About Us
About our Pastor
Reverend Dr. Clay Faulk
Pastor Clay is a native of North Carolina, Texas, and South Carolina over a 30 year career. He has a Master's of Divinity from Columbia Theological Seminary and a Doctorate of Ministry from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Evangelism and Mission.
Married to Rev. Beth Faulk for 35 years, they have four adult children and they are the new grandparents to identical twin girls.
Pastor Clay has served at Red Bank United Methodist Church for over three years.
Welcome To our Church!
What We Believe.
The United Methodist Church shares a great deal with other Christian denominations. We believe God's grace is open to all, and therefore practice "open Communion"--meaning that anyone may participate in receiving Communion. We believe salvation is an open gift from God, accepted by individuals according to their own free will. The United Methodist denomination is a "big tent" theologically, providing space for theological discourse and, at times, disagreement.
Like many other Christian groups, we affirm the beliefs expressed in the Apostles Creed. These include:
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The belief in one God, who is the Creator and sustainer of the universe.
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The belief in the Trinity, that there is one God in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
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The belief in the divinity of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who is fully human and fully divine.
Core Values
The United Methodist Church (UMC) core values:
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Do no harm
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Do good
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Stay in love with God
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Full inclusion, Spiritual growth, Justice-seeking, Bold service, Prophecy, Equity, Hospitality.
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The Trinity (God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit)
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Jesus' birth, death, and resurrection
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The spiritual presence of Christ
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The continuing movement of the Holy Spirit
Our History
Though The United Methodist Church was officially created in 1968, its history dates back to 1730 when John and Charles Wesley, two students at Oxford University in England, gathered a small group of students who sought to spread the Methodist movement.
At about the same time, people like Philip William Otterbein, a German-American clergyman, and Martin Boehm, a Mennonite preacher, were leading similar movements in America that helped people grow their faith through the United Brethren in Christ Church.
Across the decades, both movements spread and grew, often merging to form new denominations. In 1968, both strands of Christianity came together to form The United Methodist Church.
Who We Are
The United Methodist Church is a worldwide connection of more than 12 million members in Africa, Asia, Europe and the United States. We are the person next door, the church on the other side of the country, and the worshiping community across the globe. Together, we share a legacy of living as disciples of Jesus Christ, sharing God's love both in what we say and how we serve our neighbors.
Our People
As one of our hymns states, "The church is not a building, the church is not a steeple, the church is not a resting place, the church is a people" ("We Are the Church" United Methodist Hymnal #558).
The United Methodist Church connects more than 12 million members on four continents, and engages in ministry all around the world. We speak many languages, come from various cultures, and span generations. Yet, we are united in our faith in Jesus Christ.
Young People
Ministries with young people, a vital part of The United Methodist Church, are found in local congregations throughout the church. In this section, we highlight the ministries by and with the children, youth and young adults of The United Methodist Church.
"We aim to empower young people as world-changing disciples of Jesus Christ, to nurture their faith development, and to equip young leaders." - Young People's Ministries
Military And Veterans
Although we oppose war and urge nations to find peaceful means of conflict resolution, The United Methodist Church loves and supports those who serve in the armed forces.
We are committed to providing pastoral ministry to members of the armed forces and their families both during their service and after their return home. Congregations are encouraged to support those serving through prayer and to welcome their participation in the ministry of the church once they return.
Promoting Health And Wholeness
Because we care about the holistic well being of all people, mental, physical and spiritual health is a major focus of the work of The United Methodist Church. Together, we combat diseases of poverty such as malaria, HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis; we provide health education, advocacy and infrastructure; and we continue our more than 160-year history of being a key provider of healthcare through the hospitals, clinics and mission centers we have operated across Africa.
Women Of THE UMC
As leaders, teachers, missionaries and organizers, women have shaped the history of Methodism.
From the local church to the global church, women have led and served ministries within marginalized communiities, as well as initiate important social and political reform.
We invite you to explore the inspiring stories of women who have made important contributions to the life of the church, as well as discover ideas to help nurture your own participation and witness.
Advocating For Social Justice
The United Methodist Church has a long history of advocating for social justice.
During university, John & Charles Wesley and their Oxford 'Holy Club' visited the local prison and tutored neighborhood children.
The early Methodists expressed their opposition to societal ills such as slavery, smuggling, inhumane prison conditions, alcohol abuse, and child labor.
Today United Methodists work, march and pray for racial justice, environmental care, and fair treatment for everyone.
Learn how we continue in ministries of justice today, and find places where you can serve.
Spiritual Life
United Methodists help one another grow as disciples of Jesus Christ.
John Wesley, historic founder of the Methodist movement, succinctly described the plan of discipleship in what he called The General Rules. As Christians, we are to (1) do no harm by avoiding evil of every kind; (2) do good to all people; and (3) attend upon all the ordinances of God like participating in worship, taking Communion, reading the Bible, praying, and more. .