congregation is a visible expression of the worldwide Church. At Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church, we seek to worship God, grow in faith, serve our neighbors, and share the love of Christ with the world.
We believe the Church is called to be a beacon of light, pointing people to Jesus Christ through worship, study, prayer, service, and daily faith.
Closing Invitation
The Church is not simply a place to attend. It is a family to belong to, a mission to join, and a community where believers grow together in Christ.
Learn more about Christian discipleship and spiritual growth through worship, study, prayer, service, and daily faith.
Visit PGUM.org.
