Holy Trinity

United Methodists believe in one God, who is eternally revealed in three persons:  Traditionally referred to as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This triune nature of God is a mystery - not three gods, but One in a dynamic, relational communion. 

While traditional language (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) is used in official doctrine, Desert Mission does explore expansive or metaphorical language for God that reflects this relational reality without undermining the Trinitarian structure. Examples are: Creator, Christ, and Spirit; Maker, Liberator, and Sustainer; Source, Word, and Breath.

God - Creator - Father/Mother - Holy One

God is patient; God is kind; God is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. God does not insist on God’s own way; God is not irritable or resentful; God does not rejoice in wrongdoing but instead rejoices in the truth. God bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. (1 John 4:7-16 and 1st Corinthians 13)

We believe that God wants us all to become self-actualized to be the best we were created to be. 

Jesus - Christ - Messiah - The Human One

Jesus is the Divine in the flesh [incarnation]— not a static figure of history, but the Living Presence among us now.
We are called to follow not just with belief, but with boldness, with lives that reflect his way of love,
reflecting a rhythm of grace, calling us to work for unrelenting  justice.

Holy Spirit - Sustainer - Advocate - Giver of Life - Wisdom's Voice

The Spirit is the sacred thread between us, binding us together as the Body of Christ, making the many one,
not by sameness, but by shared belonging.

We trust the Holy Spirit to move beyond our expectations, to surprise us with grace, to show up in unfamiliar places
and call us again and again to courage, compassion, and change.

The Spirit is God, here and now.
She is God, yet to come.
She is God, dwelling within us—
a holy fire that never goes out.

We embrace the mystery of God—
not as a puzzle to be solved, but as a sacred depth to be lived.

We walk by faith, not by certainty, trusting that the Divine cannot be reduced to simple answers or easy categories.
God is more than our doctrines, greater than our imagination, closer than our breath.

We follow Jesus—
not to master truth,
but to be transformed by love.

We welcome the Holy Spirit—
not to control,
but to be moved, stirred, and changed.

We hold space for wonder,
for questions that open doors,
for stories that stretch our hearts,
for awe that humbles and connects us.

In this mystery,
we do not fear the unknown.
We welcome it as holy ground,
where God is already present—
inviting us into deeper grace,
deeper love,
and the unfolding of truth.

We do not impose “answers” on anyone.

We take scripture seriously but not literally. Biblical texts are embraced as a sacred witness to God’s presence in human history—a living text that speaks through poetry, story, struggle, and hope.
We do not read the Bible as a rulebook or an answer sheet, but as a conversation partner that invites us into deeper reflection, compassion, and justice. Guided by the Spirit, tradition, reason, and experience, we engage Scripture with curiosity, humility, and a commitment to love—honoring its complexity, embracing its mystery, and seeking its wisdom for our lives today.

We do not hold to the doctrine of original sin—an idea that humanity is born inherently flawed or guilty.
Instead, we affirm that every person is created in the image of God, inherently good and worthy of love. While we acknowledge the presence of brokenness and injustice in our world, we believe these are not the result of a fallen nature but of choices and systems that distance us from love, justice, and compassion. Our faith calls us not to shame, but to transformation—trusting in God’s grace that invites us to grow, heal, and live fully into who we are created to be.

Being human is messy; we embrace the mess.

We are a faith community committed to the health of the whole person (body, mind, and soul) by acknowledging each other’s vulnerability and by caring for each other.

We understand salvation not as a one-time transaction or a means of escaping punishment, but as an ongoing journey of healing, wholeness, and liberation.
Rooted in the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus, salvation is the unfolding experience of God's grace at work within us and around us—restoring relationships, challenging injustice, and calling us to love more deeply. We believe salvation is not limited to any one path or formula, but is wide enough to hold mystery, doubt, and growth. It is a gift offered to all, not because we earn it, but because love is God's nature.

We welcome all people—without exception—as beloved reflections of God’s image. We are committed to compassion over condemnation, curiosity over certainty, and justice over judgment. Here, you are invited to bring your whole self—your questions, your identity, your story—and join us on a journey of faith shaped by love, inclusion, and hope.

We affirm the sacred worth of every person, inclusive of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, economic status, and faith background. We believe that God's love is expansive and unconditional, and we strive to reflect that love in how we worship, serve, and live in community. You belong here—fully, freely, and just as you are.

We are committed to fostering a community where all people feel safe, respected, and valued.
We seek to cultivate a healthy and supportive environment grounded in loving kindness and mutual care. To that end, we do not accept behaviors that cause harm—such as bullying, harassment of any kind, discrimination, abuse, authoritarianism, or double standards. When concerns arise, we encourage open and respectful dialogue, guided by our shared values and community guidelines. Everyone has a role in shaping a space where love is practiced, dignity is upheld, and all can thrive.

Progressive theology is an approach to faith that emphasizes openness, inclusivity, and a commitment to social justice and compassionate action. Rooted in Christian tradition but often open to interfaith perspectives, progressive theology questions and reinterprets long-held beliefs in light of contemporary issues, scientific understandings, and evolving social contexts. It often centers on the idea that faith should be transformative, not just in individual lives but also in society. While the word "progressive" carries political overtones, progressive theology is not political  by design.

Core characteristics of progressive theology include:

Inclusivity: Welcoming people of all backgrounds, including varied races, sexual orientations, gender identities, economic statuses, and abilities. Progressive theology affirms that all people are beloved by God and worthy of full inclusion in worship, leadership, and community life.

Questioning and Reinterpretation: Encouraging critical thinking, progressive theology invites believers to question traditional doctrines and interpret scripture in ways that resonate with modern values. This approach often involves re-examining difficult or oppressive teachings and understanding the Bible as a dynamic text.

Focus on Justice and Compassion: Progressive theology sees faith as a call to action on behalf of the marginalized and oppressed. Many progressive Christians are engaged in social justice work, advocating for racial justice, LGBTQ+ rights, climate justice, economic equity, and more.

Commitment to Interfaith Dialogue: Rather than viewing other religions as adversarial or inferior, progressive theology encourages respect, understanding, and cooperation among different faith traditions, believing that truth and insight can be found beyond one’s own religion.

Evolution of Belief: Progressive theology views faith as a journey rather than a destination. It embraces the idea that belief systems can evolve and grow over time, allowing for a continually deepening understanding of God and humanity’s relationship to the divine.

Science and Faith: Progressive theology generally supports the integration of scientific findings with spiritual beliefs, affirming that faith and science can coexist and enrich each other.

Progressive theology aims to create a faith that is relevant and meaningful for today’s world, honoring tradition while responding compassionately and thoughtfully to contemporary issues. It seeks to build a faith community where questions are valued, justice is pursued, and all are embraced.