Our Theology

Christ UMC is progressive in our theology.  As a Wesleyan movement we are a people who seek to explore scripture, tradition, reason and experience as we bring our faith to life. As followers of Jesus, we celebrate learning about life and faith in the company of others who seek wholeness, healing, and breath.

Our Reconciling

CUMC is a member of the Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN), a growing movement of United Methodist individuals, congregations, campus ministries, and other groups working for the full participation of all people in the United Methodist Church since 1982. Over 500 United Methodist communities have gone through the Reconciling Process.

our reconciling statement:

With open hearts, open minds and open doors, we welcome people of all races, nationalities, theologies and abilities. We welcome people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. We offer a safe and compassionate place to reconcile faith, identity, hope, understanding and mutual respect.

Core Values of Christ United Methodist Church

1. MISSION PRINCIPLES

1.1 Mission Statement: “Christ United Methodist Church will offer transformational relationships with Jesus to thousands of families and children living in the Rochester area.”  Everything we do as a church should flow from, relate to, and further this mission.

1.2 Faith Statement:  CUMC is progressive in our theology.  As a Wesleyan movement we are people who seek to explore scripture, tradition, reason and experience as we bring our faith to life.  As followers of Jesus, we celebrate learning about life and faith in the company of others who seek wholeness, healing and breath.

1.3 Core Values:  We draw our core values from our interpretation of John Wesley’s three simple rules, “Do no harm, do good, stay in love with God.”  These values are:

1.3.1 Acceptance.  We welcome all who seek to develop and deepen their relationship with God.

1.3.2 Compassion.  We seek first to understand rather than be understood.  We seek to provide a voice for the voiceless.  We seek to provide a caring environment for all who are in need.

1.3.3 Dignity.  We recognize the inherent dignity that God has given all people.

1.3.4 Justice. We will resist systems of oppression in our culture and the world around us.

1.3.5 Respect.  We will treat all whom we encounter, regardless of background, with respect.

1.4 Our Essential Practices are Wesleyan.  Disciples cultivate acts of:

1.4.1 Worship – private and corporate

1.4.2 Piety – personal faith practices

1.4.3 Mercy – acts of compassion

1.4.4 Justice – dismantling systems of oppression

1.5 Our Distinctive Qualities include:

1.5.1 Reconciling Congregation committed to full inclusion of all

1.5.2 Progressive theology seeking wisdom and healing for creation

1.5.3 Music and the arts as soul expression

1.5.4 Downtown location as community resource

1.5.5 Commitment to family support

1.5.6 Engaged discipleship through service and witness