Our Identity: Who We Are
We are part of the worldwide WUnited Methodist connection, a movement that traces its heritage back to John and Charles Wesley in 1729. As United Methodists, we share a common heritage with all Christians, welcoming everyone with open hearts, open minds, and open doors.
We are shaped by, and seek to express, distinctly Wesleyan understandings of grace—placing a primary emphasis on "practical divinity," which means putting our faith and love into action. While we are uniquely United Methodist, we are also part of the Church Universal. We are part of the "body of Christ," a community where the Holy Spirit dwells and where every member is uniquely called and gifted to contribute toward God's work in the world.
Our Mission in Action
1. Developing Disciples of Jesus Christ
Fulfilling the Great Commission and the mission of The United Methodist Church—to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world—requires us to reach outward. We are called to serve and build meaningful relationships with people beyond our church walls, inviting others to follow Jesus alongside us.
Discipleship is not a one-time event; it is a lifelong journey of sanctification.
We grow more fully into the image of Jesus through:
- Worship: Gathering together to praise God and align our hearts with His.
- Small Group Fellowship & Study: Diving into Scripture and sharing life together in Sunday School, Bible studies, and fellowship groups.
- Service: Developing Christian leaders and putting our faith into action.
2. Caring for One Another
Jesus taught that the world would know his followers by the love we extend to one another. At Ashland UMC, we bear witness to whose we are by being a compassionate presence for each other. We foster a community of mutual support through formal and informal caring ministries, ensuring that no one walks through life's trials alone.
3. Serving Our Communities
Following the example of Jesus—who selflessly healed, fed, taught, and listened—we are instructed to serve others in his name. Our service is a direct reflection of John Wesley’s rule: “Do all the good you can. By all the means you can. In all the ways you can. In all the places you can. At all the times you can. To all the people you can. As long as ever you can.”
Our service is deeply committed to disaster relief, advocacy efforts, ministering among the poor, and improving global health.
Our Mission Field:
Our work begins with the communities along and surrounding Ashland Road, but our mission does not end there. Our mission field extends to Columbia, Irmo, Chapin, South Carolina, and beyond! We are called to serve all the places where we live, work, and travel.
Get Involved
Faith is a journey best shared. We invite you to live out these beliefs with us through:
- Volunteer Opportunities: Serve locally in our surrounding neighborhoods.
- Giving Opportunities: Support vital missions and disaster relief efforts.
- Responding to Disaster: Be the hands and feet of Christ when communities face crisis.
- Advocating for Justice: Work to develop social structures that are consistent with the gospel.
