Considering Becoming Wesleyan

[FaithfulPilgrim]

I’m a Christian who is in between churches at the moment. I was brought up as an Evangelical in the Southern Baptist Convention. However, after some searching I have been drawn to other groups.

I’d say I’m more Mainline than Evangelical and I do believe the Bible is infallible in the areas of faith and practice.

I agree with Wesley’s Quadrilateral, and I think I am more Arminian in my soteriology than Calvinist, but I consider myself more of a Classical Arminian. I do accept the doctrine of Holiness as God would not command us to do what is beyond our capabilities as humans.

I believe foot washing should be a sacrament alongside baptism and Communion, and I also have an egalitarian view of the ministry.

I’m a credobaptist, but I don’t have strong opinions either way

Is Wesleyanism a good fit for me?

 

[TheGoodLight]

Hiya FaithfulPilgrim,

I became a member of the UMC several months ago, and transferred in from a conservative, Calvinistic denomination that I realized that I didn't quite belong in (they were not too thrilled by my departure and choice of new church--particularly because of 'rainbow banners'). In contrast to my old denomination, which was very theologically specific and would meet with members individually to instruct them theologically and try to change their minds about their theological beliefs, the UMC tends to be much more tolerant, though I imagine the extent of this varies from church to church and region to region.

Concerning Communion, the UMC has a truly open table (for me, this was a significant factor in my choosing to join). Foot washing as a sacrament is interesting--I actually am unfamiliar with that as a sacramental practice (beyond its occurrence in scripture), but would be interested in learning which denominations are known to practice it.

The Nazarenes are considered to be a bit more conservative Wesleyan denomination, though I will admit that I am not too familiar with them beyond comments I've read.

 

[FaithfulPilgrim]

Hiya FaithfulPilgrim,

I became a member of the UMC several months ago, and transferred in from a conservative, Calvinistic denomination that I realized that I didn't quite belong in (they were not too thrilled by my departure and choice of new church--particularly because of 'rainbow banners'). In contrast to my old denomination, which was very theologically specific and would meet with members individually to instruct them theologically and try to change their minds about their theological beliefs, the UMC tends to be much more tolerant, though I imagine the extent of this varies from church to church and region to region.

Concerning Communion, the UMC has a truly open table (for me, this was a significant factor in my choosing to join). Foot washing as a sacrament is interesting--I actually am unfamiliar with that as a sacramental practice (beyond its occurrence in scripture), but would be interested in learning which denominations are known to practice it.

The Nazarenes are considered to be a bit more conservative Wesleyan denomination, though I will admit that I am not too familiar with them beyond comments I've read.

My grandma was raised a Nazarene, but she became a misotheist because she felt like religion was forced on her and the Nazarene Church has some issues with legalism (at the congregational level at least.)

 

[TheGoodLight]

Wow: wasn't aware that that was going on. Only other impression of them that I can recall being expressed to me by a former attendee is that dancing is a no-go. They attended a Nazarene church as a youth, didn't seem to have much (either positive or negative) to say about it, and did not have any intention on returning (to their old denomination or to any other).

Legalism definitely isn't my cup-of-tea, though I do recognize the importance of upholding core beliefs and values.

 

[circuitrider]

FaithfulPilgrim, you could be a fit for a United Methodist congregation. While we don't believe foot washing to be a sacrament, it is a practice of some UM churches to practice foot washing on Maundy Thursday.

The official UMC doctrine on the scriptures is "sufficiency" rather than "infallibility." That is we believe the Bible "contains all things necessary for salvation." But not that it is inerrant or infallible in all things.

I'm a UMC pastor and am happy to answer any questions you might have.

 

[Rawtheran]

I’m a Christian who is in between churches at the moment. I was brought up as an Evangelical in the Southern Baptist Convention. However, after some searching I have been drawn to other groups.

I’d say I’m more Mainline than Evangelical and I do believe the Bible is infallible in the areas of faith and practice.

I agree with Wesley’s Quadrilateral, and I think I am more Arminian in my soteriology than Calvinist, but I consider myself more of a Classical Arminian. I do accept the doctrine of Holiness as God would not command us to do what is beyond our capabilities as humans.

I believe foot washing should be a sacrament alongside baptism and Communion, and I also have an egalitarian view of the ministry.

I’m a credobaptist, but I don’t have strong opinions either way

Is Wesleyanism a good fit for me?

If there is a First Church of God in your area I would check that out as they believe in pretty much everything you just described above. Foot washing as a sacrament is something they practice in their denomination.

 

[Maid Marie]

In the past, the Church of the Nazarene had issues with legalism. Today's Nazarene churches in North America tend not to be as legalistic. Although, of course there will always be exceptions to the rule.

 

[Basil the Great]

If there is a First Church of God in your area I would check that out as they believe in pretty much everything you just described above. Foot washing as a sacrament is something they practice in their denomination.

The Church of the Brethren is the only group that I thought still did foot washing. There are not very many.

 

[circuitrider]

The Church of the Brethren is the only group that I thought still did foot washing. There are not very many.

It is included in the order of worship for Holy Thursday in our Book of Worship.

 

[FaithfulPilgrim]

I’m okay with foot washing be observed on certain days, just so long as it is done.

 

[Kersh]

I attend a Baptist Church, but with exception of baptism, my theology is much more Wesleyan than Baptist. That said, even though my theology would likely blend better in a Wesleyan or Nazarene Church, I stay at my Baptist Church. The reason is that I have come to understand that the fellowship that exists in a healthy local church is of infinitly more value than it's theology, so long as the theology is generally biblical. So, before leaving one church for another over theological distinctives, I'd suggest you ask a couple questions: Is your current church a healthy fellowship? Does your current church like strive to teach in accord with Scripture? If yes to both, then don't leave over theological distinctives. If no to either, then consider the counsel of godly believers who align with your life theology.

 

[circuitrider]

I attend a Baptist Church, but with exception of baptism, my theology is much more Wesleyan than Baptist. That said, even though my theology would likely blend better in a Wesleyan or Nazarene Church, I stay at my Baptist Church. The reason is that I have come to understand that the fellowship that exists in a healthy local church is of infinitly more value than it's theology, so long as the theology is generally biblical. So, before leaving one church for another over theological distinctives, I'd suggest you ask a couple questions: Is your current church a healthy fellowship? Does your current church like strive to teach in accord with Scripture? If yes to both, then don't leave over theological distinctives. If no to either, then consider the counsel of godly believers who align with your life theology.

You might consider the Wesleyan Church. It is more congregational than the UMC.

Over all, it is hard to seperate Wesleyan theology for Methodist polity. Wesley’s vision for the Church included his organizational genius and a strong believe in Episcopal polity. That is why most denominations with a Wesleyan theology choose to have a connectional polity.

 

[actionsub]

I’m a Christian who is in between churches at the moment. I was brought up as an Evangelical in the Southern Baptist Convention. However, after some searching I have been drawn to other groups.

I’d say I’m more Mainline than Evangelical and I do believe the Bible is infallible in the areas of faith and practice.

I agree with Wesley’s Quadrilateral, and I think I am more Arminian in my soteriology than Calvinist, but I consider myself more of a Classical Arminian. I do accept the doctrine of Holiness as God would not command us to do what is beyond our capabilities as humans.

I believe foot washing should be a sacrament alongside baptism and Communion, and I also have an egalitarian view of the ministry.

I’m a credobaptist, but I don’t have strong opinions either way

Is Wesleyanism a good fit for me?

I don't know where in the US you are at, Pilgrim, but you might want to enquire into either the General Baptist denomination (mostly midwest and upper southeastern states) or the Church of God (Anderson, IN). Despite the latter's name including a city in Indiana, the denomination (they will refer to it as a "movement") is nationwide.
Those two groups would include classical Arminian thinking, three ordinances including footwashing (though the General Baptists are inconsistent on footwashing, leaving it up to the individual congregation on whether or not it is practiced), and allow both men and women into the ministry. They are also both congregational in polity.

 

[GodsGrace101]

My grandma was raised a Nazarene, but she became a misotheist because she felt like religion was forced on her and the Nazarene Church has some issues with legalism (at the congregational level at least.)

Are you saying your granma thought Nazarenes are legalistic?

 

[GodsGrace101]

I attend a Baptist Church, but with exception of baptism, my theology is much more Wesleyan than Baptist. That said, even though my theology would likely blend better in a Wesleyan or Nazarene Church, I stay at my Baptist Church. The reason is that I have come to understand that the fellowship that exists in a healthy local church is of infinitly more value than it's theology, so long as the theology is generally biblical. So, before leaving one church for another over theological distinctives, I'd suggest you ask a couple questions: Is your current church a healthy fellowship? Does your current church like strive to teach in accord with Scripture? If yes to both, then don't leave over theological distinctives. If no to either, then consider the counsel of godly believers who align with your life theology.

It sounds like you've recently left a Nazarene church.
Could you explain about baptism please?
When I was living in the states babies would be dedicated to God...not baptized.

I appreciate your reply.

 

[Dave-W]

The Nazarenes are considered to be a bit more conservative Wesleyan denomination,

It used to be the other way around, but when the Wesleyan Methodist merged with a couple of other denominations in the 1960s and changed their name, they become less legalistic.

My dad briefly was a Wesleyan Methodist pastor in the early 1950s. But he disliked the changes and only would attend Nazarene churches.

 

[Kersh]

It sounds like you've recently left a Nazarene church.
Could you explain about baptism please?
When I was living in the states babies would be dedicated to God...not baptized.

I appreciate your reply.

I grew up in the United Methodist Church, but left when I met my wife. I can't speak for the Nazarene Church, but in the UMC, infants baptism was definitely about baptism, not just dedication. It was rare to see adults baptized, because unless they converted later in life. In fact, when I was baptized as an adult in the Baptist church, my father, a methodist pastor was somewhat offended, because he felt that it was redundant, as I had been baptized as an infant.

 

[GodsGrace101]

I grew up in the United Methodist Church, but left when I met my wife. I can't speak for the Nazarene Church, but in the UMC, infants baptism was definitely about baptism, not just dedication. It was rare to see adults baptized, because unless they converted later in life. In fact, when I was baptized as an adult in the Baptist church, my father, a methodist pastor was somewhat offended, because he felt that it was redundant, as I had been baptized as an infant.

Thanks K, I appreciate your reply.
I do also believe one baptism will do the trick!
Is each denomination going to request re-baptizing in the future?
May it never be!

 

[Kersh]

Thanks K, I appreciate your reply.
I do also believe one baptism will do the trick!
Is each denomination going to request re-baptizing in the future?
May it never be!

The question is whether it is possible to baptize a person who has not yet made a personal profession of faith. Churches that engage in paedobaptism (such as the umc) say yes. Baptists say no. For the purposes of this discussion, I won't argue for either position, but that is the issue in question.

 

[GodsGrace101]

The question is whether it is possible to baptize a person who has not yet made a personal profession of faith. Churches that engage in paedobaptism (such as the umc) say yes. Baptists say no. For the purposes of this discussion, I won't argue for either position, but that is the issue in question.

I used to be Catholic. I know why babies are baptized there. And, yes, this would require its own thread.