What We Believe

Open Table Church exists to grow faithful disciples of Jesus by equipping all peoples to love, learn, live, and lead.

God is the creator and ruler of the universe. We Believe in the Trinity: that there is one God in three persons. God the Father and Creator, who brings creation into existence, upholds and reveals the ways of life that make peace and wholeness, and ever works to heal and transform life through the power of love. God the Son, Jesus Christ, the firstborn of a new creation who through his life, death, and resurrection saves us and all creation from the power of sin and death. God the Holy Spirit, who comforts, convicts, sustains, challenges, guides, and empowers us to participate in God's life and mission in the world.
Scripture is the primary source and criterion for Christian doctrine. We believe that the Bible is true in everything that it teaches us. We affirm the Bible as the source of all that is necessary and sufficient for salvation and is to be received through the Holy Spirit as the true rule and guide for faith and practice. We read Scripture as part of a believing community, the church. We interpret individual texts in light of their place in the Bible as a whole.
Humanity is created in God’s image, possessing inherent sacred worth and dignity, as well as the capacity to love and create.

While recognizing that humanity is broken by sin, our church affirms that all people are recipients of God’s saving grace. We are called to live in community and to pursue social holiness, justice, and faithful stewardship of creation.

In God’s self-revelation through Jesus Christ, we see the splendor of our true humanity. Even sin, with all its destructive consequences, cannot alter God’s intention for holiness and joy or remove our responsibility to live faithfully.

Despite our brokenness, God’s grace restores the divine image within us.
Christian faith is developed in community, and spiritual growth happens best when we are together. Our faith becomes stronger through shared worship, fellowship, and encouragement.

We cannot fully live out our faith in isolation; it is meant to be practiced alongside others. By supporting one another within a faith community, we grow personally and prepare ourselves to serve the world.

Because we are all connected, we can accomplish far more together in the pursuit of peace and justice than we ever could alone.
Salvation is a free gift of God’s grace, received through faith alone in the gracious work of Jesus Christ. It is best understood as an ongoing, transformative process of grace rather than a single event in a person’s life.

Grace shapes our understanding of the Christian faith and life. By grace, we mean the undeserved and loving action of God in human existence through the Holy Spirit.

Although God’s grace is undivided, we experience it in three ways:

Prevenient grace: God’s grace at work before we are aware of our sin or our need for God.

Justifying grace: God’s grace forgiving us and restoring our relationship with God.

Sanctifying grace: God’s grace helping us grow in holiness and discipleship.

We affirm that faith is meant not only to be believed but also to be lived out every day.
As a socially, economically, and ethnically diverse faith community, we affirm that all human beings are created in God’s image and are worthy of dignity and respect. We view diversity as an essential and beautiful part of our shared humanity.

We believe in, embrace, and celebrate diversity as a cornerstone of our faith. We advocate for the full inclusion of all people, regardless of race, gender, sexuality, age, or ability.

Our commitment to inclusion is rooted in the belief that every person is of sacred worth and made in the image of God.
Open Table Church is proud to be a United Methodist congregation serving within the Florida Conference. To learn more about the beliefs of The United Methodist Church, please visit What We Believe.
We believe that questions are an important part of your faith journey. Feel free to reach Pastor José at jnieves@kissimmeefumc.org

Leadership & Staff

Pastor José is an ordained United Methodist elder serving Kissimmee for over a decade. A volunteer, husband, and father of three, he enjoys coaching basketball and supporting the Orlando Magic.

Jose Nieves • Lead Pastor

Libby Nieves is passionate about helping children know God’s love, deepen their faith, and enjoy learning about Jesus. A social work and public public administration graduate, she enjoys volunteering and baking.

Libby Nieves • Children Ministry Coordinator

Mary “Cissy” Dellofano is a longtime Kissimmee resident, wife, and mother of two Marines. A certified health coach and personal trainer, she enjoys traveling, walking Nessie, and preparing healthy meals.

Mary (Cissy) Dellofano • Guest Services Coordinator

Jarrod Cunningham creates worship environments that help others connect with God. A lifelong musician skilled in piano and guitar, he teaches music and enjoys reading, performing, and composing original music.

Jerrod Cunningham • Director of Worship Arts