New to Aldersgate? Thinking about visiting?
We are excited that you are interested in the Christian community of Aldersgate United Methodist Church. The information on this page answers some of the most frequently asked questions about Aldersgate. If you have other questions, please contact the church office at 972-492-9393 or
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Our building is at 3926 Old Denton Road in Carrollton, just south of the intersection with Hebron Parkway (next door to Kroger). (Click here for a Google map to the church)
What can I expect as a first-time visitor?
Visiting a church for the first time can be an uncomfortable experience. At Aldersgate, our community will do our very best to make you feel at home. Please visit our Information Station as soon as you walk in the door. Greeters are available to answer any questions you have; they can also provide you with a visitor information packet and registration card. The registration card is not required, but it allows us to follow up on your church visit. We promise to make our follow up informative and courteous.
As you enter the sanctuary, you will receive a worship bulletin. Our services include singing, prayer and praise, a scripture lesson and a message based on the scripture reading for the day.
You will soon discover that Aldersgate is much more than an hour of worship—there's fellowship, spiritual growth, and opportunities to serve.
We offer a fragrance-free section for the comfort of those with asthma, fragrance and/or chemical sensitivity. The end of each fragrance-free row is marked with a green ribbon.
We invite you to gather in Christian community, grow in love and understanding, give of yourself and greet the world with the love of Christ.
What is Aldersgate?
Founded in 1992, Aldersgate is a community of faith seeking to care for each other, the community, and the world in Christian love.
As a United Methodist Church, we are part of a larger connection, the North Texas Conference, that provides resources and opportunities for mission and ministry.
The name Aldersgate comes from an experience of John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, at a meeting on Aldersgate Street in 1738 (click to read an account of that meeting from his journal).
Am I welcome to take Communion?
"The table of Holy Communion is Christ’s table, not the table of The United Methodist Church or of the local congregation. The table is open to anyone who seeks to respond to Christ’s love and seeks to lead a new life of peace and love, as the invitation to the table says. All who intend to lead a Christian life, together with their children, are invited to receive the bread and cup. We have no tradition of refusing any who present themselves desiring to receive." —From The United Methodist Book of Worship. © 1992 by The United Methodist Publishing House. Used by permission.
Aldersgate currently celebrates Holy Communion at both worship services on the first Sunday of each month. Aldersgate offers the option of wheat-free, gluten-free, dairy-free Communion most Communion Sundays.
What is the meaning of the cross and flame?
The Cross and Flame is the official symbol of The United Methodist Church, adopted in 1968. The cross symbolizes Christ; the flame, the Holy Spirit of Pentecost.
What is the meaning and history behind the Jerusalem cross? 
The Jerusalem Cross was first used as a coat of arms for the Latin Kingdom in Jerusalem. Because of this origin, it has also been known as the “Crusaders Cross.” The four small crosses are symbolic of the four Gospels proclaimed to the four corners of the earth, beginning in Jerusalem; the large cross symbolizes the person of Christ.
At Aldersgate, we use the Jerusalem Cross as a symbol for the ways we carry out our mission of making disciples: we Gather, Grow, Give, and Greet.
Why is Aldersgate here?
Aldersgate's mission is to make and grow disciples of Jesus Christ.
That mission goes beyond a one-time spiritual experience. As disciples, we are called to care for each other as we continue our own faith journey, and to share the Gospel with others.
Why is Aldersgate a “Gateway to New Beginnings"?
Many people just coming into or returning to the church are truly at some kind of crossroads in their lives. Whether it is looking for spiritual awakening, continuity or re-energizing, a need for belonging or some other life-altering experience, Aldersgate has been a “Gateway to New Beginnings” for many. It is a loving and caring Christ-centered community, where one can feel safe growing a spiritual foundation and journeying in faith.
How do I become a member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church?
People interested in joining Aldersgate may choose to speak with the pastor or another church staff member first, but it’s certainly not required. Whether you’ve discussed becoming a member ahead of time or not, you are invited to come forward during the singing of the closing hymn at any worship service.
What about my baptism?
The United Methodist church honors baptisms from all Christian churches. If you haven't been baptized, you may request to be baptized just before you join the church, or you may come forward and express your desire to become a member, then prepare for baptism at a later time.
What does the Methodist church believe about infant baptism?
In infant baptism, God claims the child with divine grace. Clearly the child can do nothing to save himself or herself, but is totally dependent on God’s grace, as we all are — whatever our age. We can no more wait for our children to decide about being in the family of God than we wait for them to decide if they would like to be a part of our human family. Parents make many decisions for children — in matters of health, safety, education, for example. Of course, they may later reject what has been done for them. But, this possibility does not relieve us of the responsibility to do all that we can for them spiritually, as we do in other aspects of their lives. The baptism is a divine act, a pledge and gift God gives to us. Baptism includes vows of dedication, but chiefly it celebrates what God is doing and will do.
Aldersgate - 3926 Old Denton Rd. - Carrollton, TX 75007 - 972.492.9393
