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What Does Your Church Believe?

Difference Between Convictions, Persuasions, and Opinions

  • Convictions: These are core beliefs that are foundational and non-negotiable. They are essential to the faith and are beliefs that members would defend strongly, even to the point of breaking fellowship over them. Examples include the deity of Christ, the authority of Scripture, and the doctrine of salvation by grace through faith.
  • Persuasions: These are strongly held beliefs that allow for some diversity of opinion. Members may argue for these beliefs but would not break fellowship over them. Examples include different views on the end times, predestination, and the continuation of spiritual gifts.
  • Opinions: These are personal beliefs that are held lightly and do not warrant debate or division within the church. They are subjective and less critical to the overall faith. Examples include preferences for certain Bible translations or historical speculations.

FMC Conviction, Persuasion, Opinions, and Hot Topic Issues
Convictions - These are core beliefs that are foundational and non-negotiable for the Global Methodist Church:

  • The Deity of Christ: Jesus Christ is fully God and fully human, born of a virgin birth, lived a sinless life, died on the cross, rose from the dead, and will come again to judge the living and the dead (John 1:1,14; Matthew 1:18-23; 1 Corinthians 15:3-6; Acts 1:9-11).
  • The Trinity: There is one true God who exists eternally in three Persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit (Genesis 1:26; Matthew 28:19; John 14:9).
  • The Authority of Scripture: The Bible is the fully true Word of God and is authoritative over all beliefs and actions (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21).
  • Salvation by Grace through Faith: Salvation is a free gift from God, received through faith in Jesus Christ, not by works (Ephesians 2:8-9; John 3:16).
  • The Resurrection and Eternal Life: Belief in the bodily resurrection of Jesus and the resurrection of believers to eternal life or eternal separation from God (1 Corinthians 15:35-57; Matthew 25:41,46).
  • Marriage: Marriage is defined as a covenant between one man and one woman (Genesis 2:18, 22-24; Mark 10:6-9).


Persuasions - These are strongly held beliefs that allow for some diversity of opinion without breaking fellowship:

  • End Times Views: Different interpretations of the end times, such as pre-tribulation, mid-tribulation, or post-tribulation rapture (John 14:1-3; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Revelation 19-22).
  • Predestination and Free Will: Various understandings of how God's sovereignty and human free will interact in salvation (Romans 8:29; Ephesians 1:4-5).
  • Spiritual Gifts: Beliefs about the continuation or cessation of supernatural spiritual gifts like speaking in tongues (1 Corinthians 12-14).
  • Sacraments - We believe there are two sacraments ordained by God through which we encounter his grace in a community of believers. These are Baptism and Holy Communion. 
    • Baptism - signifies new birth in Christ, uniting believers with His death and resurrection, incorporating them into the Body of Christ, and empowering them through the Holy Spirit to live as disciples (Romans 6:3-4; Colossians 2:11-12). It is important because it marks the beginning of a believer's covenant relationship with God and their commitment to follow Christ.
    • Holy Communion, also called the Lord’s Supper, is a means of grace where believers spiritually partake in the body and blood of Christ, remembering His sacrifice, uniting with Him and one another, and anticipating the eternal banquet in God’s Kingdom (1 Corinthians 10:16-17; Luke 22:19-20). It is important because it nourishes faith, strengthens fellowship, and renews our covenant with God.

Opinions - These are personal beliefs that are held lightly and do not warrant debate or division within the church:

  • Translation Preferences: Preferences for certain Bible translations for preaching or devotional reading (NIV, KJV, ESV, etc.).
  • Historical Speculations: Opinions on historical details not explicitly covered in scripture, such as the age of Joseph at the time of Jesus' ministry.

Hot Topic Issues
Human Sexuality
Convictions

  • Marriage: The Global Methodist Church defines marriage as a covenant between one man and one woman, which is a core belief and non-negotiable (Genesis 2:18, 22-24; Mark 10:6-9).
  • Sexual Behavior: The church holds that sexual relationships are to be exercised within the bounds of a monogamous marriage between one man and one woman (1 Corinthians 6:9-20).

Persuasions

  • Sexual Ethics: While affirming a scriptural view of sexuality and gender, the church welcomes all to experience the redemptive grace of Jesus and is committed to being a safe place of refuge, hospitality, and healing for those who have experienced brokenness in their sexual lives (Genesis 1:27; Genesis 2:24).

Opinions

  • Pastoral Care: The approach to pastoral care for individuals struggling with sexual identity and behavior may vary, and specific methods of counseling and support can be considered opinions as long as they align with the church's core convictions.

Politics/Government
Convictions

  • Obedience to Civil Authority: Christians are called to observe and obey the laws and commands of the governing authorities, as long as they do not conflict with God's commandments (Romans 13:1-7).
  • Human Rights: The church believes in the dignity, justice, and respect for all persons, denouncing racism, sexism, and other forms of unjust discrimination (Genesis 1-2; Colossians 3:11).

Persuasions

  • Political Engagement: The church encourages Christians to engage in the political process to promote justice and righteousness, but specific political affiliations or strategies may vary among members (Isaiah 1:17; Romans 13:1-7).

Opinions

  • Policy Preferences: Individual opinions on specific policies or political candidates can vary widely and are considered personal opinions as long as they align with the broader principles of justice and righteousness.

Money
Convictions

  • Stewardship: Christians are called to be good stewards of their resources, giving generously to support the church and those in need (2 Corinthians 9:6-7; Matthew 6:19-21).
  • Financial Integrity: The church emphasizes the importance of honesty and integrity in financial matters, condemning practices like usury and exploitation (Proverbs 11:1; Luke 16:10-13).

Persuasions

  • Tithing: While the practice of tithing is encouraged as a biblical principle, the specific percentage or method of giving may vary among members (Malachi 3:10; 2 Corinthians 9:7).

Opinions

  • Investment Choices: Opinions on specific investment strategies or financial planning methods can vary and are considered personal opinions as long as they align with the principles of stewardship and integrity.

Abortion
Convictions

  • Sanctity of Life: The church believes that life is a holy gift from God and must be protected, including the lives of the unborn, the disabled, and the elderly (Genesis 2:7; Luke 1:41-44).
  • Opposition to Abortion: The church resists the practice of abortion except in cases where the life of the mother or child is at stake. Abortion as a means of birth control or gender selection is not accepted (Exodus 22:23-23; Psalm 139:13-16).

Persuasions

  • Support for Women: The church calls on Christians to support women facing unintended pregnancies with adequate care, counsel, and resources, but the specific methods of support may vary (James 1:27).

Opinions

  • Legislative Approaches: Opinions on specific legislative approaches to regulating or restricting abortion can vary among members, as long as they align with the church's core convictions on the sanctity of life.