GOD: We believe in the Triune God, One God revealed in three distinct persons: God the Creator, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit.
In the United Methodist Church’s Articles of Religion and Confession of Faith, we affirm God is "everlasting" and "infinite" in "power, wisdom, justice, goodness, and love." We believe that God is the creator and sustainer of all things and the source of all that is good.
JESUS CHRIST: We believe in Jesus Christ, both fully divine and fully human.
Through Jesus Christ, God became human. Jesus's life, death, and resurrection are proof of God's redeeming and transformative love and a model for how we as Christians are to live and love in the world.
HOLY SPIRIT: We believe that the Holy Spirit is God's presence within us and among us.
The Holy Spirit is what empowers us, sustains us, renews us, and strengthens us to do the work God has called us to do to transform ourselves and the world through grace and truth.
HUMANITY: We believe that God created all humans in God’s own image.
Whatever our race, age, ability, income, marital status, sexual orientation, or gender identity, we reflect the very nature of God. Scripture informs us that everything God created is good, including human beings. We believe that all human beings have equal dignity and value in the eyes of God, and that we are called to reject any system, belief, or action which denies the full humanity of any of God’s children. We celebrate the diversity of God’s creation and are committed to growing in knowledge and love to better embody God’s love in the world.
SIN: We believe that sin is what we think, say and do that disrupts, damages or dishonors our relationship with God, others, self, and the created world.
Sin is committed both on an individual level and on a collective basis through larger systemic injustices that we may contribute to and perpetuate. Sin is when humans choose not to advance God's goodness and love in the world. We believe Jesus Christ came to save us from our sins, often revealed as fearful self-preservation through self-obsession, oppression, abuse, greed, etc.
SALVATION: We believe that Jesus Christ came to save us from the death-dealing forces of sin and evil.
We are called into a right relationship with God and all of God’s creation. Our freedom is found in those relationships where all can find abundant life full of joy, free of shame, filled with the Spirit, and in loving, gracious community.
SACRAMENTS: We believe a sacrament manifests an inward, spiritual grace through an outward, visible sign or symbol (such as water and bread).
United Methodists recognize two sacraments: baptism and Holy Communion. We believe baptism is the initiation into the Christian faith that marks the beginning of our lifelong journey as disciples of Jesus Christ. We believe that communion (the sharing of bread and juice) is an act through which our connection with God, each other, and our life of ministry in the world is nourished and strengthened.
GRACE: We believe that grace is a gift from God, “the undeserved, unmerited, and loving action of God in human existence through the ever-present Holy Spirit.”
United Methodists believe we experience three kinds of grace in our life with God: prevenient, justifying and sanctifying. (Learn more about these different understandings of grace HERE). While we are saved by trusting in the grace of God revealed in Christ, we believe our faith is made manifest through good works, the “fruit” of our faith.
THE BIBLE: We believe the Bible is a living, breathing document.
The Bible was written by humans who were inspired by God through the Holy Spirit. We believe the Bible must be understood within its historical and cultural context. We acknowledge that as a living, breathing document, the Bible constantly has a new word for a new people and that we are called to faithful study and ethical interpretation of scripture.
THE CHURCH: We believe that the church is the body of Christ, an extension of Christ's life and ministry in the world today.
We believe that the mission of the church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. We believe we are called to support the mission of the Church through our prayers, our presence, our gifts (talents and monetary), our service, and our witness.
Our beliefs about specific ministry areas:
CHILDREN AND YOUTH MINISTRY: Scripture informs us that all people are made in the image of God, and that includes children. Children are full persons and are included in the Body of Christ. They have their own gifts and passions to offer, and adults can learn much from them. As such, we believe that children are welcome into our community as beloved children of God. We strive to create and implement programming for our children and youth that is safe, relevant, and meaningful.
LGBTQIA+ MINISTRY: We are a member of the Reconciling Ministries Network which means our congregation has made a commitment to the full inclusion of all LGBTQIA+ persons in the United Methodist Church and beyond. This means we strive to grow in our knowledge of and love for ALL people no matter their sexuality or gender identity. LGBTQIA+ individuals and their families are welcome, accepted, included, and loved at Trinity.
CARING MINISTRY: Our caring ministry is known as Trinity Cares. Trinity Cares addresses the immediate, tangible needs of individuals and families in the Greater Lafayette area. We are a caring community where folks in crisis or on the edge of crisis can turn. Financial assistance is available on a case-by-case basis, and staff and volunteers also provide hands-on help with applications for area services and navigating assistance through digital portals. We provide an empathetic, listening ear and seek to encourage individuals and families to achieve their goals and enhance their overall wellbeing.
LGBTQIA+ MINISTRY: We are a member of the Reconciling Ministries Network which means our congregation has made a commitment to the full inclusion of all LGBTQIA+ persons in the United Methodist Church and beyond. This means we strive to grow in our knowledge of and love for ALL people no matter their sexuality or gender identity. LGBTQIA+ individuals and their families are welcome, accepted, included, and loved at Trinity.
CARING MINISTRY: Our caring ministry is known as Trinity Cares. Trinity Cares addresses the immediate, tangible needs of individuals and families in the Greater Lafayette area. We are a caring community where folks in crisis or on the edge of crisis can turn. Financial assistance is available on a case-by-case basis, and staff and volunteers also provide hands-on help with applications for area services and navigating assistance through digital portals. We provide an empathetic, listening ear and seek to encourage individuals and families to achieve their goals and enhance their overall wellbeing.
