Learning

Christian Essentials – Christ-Centered Disciples understand the essential gospel on which most Christians agree, across denominational lines and centuries, expressed in historic creeds such as the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds, and can share the gospel intelligently with a non-Christian friend.

Bible Understanding – Christ-Centered Disciples know the grand sweep of the Bible’s story of salvation, including a basic timeline of biblical events.  They understand the divine/human nature of the Bible and know how to read it, not merely as an ancient document or a reference book of spiritual answers, but for personal spiritual growth.

Church/United Methodism – Christ-Centered Disciples value the church as the Body of Christ, God’s people journeying in community, and know the teachings characteristic of the Methodist movement (e.g., holding together grace and holiness, holding together personal salvation and social justice, free will, a commitment to Christian unity even when opinions differ).

Basic Christian Ethics – Christ Centered Disciples understand how to apply their Christian faith to important ethical issues, and are committed to living out Christian ethical principles such as justice, integrity, peace, and responsibility for the well-being of others.

Knowing God’s Will – Christ-Centered Disciples know the broad scope of God's purpose for human beings, and have a growing sense of how to discern God's will for their life through prayer, Bible study and the wisdom of other Christians.