About Us
What we believe
We are part of the Free Methodist Church USA and the River Conference. What follows is what we hold to, and what it means for ordinary life.
Our Mission
Why this church exists
To be a place where imperfect people gather to worship a perfect and holy God, love and accept each other, and endeavor to impact our community as the hands and feet of Jesus.
Hemphill Free Methodist Church
That sentence is short on purpose. A mission you cannot remember is a mission you cannot follow. Everything on this website — the worship service, the Bible studies, the recovery groups in our fellowship hall, the money we give away — is meant to serve one of those three things.
Our Beliefs & Values
What we hold to
Not a full statement of faith — the denomination publishes that. This is the short version, in plain words, of what shapes life at this church.
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Scripture
The Bible is God's written Word, uniquely inspired by the Holy Spirit. It bears unerring witness to Jesus Christ, the living Word. As attested by the early church and subsequent councils, it is the trustworthy record of God's revelation, completely truthful in all it affirms. It has been faithfully preserved and proves itself true in human experience.
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The Holy Trinity
There is but one living and true God, the maker and preserver of all things. And in the unity of this Godhead there are three persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. These three are one in eternity, deity and purpose; everlasting, of infinite power, wisdom and goodness.
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Grace for everyone
God's grace gives us what we don't deserve because Jesus Christ paid the debt for every man, woman and child by his sacrifice. It reaches every person, and no one is beyond it. Salvation is a gift received by faith in Jesus Christ, never a wage earned by good behavior.
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A changed life
The Free Methodist tradition takes holiness seriously. God does not just forgive us and leave us where He found us - He keeps working, over a lifetime, to make us like Christ. 1 Peter1:15-16 says "But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."
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The freedom in our name
Free Methodists were founded on free pews, free from slavery, and freedom in worship - the conviction that the gospel levels the ground between rich and poor. That inheritance still shapes how we treat people.
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The Church
The church is created by God. It is the people of God, and Christ Jesus is its Lord and Head. The Holy Spirit is its life and power. It is both divine and human, heavenly and earthly, ideal and imperfect. It is an organism, not an unchanging institution. It exists to fulfill the purpose of God in Christ. Christ loved the church and gave Himself for it that it should be holy and without blemish. The Free Methodist Church purposes to be representative of what the church of Jesus Christ should be on earth. It therefore requires specific commitment regarding the faith and life of its members. In its requirements it seeks to honor Christ and obey the written Word of God.
Before You Come
What a Sunday here is like
The most common questions, answered honestly.
What do people wear?
Whatever they own. You will see button-downs and you will see work boots and jeans. Nobody is checking.
How long is the service?
About an hour and fifteen minutes. Singing, prayer, Scripture, and a sermon that stays on the passage.
What about my kids?
Nursery is available during worship, and Sunday School classes run beforehand for every age. Wiggly kids in the service are welcome too.
Will I be singled out?
No. We will not make you stand up, introduce yourself, or fill out a card. Say hello if you want to; slip out afterward if you would rather.
Am I expected to give?
No. The offering is for the congregation. If you are visiting, let it pass.
What if I am not sure what I believe?
Then you are in good company, and you are welcome exactly as you are. Doubt is not a disqualification here.