Methodism & Church Membership

Learn about becoming a member of First United Methodist Church of San Diego.

We invite you to become a member of First United Methodist Church of San Diego (FUMCSD). Welcome to your new spiritual home!

What Does it Mean to be Methodist?

What United Methodist Believe

From The United Methodist Handbook

We believe that God is understood in three distinct forms.

Father, Son and Holy Spirit are commonly used to refer to the threefold nature of God. Sometimes we use other terms, such as Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer.

We believe in one God, who created the world and all that is in it.

We believe that God is sovereign; that is, God is the ruler of the universe. We believe that God is loving. We can experience God's love and grace.

We believe that Jesus was human.

He lived as a man and died when he was crucified. We believe that Jesus is divine. He is the Son of God. We believe that God raised Jesus from the dead and that the risen Christ lives today. We believe that Jesus is our Savior. In Christ we receive abundant life and forgiveness of sins. We believe that Jesus is our Lord and that we are called to pattern our lives after his.

We believe that the Holy Spirit is God with us.

We believe that the Holy Spirit comforts us when we are in need and convicts us when we stray from God. We believe that the Holy Spirit awakens us to God's will and empowers us to live obediently./p>

We believe that God created human beings in God's image.

We believe that humans can choose to accept or reject a relationship with God. We believe that all humans need to be in relationship with God in order to be fully human.

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 that the church is "the communion of saints," a community made up of all past, present and future disciples of Christ. We believe that the church is called to worship God and to support those who participate in its life as they grow in faith.

We believe that the Bible is God's Word.

We believe that the Bible is the primary authority for our faith and practice. We believe that Christians need to know and study the Old Testament and the New Testament (the Hebrew Scriptures and the Christian Scriptures).

How Do I Join First Church of San Diego?

If you’re considering membership at First Church, the first step is to attend a New Beginnings class. Participants get to know each other and meet the pastoral team, staff, and leaders of the church.

New Beginnings Membership Class

Each class is approximately two hours and includes the following:

  • Wesleyan history and overview of United Methodist theology and discipleship
  • United Methodist connection
  • First Church’s vision and ministry opportunities
  • Membership next steps and vows
  • Tour of our sanctuary and overview of First Church history (in-person only)

Upcoming Membership Classes

Please register in advance!

In-Person Classes (Meet in Linder Lounge from 12:15-2 PM):

Sun. March 9, 2025

Register for Mar. 9

Sun. June 22, 2025

Register for June 22

Sun. August 24, 2025

Register for Aug. 24

Sun. November 2, 2025

Register for Nov. 2

Online Classes (Meet on Zoom from 5-6:30 PM):

Mon. March 10, 2025

Register for March 10

Mon. November 3, 2025

Register for Nov. 3

Important Membership Resources

Please review these materials before your New Beginnings membership class.

Sanctuary Tour & History of FUMCSD
Wesleyan History, United Methodist Theology & Discipleship
United Methodist Theology & Discipleship
Sacraments As The Means Of Grace
Our Four Theological Guidelines
United Methodist Connection