Difference bertween Methodists and Nazarenes

[Bulldog]

Hi, could somone explain to me the differences between Methodists and Nazarenes?

[WesleyJohn]

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[Texas Lynn]

WJ-feel free to contradict me or add to this:

My impression has been that the most significant difference is United Methodists are a liberal Mainline denomination (with some conservative members) while Nazarenes are fundamentalists though we share similar origins and traditions.

[WesleyJohn]

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[cajunhillbilly]

I grew up United Methodist, and it is a very liberal denomination. But I know of some very Biblical, conservative pastors and some of the state conventions are more conservative then others. I, by the way, am an Episcopalian :wave: :priest: , but I have great respect for John and Charles Wesley. :)

[Dark_Lite]

The difference is...

We're right and they're wrong :)

[HeatherJay]

The difference is...

We're right and they're wrong :)
Booooooo!!! ;)

[Plan 9]

WJ-feel free to contradict me or add to this:

My impression has been that the most significant difference is United Methodists are a liberal Mainline denomination (with some conservative members) while Nazarenes are fundamentalists though we share similar origins and traditions.


I know as many conservative UMCers as I do liberal UMCers, TL. :confused:

[overnight]

Comming from the land of people who have belonged to both churches I would have to agree with WJ. First the Nazarene church is by far more conservative. However, let me say that although I grew up in the Nazarene tradition switching later in life the the UMC was not hard.

One main difference is that the Nazarene church is creadal: Meaning that when you become a member you say that you subscribe to a certain cread and along with that creed you often make promises example not to join any organization in where you take an oath or that has secreat meetings. When you join the UMC you do not have to ascribe to this although in our book of resolutions it states that the UMC looks down on their members joining these organizations. (Masons, Eastern Star, any frat or sorority, etc.)

*That is about the long and short of it is it not WJ?

[Plan 9]

One main difference is that the Nazarene church is creadal: Meaning that when you become a member you say that you subscribe to a certain cread and along with that creed you often make promises example not to join any organization in where you take an oath or that has secreat meetings.
When you join the UMC you do not have to ascribe to this although in our book of resolutions it states that the UMC looks down on their members joining these organizations. (Masons, Eastern Star, any frat or sorority, etc.)

I somehow missed reading that in our Book of Discipline, but I see that I shouldn't be posting in this forum, in any case. :(

God bless you all, and I hope to see you around. :)
~Planny

[HeatherJay]

Comming from the land of people who have belonged to both churches I would have to agree with WJ. First the Nazarene church is by far more conservative. However, let me say that although I grew up in the Nazarene tradition switching later in life the the UMC was not hard.

One main difference is that the Nazarene church is creadal: Meaning that when you become a member you say that you subscribe to a certain cread and along with that creed you often make promises example not to join any organization in where you take an oath or that has secreat meetings. When you join the UMC you do not have to ascribe to this although in our book of resolutions it states that the UMC looks down on their members joining these organizations. (Masons, Eastern Star, any frat or sorority, etc.)

*That is about the long and short of it is it not WJ?
I never did that when I became a member. We're supposed to agree with the Articles of Faith, I guess...is that what you mean? It's late, maybe my brain's not functioning properly...it's a definite possibility. ;)

[HeatherJay]

I somehow missed reading that in our Book of Discipline, but I see that I shouldn't be posting in this forum, in any case. :(

God bless you all, and I hope to see you around. :)
~Planny
Planny, what are you talking about and where do you think you're going???

[Plan 9]

Planny, what are you talking about and where do you think you're going???

To the Open fora where no one will care that I belong to Order of the Eastern Star. We don't do anything wrong; in fact, the reverse is true, and no non-profit organization is secret in America: the government monitors all our charities and fund disembursements. They even know when we buy a new piano to accompany our hymn singing.
I've had a great many of my personal deficiencies pointed out to me today, and I don't want to hear more here in what is supposed to be my own congregational forum.

[overnight]

:sorry: Wait I did not mean there was anything wrong with any of these organizations. Again I may be wrong it was a long time ago when I became a member of the Nazarene church. Also the UMC it is not in the Book of disapline but in the book of resolution. WHich means it is not enforced just not nessacarily agreed upon. I ment no offence to anyone who is a member of these organizaitons. In fact I was a meber of a Frat in college. It focus was service to the community, the nation, and the world. Many organizations like this do wonderful things.:sorry:

Again to say that I may have been wrong about what a person says when they join a Naz church. Please I did not mean any disrespect or hurt to anyones feelings just seeking info like anyone else.:sorry:
Let me say once again I am no expert and I will seek out someone today who knows more and hopeful WJ will get in here to straighten me up if I'm wrong about what is said when you become a member of the Naz church.:sorry:

[Plan 9]

I know you meant no offense, and this is how it almost always begins: with a member who means not the slightest offense.
Then the men who are not real members here, but are members of anti-Mason groups who have joined to stamp out this terrible evil will do a search, and will descend on this forum, and post like crazy, so that our own members can hardly squeeze in their own disappoving posts.

Btw, I have no clue what the UMC book of resolution is; I've never seen a copy, or heard of it, and I was a ministerial candidate, and my uncle, who is a retired UMC minister never voiced the slightest objection to our many family members who have belonged over the years to Masonic organizations, so I can't help but feel that it must not be all that central to UMC faith or practice.
Freedom from secret societies is one of the "Four Frees" of the Free Methodist church, but I was hoping that it wouldn't come up in a thread in which members of the UMC were being asked to participate, and Free Methodists always seem to be quite nice.
It doesn't matter now, though. Don't take it to heart, okay? :)

Bye, everyone, and may God bless you richly. :wave:

[HeatherJay]

I knew quite a few ladies from the UMC who were members of the the organization of which you speak, Planny. And what are the boys and girls organizations affiliated with them? Rainbow and DeMolay? I had several friends who belonged who were also UMC members. I don't think Overnight meant to cause a ruckus...he's not really the troublemaking sort, are you, Overnight? Unless you count that lampshade-on-the-head/trampoline incident that he was involved in, but, come on...I mean, that's just good clean fun!

STAY!! WJ will delete any and all searchable words, I'll bet if you ask. And however will you assimilate us all if you go? **evil laugh** Or is it us that mean to assimilate you?? In any case, stay...please?

[wvmtnkid]

Yes, please stay Plan 9. I would be very disappointed to see you leave. :cry:

[WiredSpirit]

My question is what is the difference between United Methodist, Free Methodist, and Wesleyan churches. I grew up in large non-denominational churches, now I belong to a United Methodist church and attend a couple other churches off and on. My mom, who had also only been to non-denominational churches, now teaches a class at a Wesleyan church.

I was drawn to the UMC because I believe the conservative church is picking all the wrong battles and I see the UMC actually making a difference in the world. I am fairly liberal, but I often see both sides of the arguments. The Wesleyan church seems to be a lot more conservative than the UMC. It doesn't sound much different from any Baptist church.

If anyone could explain the doctrinal differences between those I'd like to hear it.

[overnight]

I will be the first one to admit I was wrong. First there is a Book of Resolutions within the UMC It is not looked at very often as the formal stands on subjects are within the UMC Book of Discapline. However, after a rigorus search and talking with the people within the UMC Website the UMC has no stand on "secret societies.

I still do not know if the Naz church does but hopefuly WJ will get a PM I sent him to clear the issue up and if I was wrong hopefuly he will banish all posts regarding this subject. :)

I took inncorect info from someone who is probably one of these people who are "mason-haters " and took it as the stand instead of looking into it myself. Which I should have done seeing that I was a part of a "secert society" myself. Remember when it is overnight posting I do it with unity, harmony, and a search for more knowledge. SO I am always big enough to say "I was wrong." and in this case I was. Sorry:sorry:

(also sorry that I got us way off topic)

[overnight]

Greetings from InfoServ, the official United Methodist information
service!

Your message reached our offices at United Methodist Communications in
Nashville, Tennessee, USA.

Hello and thank you for writing.

There is no statement that directly addresses your question.

United Methodists who are considering affiliating with any
organization, may want to compare the United Methodist Doctrinal Standards and
Social Principles to the official statements and positions of the
organization. If there are serious conflicts, there may be reason to reconsider
the affiliation. A pastor could provide insight and offer advice to a
person striving to make an informed decision.
This was sent to me from the official UMC website people as well as me speaking with them today. Still no word from WJ. Perhaps someone else spoke to a Naz pastor near them?

[HeatherJay]

I found this...not exactly sure what it means in regards to taking other creeds, but maybe it has something to do with what you're thinking of.

http://www.bible.ca/cr-Nazarene.htm

"Because it is the official statement of the faith and practice of the church and is consistent with the teachings of the Scriptures, we expect our people every where to accept the tenets of doctrine and the guides and helps to holy living contained in it. To fail to do so, after formally taking the membership vows of the Church of the Nazarene injures the witness of the church, violates her conscience, and dissipates the fellowship of the people called Nazarenes."


Not sure what that means exactly, or if it applies to what you're talking about, but maybe someone can explain it. :)

[overnight]

801. THE RECEPTION OF
CHURCH MEMBERS

The prospective members having come forward to stand before the altar of the church, the pastor shall address them as follows:

DEARLY BELOVED: The privileges and blessings that we have in association together in the Church of Jesus Christ are very sacred and precious. There is in it such hallowed fellowship as cannot otherwise be known.

There is such helpfulness with brotherly watch care and counsel as can be found only in the Church.

There is the godly care of pastors, with the teachings of the Word; and the helpful inspiration of social worship. And there is cooperation in service, accomplishing that which cannot otherwise be done. The doctrines upon which the church rests as essential to Christian experience are brief.

We believe in God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We especially emphasize the deity of Jesus Christ and the personality of the Holy Spirit.

We believe that human beings are born in sin; that they need the work of forgiveness through Christ and the new birth by the Holy Spirit; that subsequent to this there is the deeper work of heart cleansing or entire sanctification through the infilling of the Holy Spirit, and that to each of these works of grace the Holy Spirit gives witness.

We believe that our Lord will return, the dead shall be raised, and that all shall come to final judgment with its rewards and punishments.

Do you heartily believe these truths? If so, answer, "I do."

Do you acknowledge Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, and do you realize that He saves you now?

Response: I do.

Desiring to unite with the Church of the Nazarene, do you covenant to give yourself to the fellowship and work of God in connection with it, as set forth in the General Rules and the Covenant of Christian Conduct of the Church of the Nazarene? Will you endeavor in every way to glorify God, by a humble walk, godly conversation, and holy service; by devotedly giving of your means; by faithful attendance upon the means of grace; and, abstaining from all evil, will you seek earnestly to perfect holiness of heart and life in the fear of the Lord?

Response: I will.

The minister shall then say to the person or persons:

I welcome you into this church, to its sacred fellowship, responsibilities, and privileges. May the great Head of the Church bless and keep you, and enable you to be faithful in all good works, that your life and witness may be effective in leading others to Christ.

The minister shall then take each one by the hand, and with appropriate words of personal greeting welcome each into the church.

(Alternate form for members joining by letter of transfer:)

_________________________, formerly a member (members) of the Church of the Nazarene at __________________________, comes (come) to join the fellowship of this local congregation.

Taking each by the hand, or speaking to the group, the minister shall say:

It gives me pleasure on behalf of this church to welcome you into our membership. We trust that we will be a source of encouragement and strength to you and that you, in turn, will be a source of blessing and help to us. May the Lord richly bless you in the salvation of souls and in the advancement of His kingdom.Well folks here it is. The offical Reception into the Nazarene Church pleadge if you will. I was wrong and will be the first one to admit it. Perhaps if WJ takes a look he can help me figure out where I came up with this idea. First to anyone assocaited with masons, free masons, eastern star, frat, or sority I ask your forgivness. I am truly sorry and have no ill thoughts about any these orginizations or any like them that I may not have mentioned. Love and peace to all and I will stay out of things I don't know much about in the mean-time.

[HeatherJay]

Hmmm, well, I've not heard that particular speech given when we receive new members...but that could have something to do with the fact that our current pastor places very little stock in 'church membership'...he says often, and I agree, that all believers are members of God's Church. The only place that it holds for us is that board members must be official members of the church and really only because the head honchos say so.

When my husband and I became members, we went in front of the church and faced the congregation (actually our young daughters, as well). Our pastor said some complimentary words about us and how pleased he was that we'd decided to officially call them 'our church family'. Then the entire congregation, yes, all 200 of them, came forward to give us hugs and welcome us personally. We have little membership cards, but it was really fairly informal. Everytime someone has joined, it's been a similar type thing. I don't remember reciting anything when becoming members of the Nazarene church...I do remember saying something like that when I joined the Methodist church when I was a teenager, though.

I do beleive that the Church of Christ is anti-creedal. Are you maybe thinking of them?

[WesleyJohn]

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[WesleyJohn]

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[overnight]

Well after all the confusing things I posted I will try and say something intelegent. Most Naz and UMC have very similar worship styles. Even those moving toward contemporary use simial songs in my experiance. But with the Wesley background both hymnals are filled with music by Charles Wesley whom I think wrote over 600 hyms (ok someone tell me how close I am here). With a more wesley-armanin background I don't think either support the idea of predestination. Those are similarites that at least on a basic level I can say the Naz and UMC have in common.