Feeling led to UMC

[RoughEdges]

It's odd, I don't really know why, but I'm feeling led to become a Methodist. I was born,baptized and raised Roman Catholic, but fell away from that Church as a teenager. Since then I've considered myself a "generic" Christian, attending church services sporadically, if at all. The last ten years, when I went, I went to the Church where my wife was a member. It's a small non-denominational Church with Word-of-Faith leanings. Not really my style. There's been some controversy there lately, and that, along with their understanding of speaking in "Tongues", has caused me to look elsewhere. I took a silly little Internet quiz, something like "What religion are you?" and the results said I was Methodist. Since I was searching anyway, I convinced my wife to go to a local UMC Church last Sunday. We went to a Contemporary service since it seemed like that would be more like what she was used to. I really liked it, but my wife...Well, let's just say she was less than enthusiastic, but being a good Christian woman, she is letting me take the lead on what Church we attend. The UMC really seems to be the "right" Church for me. The doctrine seems to fit right in with the way I think on many subjects.
Now to my questions. Does one need to become a Methodist to continue to attend? How does one "officially" join a Methodist Church? Do I need to be baptized again?
Any input would be appreciated.
(I hope this post doesn't seem silly or too rambling to be understood.)

[kelco]

Now to my questions. Does one need to become a Methodist to continue to attend? How does one "officially" join a Methodist Church? Do I need to be baptized again?
Any input would be appreciated.
(I hope this post doesn't seem silly or too rambling to be understood.)

No you don't need to become a member to keep attending. Right at the moment you need to check out the church to see if you (and your wife) truly think that you will like it.

If you feel led to join you need to talk to the Pastor. He will give you the info about joining and if you need to take any classes. Most churches have a class that explains the history and doctrines of the church.

UM churches accept baptisim from other churches. Once you are baptized you are baptized and it dosn't need to be done again.

Here is a link to the UM web site. You can find more answers to your questions here (http://www.umc.org/site/c.gjJTJbMUIuE/b.484771/k.7BD7/UMCorg_The_official_online_ministry_of_The_United_Methodist_Church.htm).

[Diane_Windsor]

Now to my questions. Does one need to become a Methodist to continue to attend? How does one "officially" join a Methodist Church? Do I need to be baptized again?
Any input would be appreciated.

Why don't you make an appointment with the Methodist pastor? In the meantime I suggest browsing the official UMC website:

http://www.umc.org/site/c.gjJTJbMUIuE/b.484771/k.7BD7/UMCorg_The_official_online_ministry_of_The_United_Methodist_Church.htm


DIANE
:wave:

[contriteheart]

I don't know that I can add much to what the other two posters have said, but welcome! :wave:

-grace

[Jadis40]

One thing I might be able to add is a lot of UMC churches have a 'traditional' worship service time, as well as the contemporary service.

Traditional meaning more in terms of a more 'formal' approach to the service. At the church I attend, this means singing hymns instead of P&W songs, for one example.

You could check into that - maybe a different service time might make a difference.

As far as becoming a member, usually they'll have membership classes that run twice a year. Again, the local pastor could give you more info.

[RoughEdges]

Thanks for the replies folks. You've confirmed what I thought I should do. :)