About Us

First United Methodist Church in Lindstrom was founded in 1858. We are proudly in our 164th year of serving the Lindstrom and surrounding area. As you might imagine, our congregation has a rich and rewarding history. It is our responsibility to continue that rich and rewarding ministry today to all in our community that we are here to serve.
 
When you visit us you will most likely be offered a hot cup of coffee by someone who has attended the church for 60 years, or by someone who has attended for one month! At once, people feel “at home” when they visit this church. We pray that will be your experience as well.
 
We enjoy the rich energy, vision, wisdom, and fun that only a group of people from a variety of generations can bring.
 
You will find people who count on each other and who together have learned to rely on the hope, power and love that only God can bring.
 
When we say “all are welcome” at First UMC, we truly mean it. Please consider visiting soon.

Our Mission Statement

As followers of Jesus Christ, we will proclaim the message of God’s kingdom, and bring hope to a hurting world, beginning right here in Chisago County.

Our Core Values

Humility

One of the most important virtues in our church. The ability to see our own need for increased maturity, learning and personal development allows the church to grow as a community.

Proverbs 11:2: When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.

 

Gratitude

Being grateful and appreciative towards others is a way to show that you value other people. Thankfulness alone is just a feeling. However, building upon that feeling, and showing gratitude necessitates action. Gratitude requires us to understand the role others play in our lives.

1 Thessalonians 5:11: Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

 

Love & Respect

Love and respect are the building block of trust and wellbeing in relationships. Love drives connection, and results in sacrifice and support in good times and bad. Respect is important in our congregation because it contributes to increased involvement, reduces stress, improves sharing and overall satisfaction.
 
1 Peter 3:8: Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.
 

Intentional Conflict Management (Matthew 18)– Implementing Christ’s plan for resolving congregational differences is a requirement. Doing so is a priority if our congregation desires to provide a safe place for people to work and worship.

 
Matthew 18:15:“If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.

 

Trust

Trust requires the congregation to be vulnerable and courageous with each other. To reward trust requires congregational leadership to act in a responsible way that is in the best interests of the entire congregation. Trust is crucial for us to feel safe with each other.

 Ephesians 6:7: Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.

 

Community Outreach/Connection

Involvement/outreach helps our church avoid being an ingrown “club”. When the congregation uses its resources to help the community around itself, this supports a strong foundation, and builds structure that welcomes people to the church. Connection is having a willingness to share, contribute, help with each other. This is important in building healthy, happy, and fulfilling relationships in the church.

Hebrews 13:16 – Don’t forget to do good and to share what you have because God is pleased with these kinds of sacrifices.

 

Disciple Making

Disciple making is the business of the Church. Having a strategic plan to help children, youth and adults come to faith in Christ, grow as disciples, develop within ministry, and then mentor women and men for leadership is fundamental to any successful congregation.

Mark 16:15: He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.​