Make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

Vision

The future story of Decatur First United Methodist (DFUMC) is a church whose people are in relationship with God, in relationship with each other, and in relationship with the Decatur community. We will pursue this mission with the following emphasis:

CONNECT: We shall seek to connect in Christian love with each other, building a church of unconditional love and fearless faith.
ENGAGE: We shall seek to use our gifts to build relationships of Christian love within our community.
GROW: We shall seek to inspire lifelong spiritual growth and discipleship in every child, youth, and adult by creating a church in which everyone has a place and is growing in their faith and a church where we are dedicated to being an intergenerational community.
WORSHIP: We shall seek the spiritual fortitude to undertake God’s work on us through worship that connects us, shapes us, teaches us and sustains us.

We celebrate God’s gift of diversity and value the wholeness made possible in community equally shared and shepherded by all. We welcome and affirm people of every gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation, who are also of every age, race, ethnicity, physical and mental ability, level of education, and family structure, and of every economic, immigration, marital, and social status, and so much more. We acknowledge that we live in a world of profound social, economic, and political inequities. As followers of Jesus, we commit ourselves to the pursuit of justice and pledge to stand in solidarity with all who are marginalized and oppressed.

Basic Beliefs

Here at Decatur First United Methodist Church we believe every single person matters, period. We welcome people from all walks of life and hope they feel loved and welcomed as they worship with us. Below you'll find some details about what we believe as a church. If you have any questions about our beliefs or how we do things at Decatur First, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.

Decatur First is a United Methodist Church and therefore adheres to the beliefs and tenants of the United Methodist Church. For specific information regarding the core beliefs of Methodism, click here.

Communion

The communion table of the United Methodist Church is an open table. You do not have to be a member of the church to partake. The invitation to the table is an invitation to a personal and lasting relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Everyone is welcome at the table. Communion is typically served the 1st Sunday of every month.

Respect For Human and Civil Rights

The United Methodist Church insists that all persons, regardless of age, gender, marital status, or sexual orientation, are entitled to have their human and civil rights ensured. The UMC affirms all persons as equally valuable in the sight of God and encourages its members to work toward societies in which each person’s value is recognized, maintained, and strengthened. [UMC Policy on the Rights of All Persons]

Prayer

Through prayer, circumstances are often changed. Even when this doesn't happen, our hearts are changed, and when our hearts are changed, our situations can change. The DFUMC Staff has written a small book of prayers you can access here. If you are in need of prayer support, email pray@decaturfirst.org