What makes you proud to #BeUMC?

We are social creatures, designed to live in community. We celebrate family bonds, community ties, and even feel a kinship with fellow fans of our favorite sports team.

However, sometimes our ideas about belonging are corrupted and we begin to draw defined circles too closely. When we view the “other” as one of “them,” we have entered into dangerous territory.

Jesus is quick to correct his disciples when they begin to talk about “us.” Jesus modeled the ways we should be more accepting of the beautiful diversity intrinsic in the people of God.

Being grateful for the diversity God has created is one of the spiritual inspirations rooted in the #BeUMC campaign. This grassroots effort weaves us together to help us see beyond ourselves and focus on the love God has for each of us.

Telling our story to inspire and encourage others is the foundation for the #BeUMC campaign. The hope is that as many United Methodists as possible will share their personal experiences, values and hopes of why they continue to #BeUMC.

No matter the challenges we face, God is with us. We continue to have opportunities to live into our mission and to strive to be the church our communities so desperately need. The #BeUMC campaign calls us to embrace our Wesleyan heritage and envision a promising future. Consider sharing your story by understanding our common roots:

LIVING THE GOSPEL
The UMC is founded on a Wesleyan theology of grace, anchored in Scripture, and based in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ and the continuing movement of the Holy Spirit.

DISCIPLE MAKING
First and foremost, we are dedicated to the mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world in the tradition of John Wesley. We are disciple-making, faithful, deeply rooted, grounded in Scripture, Christ-centered people of God.

BELONGING AND INCLUSION
All belong and are loved in The UMC. All are heard, respected and engaged. All are free to develop their personal relationship with God and to serve fully in the ministry of Jesus Christ. We are diverse, justice-seeking, resilient, welcoming people of God.

INFLUENCE, CONNECTION AND IMPACT
With more than 12 million members across the globe, we are a powerful connection, living and sharing the grace of Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. We are committed to work for global health, education, creation care, child welfare, disaster recovery and countless other efforts. We are missional, connected, world-changing, generous people of God.

EXPERIENCE OF GOD THROUGH THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
We embrace a Church where we experience our triune God in personal and community relationships, transforming our own lives, the lives around us, and the entire world. We are committed, Jesus-seeking, Spirit-filled, grace-filled, praying people of God.

Your story is important! We want to hear your story shared your way! For inspiration, visit UMC.org/BeUMC.