About Us
Welcome to Lexington First UMC, a Biblically-based church family committed to loving God and our neighbors. We are a vibrant community where faith is lived out through worship, transformation, generosity, and bold witness for Jesus Christ. Our mission and calling guide us as we seek to make a lasting impact for Christ, both now and for the next generation.
Our Identity
We are a Biblically-based church family who loves God and our neighbors.
As a Biblically-based church, we anchor everything we do in the truth of God’s Word. The Bible is our ultimate authority, guiding our beliefs, teaching, and practices. We strive to preach, teach, and live out Scripture faithfully, trusting its power to transform lives (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Our commitment to biblical truth shapes our worship, our relationships, and our outreach, ensuring that all we do points to the glory of God and the gospel of Jesus Christ.
As a family-oriented church, we embrace people of all ages and stages of life, fostering a sense of belonging and unity. We are more than a congregation; we are a spiritual family, bound together by our shared faith in Christ (Ephesians 2:19). From nurturing children in faith to supporting parents, strengthening marriages, and honoring seniors, we create opportunities for every generation to grow together. Our ministries are designed to build strong, loving relationships that reflect the love of our Heavenly Father.
Loving God and Our Neighbors
Our mission to love God and our neighbors is rooted in the two greatest commandments given by Jesus: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:37-39, ESV). These commands shape our identity and actions as a church.
To love God, we offer our whole selves in worship, obedience, and devotion. We seek to know Him deeply through prayer, studying His Word, and living in step with His Spirit. Our services and ministries are designed to draw us closer to God, celebrating His greatness and responding to His grace with lives fully surrendered to Him.
To love our neighbors, we extend Christ’s love to those around us, both within our church and in our community. This means serving with compassion, meeting practical needs, and building relationships that reflect God’s heart. Whether through local outreach, supporting global missions, or simply showing kindness to those we meet, we strive to love others as Christ loves us (John 13:34-35). By doing so, we bear witness to the transformative power of the gospel.
Our Calling
God has called us to be a church that Worships Faithfully, Transforms Daily, Gives Sacrificially, and Witnesses Boldly. These four DNA points shape who we are and how we live out our faith as a community.
Worship Faithfully
At Lexington First, worship is at the heart of our life together. We prioritize worshipping in person on a regular basis. We gather to honor God with passion and authenticity, seeking His presence through heartfelt music, prayer, and biblical teaching. Whether in our Sunday services or midweek gatherings, we create space for everyone to encounter God in a meaningful way. Faithful worship draws us closer to Him, uniting us as a family and renewing our strength to live for His glory (Psalm 95:6-7).
Transform Daily
We believe that following Jesus is a daily journey of growth and renewal. Through studying Scripture, prayer, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we seek to be transformed into the likeness of Christ each day. Our small groups, Bible studies, and discipleship programs provide opportunities to deepen faith, ask questions, and apply God’s Word to everyday life. Transformation is not a one-time event but a lifelong commitment to becoming who God created us to be (Romans 12:2).
Give Sacrificially
Generosity is a cornerstone of our faith. We are called to give sacrificially—of our time, talents, and resources—to reflect God’s love and advance His kingdom. From serving in our ministries to supporting local and global outreach, we give with open hearts, trusting God to multiply our efforts. Sacrificial giving is an act of worship that blesses others and draws us closer to the heart of Christ, who gave everything for us (2 Corinthians 9:6-7).
Witness Boldly
We are passionate about sharing the hope of Jesus with the world. Witnessing boldly means living out our faith with courage, proclaiming the gospel through our words and actions. Whether through community outreach, mission trips, or simply sharing our faith with a neighbor, we strive to be a light in the darkness. Our heart is to equip and inspire the next generation to carry the message of Christ with confidence and love (Matthew 5:16).
Our Mission
To be a witness for Jesus to the next generation of Christ Followers.
Our mission to be a witness for Jesus to the next generation of Christ followers is a sacred calling to pass on the truth and love of the gospel to those who will carry it forward. We believe that every generation is vital to God’s plan, and we are intentional about making Christ known to those who do not already know Him as savior and Lord. Especially engaging young people—children, youth, and young adults—to know, love, and follow Jesus Christ (Psalm 78:4-6). This mission is not just about teaching; it’s about living out an authentic, vibrant faith that inspires others to do the same.
Join Us
At Lexington First UMC, we invite you to be part of a community where faith comes alive. Whether you’re new to Christianity or seeking to deepen your relationship with God, there’s a place for you here. Join us to worship, grow, serve, and share the love of Jesus as we pursue our mission together.
Our History
The First United Methodist Church of Lexington has a rich history. It all started with the original settlers of McLean County, about 6 miles southeast of Lexington. In the 1830s, circuit riders started spreading the word about the church, and in 1845, they built the first church house. That’s when they officially became the first church body in McLean County.
In 1855, they built a bigger church on Cedar Street in Lexington. It was 45 feet by 65 feet and cost $2,700. The church was officially named “The First Society in Lexington, McLean County, Illinois of the Methodist Episcopal Church of the United States of America.” That’s a mouthful!
In 1881, they built a brick auditorium that’s still there today. 1907, we added classrooms, a pipe organ, and a chandelier to the sanctuary. In the 1930s, we dug up the basement and kitchen under the old church. In 1955, we added more classrooms and a fellowship hall in the basement. In 1970, we replaced the pipe organ with an electric one.
As the years passed, the church kept growing and changing. In 2023, we built a new church building and moved to 514 S. Pine Street in Lexington. That’s where we are now! God has been faithful to First UMC, and we are excited about what future He holds for us in this new building!
We are a United Methodist Congregation
The United Methodist Church is a global denomination with the mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
A United Methodist is someone who joins in that mission by putting faith and love into action. We believe that God loves all people and that we share in expressing that love. So, the United Methodist tradition emphasizes God's grace and the importance of serving others. We believe that Jesus Christ is the fullest expression of God’s love--showing us the fullness of God's care through Jesus' teachings, death, and resurrection.
John Wesley started the Methodist movement in 18th-century England. His teachings on practical divinity (living out our faith) and appeals to reason and experience form important aspects of United Methodist practice today.