Considering a United Methodist Church

[PaladinGirl]

Hi everyone. :wave: I am considering the United Methodist Church as my denomination but I have a few questions first. What is the United Methodist Church's stance on tradition? What is the United Methodist Church's stance on homosexuality? And what is the United Methodist Church's stance on abortion and euthanasia? Thank you for your time. :)

[Qyöt27]

Two areas on the UMC's website that should be of help:

http://www.umc.org/site/c.lwL4KnN1LtH/b.2068577/k.9ACD/Ask_InfoServ/apps/ka/ct/contactcustom.asp (look at the left-side column of the page)

http://www.umc.org/site/c.lwL4KnN1LtH/b.1713687/k.1AAB/MethoPedia.htm


As for tradition, do you mean that in the same way as Sacred Tradition? The Wesleyan Quadrilateral includes Tradition as one of its four points (the full Quad being Scripture-Tradition-Reason-Experience), but it is not considered equal to Scripture. Methodists generally are not Sola Scriptura, though, being Prima Scriptura instead.

[PaladinGirl]

Two areas on the UMC's website that should be of help:

http://www.umc.org/site/c.lwL4KnN1LtH/b.2068577/k.9ACD/Ask_InfoServ/apps/ka/ct/contactcustom.asp (look at the left-side column of the page)

http://www.umc.org/site/c.lwL4KnN1LtH/b.1713687/k.1AAB/MethoPedia.htm


As for tradition, do you mean that in the same way as Sacred Tradition? The Wesleyan Quadrilateral includes Tradition as one of its four points (the full Quad being Scripture-Tradition-Reason-Experience), but it is not considered equal to Scripture. Methodists generally are not Sola Scriptura, though, being Prima Scriptura instead.
Yes, I meant Sacred Tradition. Anyway, I like the position of the church as being Prima Scriptura. That's pretty much my view.

[GraceSeeker]

Hi everyone. :wave: I am considering the United Methodist Church as my denomination but I have a few questions first. What is the United Methodist Church's stance on tradition? What is the United Methodist Church's stance on homosexuality? And what is the United Methodist Church's stance on abortion and euthanasia? Thank you for your time. :)



So, did the above people sufficiently answer your questions, or do you still have more?


One thing to be aware in the UMC, while many groups within it may make media headlines promoting issue XYZ, the only group that can "officialy" speak on behalf of the whole of the United Methodist Church is the General Conference. The Book of Discipline and the Book of Resolutions that come out of that quadrennial meeting would be places to look to for specific "official" statements on a variety of topics.

[StacieA]

Hi PeaceLover02! I'm afraid I can't answer any of your questions, but I wanted to introduce myself, and let you know that I too, am looking into becoming Methodist. :thumbsup: I'm very excited about it, and looking forward to learning along with you.

[PaladinGirl]

Hi PeaceLover02! I'm afraid I can't answer any of your questions, but I wanted to introduce myself, and let you know that I too, am looking into becoming Methodist. :thumbsup: I'm very excited about it, and looking forward to learning along with you.



Thank you Stacie and welcome to Christian Forums!

[PaladinGirl]

So, did the above people sufficiently answer your questions, or do you still have more?


One thing to be aware in the UMC, while many groups within it may make media headlines promoting issue XYZ, the only group that can "officialy" speak on behalf of the whole of the United Methodist Church is the General Conference. The Book of Discipline and the Book of Resolutions that come out of that quadrennial meeting would be places to look to for specific "official" statements on a variety of topics.
Yes, the above people have sufficiently answered my questions. I believe I am definitely going to go Methodist. :)

[Redheadedstepchild]

Hi PeaceLover02! I'm afraid I can't answer any of your questions, but I wanted to introduce myself, and let you know that I too, am looking into becoming Methodist. :thumbsup: I'm very excited about it, and looking forward to learning along with you.


Yes, the above people have sufficiently answered my questions. I believe I am definitely going to go Methodist. :)


Hi to both of you. :wave: I am in the process of joining a UMC after an exhausting search. I'm really happy with my choice.

[StacieA]

Hi to both of you. :wave: I am in the process of joining a UMC after an exhausting search. I'm really happy with my choice.
Hello Redheadedstepchild! How wonderful that you found your way to the UMC! So glad you are happy, :)

May I ask what is involved in joining the UMC? (If anything?)

[Diane_Windsor]

Before anyone else comes and responds to this thread, please consider the following. The OP has a history of flip-flopping into various denominations (see below). IIRC, the OP joined the RCC just last Easter (with many in OBOB telling her that she should wait). Within weeks of that "conversion" she was going to different churches, etc. Just a week or so ago she had an avatar displaying the Mormon angle Moroni, a week before that she had an Episcopal church sheild, and long before that a Vatican flag. I consider the UMC a home for me, and do not wish to see it become just another denomination for her to flip from next week. :(

Please Pray For Me (http://www.christianforums.com/t2805011-please-pray-for-me.html)
PaladinDoodler's Blog (http://www.christianforums.com/t2922475-paladindoodlers-blog.html)

[GraceSeeker]

Before anyone else comes and responds to this thread, please consider the following. The OP has a history of flip-flopping into various denominations (see below). IIRC, the OP joined the RCC just last Easter (with many in OBOB telling her that she should wait). Within weeks of that "conversion" she was going to different churches, etc. Just a week or so ago she had an avatar displaying the Mormon angle Moroni, a week before that she had an Episcopal church sheild, and long before that a Vatican flag. I consider the UMC a home for me, and do not wish to see it become just another denomination for her to flip from next week. :(

Please Pray For Me (http://www.christianforums.com/t2805011-please-pray-for-me.html)
PaladinDoodler's Blog (http://www.christianforums.com/t2922475-paladindoodlers-blog.html)


Thank-you. As a pastor I don't think that church hoppers (whether within or between denominations) build up the body of Christ much either. However, it is easy enough for anyone to find out about what it takes to join a UM church, just by walking into one and asking the local pastor. And as others are also asking, I doubt if we are going to do the UMC any harm by answering that question.

First, it can vary some from congregation to congregation. In the UMC, the pastor actually has the authority to refuse membership to anyone he/she wishes if they don't think the person is truly prepared, joining for the right reasons, or is unwilling to truly live the Christian life one covenants to live as a member of the local church. (Note: I've only heard of this happening once in recent UM history, it became a (church) court case, the pastor was upheld, and then moved by the bishop the following year.)

Also, it should be noted, that while one's membership will be recorded in a local congregation, the structure of the United Methodist Church is such that you are in reality a member of the whole United Methodist denomination. So what effects one of us in one location effects us all. Once in the UMC you will find out how important this connectional idea is as it expresses itself in the forms of our joint conferencing for deliberations about the ongoing life of the United Methodist Church and apportionments asked of local congregations for funding ministries beyond the local church.

But the process for joining is generally quite simple. Make an appointment with the pastor of the congregation you would like to join. He/she will meet with you and tell you whether they have some special prepartory classes they like all potential members to take first, or if she/he is willing to simply schedule a day for you to join during some upcoming Sunday service.

If you have never been baptized, that will be part of the process. If you have been baptized but never been a member of another church that baptism will be recognized (assuming it was a Christian baptism) and you will join on what is called "Confession of Faith" by simply answering a few questions. If you are already a member of another Christian congregation provide the name and address of it to the pastor who will send a request for a letter of transfer and have you come forward to answer close to the same questions you would if joining a church for the first time as a form of reaffirmation.

Several options for an order of service for receiving new members, including the questions, can be found in the front of the United Methodist Hymnal. Your pastor may use one of these, modify it, or create a similar one of his own.

[PaladinGirl]

If I'm not welcome here, I'll leave.

[markbelieves]

Before anyone else comes and responds to this thread, please consider the following. The OP has a history of flip-flopping into various denominations (see below). IIRC, the OP joined the RCC just last Easter (with many in OBOB telling her that she should wait). Within weeks of that "conversion" she was going to different churches, etc. Just a week or so ago she had an avatar displaying the Mormon angle Moroni, a week before that she had an Episcopal church sheild, and long before that a Vatican flag. I consider the UMC a home for me, and do not wish to see it become just another denomination for her to flip from next week. :(

Please Pray For Me (http://www.christianforums.com/t2805011-please-pray-for-me.html)
PaladinDoodler's Blog (http://www.christianforums.com/t2922475-paladindoodlers-blog.html)
Yes, her flip flopping concerns me as well. Searching for a denomination is one thing but not only did she consider herself Mormon for a brief period, she also called herself Muslim. That is a bit different in looking for a denomination.

But I do have to ask, Diane...you called the UMC your home but yet you describe yuorself as agnostic? Lost me on that one.

Grace and Peace,

Mark

[Redheadedstepchild]

If I'm not welcome here, I'll leave.
I know what it's like not to know where I belong. I don't know what you struggle with, and really I'm not in a position to judge. I hope you find whatever it is you are looking for, whether it be at a UMC or elsewhere.

[Redheadedstepchild]

Hello Redheadedstepchild! How wonderful that you found your way to the UMC! So glad you are happy, :)

May I ask what is involved in joining the UMC? (If anything?)
Well, I was baptised and confirmed Methodist when I was 11, so for me it's just a matter of transfering my membership. But if my husband were to join at some point he would need to be Baptised since he hasn't been. Our church offers a 5 week intro class for people totally new, but I don't think it's manditory.

[Diane_Windsor]

Hi Mark :wave:

For a brief time I was a member of the UMC, but because of my own revolving door of faith I decided to start back at square one to be more centered and find out whay I believe. However, that doesn't mean that I am not welcome in the UMC (along with my doubts and questions). I still consider the UMC (as well as the SBC church that I was raised in) a home. After all, the UMC's slogan is Open Hearts. Open Minds. Open Doors. The UMC is very welcoming of sincere seekers, and that is why I still consider it a home for me :thumbsup:

[StacieA]

Hi GraceSeeker! :)

First off, thank you GraceSeeker and Redheadedstepchild for explaining to me what is/can be involved in joining the UMC. I try my first UMC this Sunday, and I can't wait! (Up until now, I've been looking into the beliefs and such. This is too important to not do research! lol)

Secondly, to the OP: Hugs to you, I hope you have found your church home!

[markbelieves]

Hi Mark :wave:

For a brief time I was a member of the UMC, but because of my own revolving door of faith I decided to start back at square one to be more centered and find out whay I believe. However, that doesn't mean that I am not welcome in the UMC (along with my doubts and questions). I still consider the UMC (as well as the SBC church that I was raised in) a home. After all, the UMC's slogan is Open Hearts. Open Minds. Open Doors. The UMC is very welcoming of sincere seekers, and that is why I still consider it a home for me :thumbsup:
Hi Diane,

I do pray that you find your relationship with Christ and I am happy that you consider the UMC your home.

Grace and Peace,

Mark

[markbelieves]

If I'm not welcome here, I'll leave.
Holly,

Sorry if I offended you and please know that the UMC, as well as any Christian church welcomes you. I pray that you are working on your relationship with Christ more than finding the "right" denomination. I have known that you tend to jump churches but I was very concerned when you were calling youself a Muslim. Its one thing to worship Jesus in different settings, but its entirely different to consider yourself part of a religion that denies Jesus.

Also, please don't make a decision about the UMC based on responses here. You have mentioned in the past that you have been to the UMC where you live so please go there and talk to the Pastor about your concerns.

I pray that you finally find a lasting relationship with Jesus.

Grace and Peace,

Mark

[markbelieves]

Hi GraceSeeker! :)

First off, thank you GraceSeeker and Redheadedstepchild for explaining to me what is/can be involved in joining the UMC. I try my first UMC this Sunday, and I can't wait! (Up until now, I've been looking into the beliefs and such. This is too important to not do research! lol)

Secondly, to the OP: Hugs to you, I hope you have found your church home!
Stacie,

I pray that you experience at the UMC is a blessed one.

Grace and Peace,

Mark

[PaladinGirl]

Holly,

Sorry if I offended you and please know that the UMC, as well as any Christian church welcomes you. I pray that you are working on your relationship with Christ more than finding the "right" denomination. I have known that you tend to jump churches but I was very concerned when you were calling youself a Muslim. Its one thing to worship Jesus in different settings, but its entirely different to consider yourself part of a religion that denies Jesus.

Also, please don't make a decision about the UMC based on responses here. You have mentioned in the past that you have been to the UMC where you live so please go there and talk to the Pastor about your concerns.

I pray that you finally find a lasting relationship with Jesus.

Grace and Peace,

Mark
Don't worry. You didn't offend me. :)

[StacieA]

Stacie,

I pray that you experience at the UMC is a blessed one.

Grace and Peace,

Mark
Thank you very much! :)

Your sister in Christ,

Stacie

[PaladinGirl]

Well, I've changed my mind about the United Methodist Church. I am going to be attending a Pentecostal Church instead. But thank you for your advice everyone and know that I hold no ill will towards anyone here or the United Methodist Church.

[GraceSeeker]

Well, I've changed my mind about the United Methodist Church. I am going to be attending a Pentecostal Church instead. But thank you for your advice everyone and know that I hold no ill will towards anyone here or the United Methodist Church.


The question begs to be asked: What motived the change in your mind?

I'm not asking as a forum member. I'm asking as a United Methodist pastor. Was it something in those two particular congregations? Or was it something in the denomination?

Any details you can share would be helpful to me as I evaluate how we in my church relate to people. And if does happen to have something to do with this forum, please share that too. Your willingness to be brutally honest will be much more helpful to me, than if you simply say whatever you think I want to hear, because what I really want to hear is the unvarnished truth as you experienced it.

[4godslove]

i think the name of the church i was a member of as a kid (and probably still am a member of by name somewhere) was called the first methodist church.

is there a difference between that and umc?

[N728DA]

Well, I've changed my mind about the United Methodist Church. I am going to be attending a Pentecostal Church instead. But thank you for your advice everyone and know that I hold no ill will towards anyone here or the United Methodist Church.


Wow, Thats quite a difference.

-N728DA