Frequently Asked Questions
WHO ARE UNITED METHODISTS? The United Methodist Church is composed of diverse disciples who have "Open hearts, open minds, and open doors." From the onset, John Wesley, founder of the Methodist Movement, was intentional about the Methodist Movement to be grounded in faith and works. While United Methodists confess it is through the grace of Jesus Christ that life and salvation derive from, they also believe disciples are called to a continuous pilgrimage back to the image of God. Instead of intellect and faith contradicting one another, United Methodists are a people who bring their intellect to their faith. Please click on "Our Values" page, The United Methodist Church website, or the North Alabama Conference to learn more.
WHAT DO UNITED METHODISTS DO? United Methodists are a people who seek, share, and serve God. Bishop Schnase of the Missouri Conference of the United Methodist Church sums it well by suggesting radical hospitality, passionate worship, intentional faith-development, risk-taking mission and service, and extravagant generosity are what the church is called to do. Schnase writes, "Through Radical Hospitality, congregations reach out and offer the invitation and welcome of Christ; God shapes hearts and minds through Passionate Worship, creating a desire for closer relationship to Christ; through Intentional Faith Development, God's Spirit helps people grow in grace and in the love of God and neighbor; maturing in Christ causes people to respond to the needs of others as they discern God's call, which results in Risk-Taking Mission and Service; and as people continue to grow in grace, they place more of what they are and what they have under the lordship of Christ, practicing Extravagant Generosity" (Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations)
WHAT IS WORSHIP LIKE? Drawing from his background in the rich tradition of the Anglicans (high-church), John Wesley also embraced pieces from the Puritan churches (low-church). Gurley UMC currently has one traditional service in their beautiful sanctuary with liturgy and the proclamation of God's Word. While most of the music is sung in unison by the entire congregation, the chancel choir leads the opening call of worship and anthem.
WHAT DOES ONE WEAR? At Gurley UMC there is diverse attire ranging from ties to jeans.
HOW DOES ONE JOIN THE CHURCH? In the early Methodist societies people were required to do three things: (i) avoid doing what you know is wrong, (ii) do all the good you can to everyone that you can, (iii) pursue the spiritual disciplines, including prayer, worship, Scripture reading, fasting, and etc. Joining Gurley UMC is about deepening one's roots in Jesus Christ. New members will be asked to confess their love in Christ as Lord and Savior, and be committed to this faith community of sharing their prayers, presence, gifts, services, and witnessing.
WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED? Gurley UMC is located in the heart of Gurley, Alabama, off of College St. Please look at the map on the "Get in Touch" page.
WHAT DO UNITED METHODISTS DO? United Methodists are a people who seek, share, and serve God. Bishop Schnase of the Missouri Conference of the United Methodist Church sums it well by suggesting radical hospitality, passionate worship, intentional faith-development, risk-taking mission and service, and extravagant generosity are what the church is called to do. Schnase writes, "Through Radical Hospitality, congregations reach out and offer the invitation and welcome of Christ; God shapes hearts and minds through Passionate Worship, creating a desire for closer relationship to Christ; through Intentional Faith Development, God's Spirit helps people grow in grace and in the love of God and neighbor; maturing in Christ causes people to respond to the needs of others as they discern God's call, which results in Risk-Taking Mission and Service; and as people continue to grow in grace, they place more of what they are and what they have under the lordship of Christ, practicing Extravagant Generosity" (Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations)
WHAT IS WORSHIP LIKE? Drawing from his background in the rich tradition of the Anglicans (high-church), John Wesley also embraced pieces from the Puritan churches (low-church). Gurley UMC currently has one traditional service in their beautiful sanctuary with liturgy and the proclamation of God's Word. While most of the music is sung in unison by the entire congregation, the chancel choir leads the opening call of worship and anthem.
WHAT DOES ONE WEAR? At Gurley UMC there is diverse attire ranging from ties to jeans.
HOW DOES ONE JOIN THE CHURCH? In the early Methodist societies people were required to do three things: (i) avoid doing what you know is wrong, (ii) do all the good you can to everyone that you can, (iii) pursue the spiritual disciplines, including prayer, worship, Scripture reading, fasting, and etc. Joining Gurley UMC is about deepening one's roots in Jesus Christ. New members will be asked to confess their love in Christ as Lord and Savior, and be committed to this faith community of sharing their prayers, presence, gifts, services, and witnessing.
WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED? Gurley UMC is located in the heart of Gurley, Alabama, off of College St. Please look at the map on the "Get in Touch" page.
