Canton First Methodist has both a corporate and unique identity. We are a part of The Global Methodist Church and adhere to its theology and doctrine. However, we also embrace our unique mission and calling for our community.
"Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well." 1 Thessalonians 2:8
Our Mission - "What do we do?"
Canton First Methodist Church exists to glorify God and make disciples by sharing our lives with others so that everyone will find hope-filled life in Christ. We are Christ-followers, called to live missionally by intentionally aligning our lives to participate in God’s redemption of all creation. In other words, we look for what God is doing and join Him in it.
Our Core Values - " Why do we do it?"
Every Person Matters to Us Because Every Life Matters to God
- We are all created in the image of God and have sacred worth.
- God’s grace is available to everyone and is continually at work in our lives.
- We commit ourselves to be in ministry with and for all persons.
God Shapes Us Through Scripture
- The scriptures are God’s inspired Word and are the primary source and criterion for our faith.
- As we open our minds and hearts to the Word of God, faith is born, our understanding of God and self is deepened, and we discover God’s call to join Him in redeeming the world.
- The scriptures are God’s living Word as the Holy Spirit reveals to us all things necessary for salvation and growing in our faith in Christ.
God Gives Us a Resilient Faith
- Like the early Christians show us, it is possible to remain strong in our faith without being isolated from or giving into the prevailing culture.
- We seek to make disciples who stand firm in their faith through the various phases of life and the storms of life.
- Faith is strongest when it is built in Christ-centered community and shared in life.
Our Strategy - “How do we do it?”
At Canton First Methodist we grow disciples by asking every person to commit to
Abiding in Jesus through Scripture reading, Prayer, and Sabbath. These three practices are means of grace where we are made able to know the truth about God, strengthen our relationship with God, and delight in God’s presence through rest.
Becoming like Jesus through a life marked by humility, obedience, and the fruit of the Spirit. These three characteristics are evidence of a life being transformed by God and allow disciples to have the same heart and mind as Jesus.
Doing what Jesus did through serving, witnessing, and operating out of your spiritual giftedness. These three actions allow disciples, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to make the realities of God's Kingdom present through their lives.
Multiply: The ultimate goal of a disciple of Jesus is to multiply their faith by walking alongside others and leading them to abide in Jesus, become like Jesus, and do what Jesus did.
Our Measurements - "When are we effective?"
Missional measures are the picture of what a life-changing relationship with God looks like and is expressed by reflecting on the follow questions:
How am I abiding in Jesus through Scripture reading, prayer, and Sabbath?
"Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me." John 15:4
How am I becoming like Jesus through growing in my faith with a small group of other people?
"Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2
How am I doing what Jesus did by living out my faith beyond the church walls through service and witness?
"For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:10
How am I multiplying my faith by investing in others so that they can grow as disciples?
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." Matthew 28:18-20a
How am I sharing my story of how God is changing my life with others?
"But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect." 1 Peter 3:15
How am I serving my brothers and sisters in Christ?
"By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:35