-
Starting today August 7th, 2024, in order to post in the Married Couples, Courting Couples, or Singles forums, you will not be allowed to post if you have your Marital status designated as private. Announcements will be made in the respective forums as well but please note that if yours is currently listed as Private, you will need to submit a ticket in the Support Area to have yours changed.
-
Christian Forums is looking to bring on new moderators to the CF Staff Team! If you have been an active member of CF for at least three months with 200 posts during that time, you're eligible to apply! This is a great way to give back to CF and keep the forums running smoothly! If you're interested, you can submit your application here!
How do Methodists differ from Baptists?
- Thread starter FriendOfJesus916
- Start date
graceandpeace
Episcopalian
There is a lot of variation amongst Baptist churches, but for the sake of comparison here are some examples of differences between United Methodist & Southern Baptist churches:
-United Methodist holds to Wesleyan (or Wesleyan-Arminian) theology. You can learn a little more about what this means by visiting this link: Our Wesleyan Theological Heritage
-United Methodist, in following after Wesleyan thought, typically follows the Wesleyan quadrilateral in approaching matters of faith, by considering Scripture, tradition, reason, & experience. Southern Baptists, from my understanding, claim to just use Scripture in forming their doctrine.
-United Methodist treats baptism as a means of grace, which may be performed on infants or professing believers, & can be administered via sprinkling, pouring, or immersion. Southern Baptist treats baptism as strictly a symbol, can only be performed on professing believers, & can only be administered via immersion.
-United Methodist also treats communion/the Lord's supper as a means of grace, whereas Southern Baptist also treats this practice as strictly symbolic.
-United Methodists ordain women as pastors. Southern Baptists do not.
Etc.
You will find much agreement & similarities between United Methodist & other Methodist/Wesleyan churches, such as the Church of the Nazarene, the Free Methodist church, etc.
-United Methodist holds to Wesleyan (or Wesleyan-Arminian) theology. You can learn a little more about what this means by visiting this link: Our Wesleyan Theological Heritage
-United Methodist, in following after Wesleyan thought, typically follows the Wesleyan quadrilateral in approaching matters of faith, by considering Scripture, tradition, reason, & experience. Southern Baptists, from my understanding, claim to just use Scripture in forming their doctrine.
-United Methodist treats baptism as a means of grace, which may be performed on infants or professing believers, & can be administered via sprinkling, pouring, or immersion. Southern Baptist treats baptism as strictly a symbol, can only be performed on professing believers, & can only be administered via immersion.
-United Methodist also treats communion/the Lord's supper as a means of grace, whereas Southern Baptist also treats this practice as strictly symbolic.
-United Methodists ordain women as pastors. Southern Baptists do not.
Etc.
You will find much agreement & similarities between United Methodist & other Methodist/Wesleyan churches, such as the Church of the Nazarene, the Free Methodist church, etc.
Upvote
0
A
AbbaLove
Guest
As a teenager was confirmed United Methodist then was baptized as an adult in a conservative Baptist Church. You will get grounded in the Word and encouraged to witness to others (and share your own testimony) more likely among conservative Baptist fellowship.
From my own experience, you'll feed more on the Word and receive more teaching on how to share the Good News to the unsaved in a Baptist fellowship than United Methodist. Most importantly is to attend the church where you most sense the Love and Presence of the Lord.
Last edited:
Upvote
0
Historicus
Follower of Jesus Christ
- Apr 20, 2005
- 31,663
- 2,585
- Country
- United States
- Gender
- Male
- Faith
- Methodist
- Marital Status
- Married
- Politics
- US-Democrat
As a former Baptist, and now a Methodist here are a few of the differences that I've encountered.
Goverance and Polity
Baptists are congregationalists with only pastors and deacons. All authority exists in the "local church" and local churches may associate with others.
Methodists maintain the historic episcopacy (though modified into the "connectional system"). We have elders (presbyters), deacons, and bishops. We exist in a larger church structure from the local church, to districts, to annual conferences, to the general conference. Therefore we are a united church, not a association of churches. The UMC is a global church.
Scriptures
Baptists accept sola scriptura "scripture alone" and believe everyone can interpret by itself for themselves.
Methodists accept prima scriptura "scripture is primary" but also look to sacred tradition, experience, and reason as we try to interpret it.
Both see the Scriptures as a "rule of faith and practice."
Sacraments
Baptists don't have sacraments, but rather "ordinances." These may include water baptism (only by immersion) and the Lord's Supper. They see these are mere symbols. No grace is imparted. Some baptists accept other rites such as washing of the saints feet as an ordinance.
Methodists have two sacraments. These are Baptism and the Lord's Supper. They are viewed as means of grace that God uses as "outward and visible signs" to impart inward grace. Baptism is administered either by pouring, by sprinkling, or by immersion. Infant baptism is practiced, but adults who have never been baptized are baptized. Those baptized as infants make their own profession of faith when they are older at a service called confirmation. Methodists believe that Christ is truly present in Holy Communion.
Grace
Methodists have traditionally recognized three kinds of grace; previenent grace, justifying grace, and sanctifying grace. Previenent grace is the grace that God gives all people. It comes before justifying grace. Justifying (or "saving grace") is the grace that brings us to salvation, and sanctifying grace, or the grace that continues in us, making us more like Christ and allowing us to "grow in holiness."
Baptists are varied with this. Some are calvinistic and some follow arminian theology.
Salvation
Both believe that salvation is by God's grace through faith and that one is "born again" by repenting of their sins and accepting Christ as one's savior. Both groups are evangelical (in the original sense of the word).
Methodists see salvation as a process begun with justification that continues in sanctification. Methodists believe that believers can have an assurance of salvation, but do not believe in "once saved, always saved." One is saved, being saved, and by God's grace will be saved.
Baptists speak of salvation as a certain, finished event. The event is typically called "being saved" and takes place by saying a "sinner's prayer." The majority of Baptists believe in "once saved, always saved" though some do not (such as Free Will Baptists) believing it is possible to make "shipwreak of the faith."
Worship
Baptists keep worship as simple as possible. The service makes little use of liturgy or formal order. Hymns or worship songs are sung, and the focus of the service is preaching. Buildings are generally simple with the focus being the pulpit. The Lord's Supper is served monthly, quarterly, or once a year. The ordinance may either be open to all Christians or may only be served to those who are members of the congregation.
Methodists are more liturgical, though it does vary from congregation to congregation from low church simplicity to high church. The services are generally structured with hymns, prayers, and a sermon. Holy Communion is often celebrated monthly or even weekly. It is open to all Christians. The focus of the sanctuary is typically the Lord's Table with the pulpit and lecturn to each side. Some churches place the pulpit and Lord's Table in the middle. You'll typically find paraments (cloths with the color of the season) and candles that are lit as part of the service. Methodists follow the liturgical year - Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter.
Social Issues
Baptists tend to be more socially conservative. There are progressive Baptists however. Women are typically not allowed to be ministers. Again, there are exceptions among groups like the American Baptists.
Methodists tend to be more moderate socially. There are conservative Methodists and progressive Methodists however. Women are allowed to serve as deacons, elders, and bishops. Methodists do tend to focus more on social justice issues such as helping the poor.
"Essential Doctrine"
On the essential doctrines such as the Trinity Baptists and Methodists are typically in agreement. Methodists make use of the historic creeds, while Baptists typically don't (though they agree with most of their content). Both are viewed as orthodox Christian groups.
In summary. Baptists would tend to see themselves as evangelical, most would call themselves fundamentalists. Methodists typically see themselves as catholic, evangelical, and reformed.
My Pastor (also a former baptist) says that the difference is that Methodists sing all the verses to hymns. You'll also find that a Methodist will speak to you if they see you near the liquor aisle at the grocery store.
Hope this helps.
Goverance and Polity
Baptists are congregationalists with only pastors and deacons. All authority exists in the "local church" and local churches may associate with others.
Methodists maintain the historic episcopacy (though modified into the "connectional system"). We have elders (presbyters), deacons, and bishops. We exist in a larger church structure from the local church, to districts, to annual conferences, to the general conference. Therefore we are a united church, not a association of churches. The UMC is a global church.
Scriptures
Baptists accept sola scriptura "scripture alone" and believe everyone can interpret by itself for themselves.
Methodists accept prima scriptura "scripture is primary" but also look to sacred tradition, experience, and reason as we try to interpret it.
Both see the Scriptures as a "rule of faith and practice."
Sacraments
Baptists don't have sacraments, but rather "ordinances." These may include water baptism (only by immersion) and the Lord's Supper. They see these are mere symbols. No grace is imparted. Some baptists accept other rites such as washing of the saints feet as an ordinance.
Methodists have two sacraments. These are Baptism and the Lord's Supper. They are viewed as means of grace that God uses as "outward and visible signs" to impart inward grace. Baptism is administered either by pouring, by sprinkling, or by immersion. Infant baptism is practiced, but adults who have never been baptized are baptized. Those baptized as infants make their own profession of faith when they are older at a service called confirmation. Methodists believe that Christ is truly present in Holy Communion.
Grace
Methodists have traditionally recognized three kinds of grace; previenent grace, justifying grace, and sanctifying grace. Previenent grace is the grace that God gives all people. It comes before justifying grace. Justifying (or "saving grace") is the grace that brings us to salvation, and sanctifying grace, or the grace that continues in us, making us more like Christ and allowing us to "grow in holiness."
Baptists are varied with this. Some are calvinistic and some follow arminian theology.
Salvation
Both believe that salvation is by God's grace through faith and that one is "born again" by repenting of their sins and accepting Christ as one's savior. Both groups are evangelical (in the original sense of the word).
Methodists see salvation as a process begun with justification that continues in sanctification. Methodists believe that believers can have an assurance of salvation, but do not believe in "once saved, always saved." One is saved, being saved, and by God's grace will be saved.
Baptists speak of salvation as a certain, finished event. The event is typically called "being saved" and takes place by saying a "sinner's prayer." The majority of Baptists believe in "once saved, always saved" though some do not (such as Free Will Baptists) believing it is possible to make "shipwreak of the faith."
Worship
Baptists keep worship as simple as possible. The service makes little use of liturgy or formal order. Hymns or worship songs are sung, and the focus of the service is preaching. Buildings are generally simple with the focus being the pulpit. The Lord's Supper is served monthly, quarterly, or once a year. The ordinance may either be open to all Christians or may only be served to those who are members of the congregation.
Methodists are more liturgical, though it does vary from congregation to congregation from low church simplicity to high church. The services are generally structured with hymns, prayers, and a sermon. Holy Communion is often celebrated monthly or even weekly. It is open to all Christians. The focus of the sanctuary is typically the Lord's Table with the pulpit and lecturn to each side. Some churches place the pulpit and Lord's Table in the middle. You'll typically find paraments (cloths with the color of the season) and candles that are lit as part of the service. Methodists follow the liturgical year - Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter.
Social Issues
Baptists tend to be more socially conservative. There are progressive Baptists however. Women are typically not allowed to be ministers. Again, there are exceptions among groups like the American Baptists.
Methodists tend to be more moderate socially. There are conservative Methodists and progressive Methodists however. Women are allowed to serve as deacons, elders, and bishops. Methodists do tend to focus more on social justice issues such as helping the poor.
"Essential Doctrine"
On the essential doctrines such as the Trinity Baptists and Methodists are typically in agreement. Methodists make use of the historic creeds, while Baptists typically don't (though they agree with most of their content). Both are viewed as orthodox Christian groups.
In summary. Baptists would tend to see themselves as evangelical, most would call themselves fundamentalists. Methodists typically see themselves as catholic, evangelical, and reformed.
My Pastor (also a former baptist) says that the difference is that Methodists sing all the verses to hymns. You'll also find that a Methodist will speak to you if they see you near the liquor aisle at the grocery store.
Hope this helps.
Last edited:
Upvote
0
BryanW92
Hey look, it's a squirrel!
- May 11, 2012
- 3,571
- 759
- Faith
- Calvinist
- Marital Status
- Married
- Politics
- US-Others
With all the doctrinal differences aside, the biggest difference between Methodist and Baptists is that fourth leg of Wesley's Quadrilateral: Reason.
I come into contact with lots of Baptists and every theological discussion always comes down to them quoting scripture (often out of context) as proof of what they believe. If I show them that they are wrong on the big picture (God is love, God so loved the world that he sent his only son, etc), they tell me that I am writing my own gospel by ignoring their prooftexts (but they call it scriptural evidence).
Baptists (at least Southern Baptists) do not encourage Reason as a part of your theology. Methodists insist on it. No matter how far off the tracks the UMC goes, Wesley's theology is my theology. Even if I leave the UMC this year, I'll just be moving over to the Nazarenes.
I come into contact with lots of Baptists and every theological discussion always comes down to them quoting scripture (often out of context) as proof of what they believe. If I show them that they are wrong on the big picture (God is love, God so loved the world that he sent his only son, etc), they tell me that I am writing my own gospel by ignoring their prooftexts (but they call it scriptural evidence).
Baptists (at least Southern Baptists) do not encourage Reason as a part of your theology. Methodists insist on it. No matter how far off the tracks the UMC goes, Wesley's theology is my theology. Even if I leave the UMC this year, I'll just be moving over to the Nazarenes.
Upvote
0
- Jul 9, 2002
- 2,929
- 725
- 51
- Country
- United States
- Gender
- Male
- Faith
- Christian
- Marital Status
- Single
You will find much variation from congregation to congregation in both Baptists and Methodists. I have never been to a Baptist church in the south, but have here in Michigan. I have been to a United Methodist church in both Michigan and Arkansas. What I found in the Methodist churches was that the Arkansas church was MUCH more focused on Bible study than the one in Michigan. The one I am currently attending here in Michigan tends greatly towards Liberal Theology in it's view of Scriptural interpretation and inspiration, following many of the critical scholars views on authorship and date for the texts, and therefore undermines much of the prophetic aspect of the OT scriptures, and denying that the Apostles wrote most of the NT. There is strong feeling in the congregation (at least) that homosexuality should be accepted, and that they should be allowed to marry and hold positions of authority within the church. I did not encounter any of these leanings in the church in Arkansas, but I admit that I only attended there 6 or 7 times over the course of 3-4 years as I visited relatives there. Both churches were very friendly and welcoming, and the great strength of the church I attend in the north is it's focus on serving the practical needs of the community. They run a food bank in the church, and are actively involved in helping poor and disadvantaged kids and their families thru Kids Hope USA and a backpack program to provide food for poor children over the weekends during the school year. Unfortunately, evangelism and Bible study are almost nonexistent.
I have only attended the Baptist church here in Michigan once, but I am attending a conservative Baptist college online (Liberty University out of Lynchburg, Virginia). Liberty is theologically conservative, believing in the inerrancy of the original autographs of Scripture, and generally accepting the historical view on the date and authorship of the Biblical texts. From what I understand, the Baptist church as a whole is generally more conservative theologically than the other mainline denominations. They are focused on teaching the Bible and evangelism/missions, but could benefit from a greater focus on more practical service to the poor and disadvantaged in their immediate area (their missionaries overseas seem to understand this much better than the churches here in the US). The church I visited here in Michigan was friendly and welcoming. They have an absolutely massive Vacation Bible School ministry during the summer, and make sure that every child that attends hears the gospel. I do not know what kind of programs they may have to serve the community in more practical ways, and I don't know their position on homosexuality and the related issues.
I think that the other posters comments were good as well. Hope these help.
BTW: I only included the comments on homosexuality because it has been in major factor in the history of the Methodist church I currently attend. Many years ago they had a Pastor come out as gay, and went so far as to have his partner move into the parsonage with him! Obviously, this divided the congregation and many ended up leaving, at least for a time. The pastor was very good at his duties, and by all accounts was a good teacher and model Christian in every other way... this experience left a significant mark on how many in the congregation view Scripture and it's authority in matters of church doctrine. Which leads me to the other reason I added this to my post: I can't be sure how accurately this reflects attitudes and beliefs among other northern United Methodist congregations, but the whole issue has been very prominent in the debates at the UMC's national conventions.
I have only attended the Baptist church here in Michigan once, but I am attending a conservative Baptist college online (Liberty University out of Lynchburg, Virginia). Liberty is theologically conservative, believing in the inerrancy of the original autographs of Scripture, and generally accepting the historical view on the date and authorship of the Biblical texts. From what I understand, the Baptist church as a whole is generally more conservative theologically than the other mainline denominations. They are focused on teaching the Bible and evangelism/missions, but could benefit from a greater focus on more practical service to the poor and disadvantaged in their immediate area (their missionaries overseas seem to understand this much better than the churches here in the US). The church I visited here in Michigan was friendly and welcoming. They have an absolutely massive Vacation Bible School ministry during the summer, and make sure that every child that attends hears the gospel. I do not know what kind of programs they may have to serve the community in more practical ways, and I don't know their position on homosexuality and the related issues.
I think that the other posters comments were good as well. Hope these help.
BTW: I only included the comments on homosexuality because it has been in major factor in the history of the Methodist church I currently attend. Many years ago they had a Pastor come out as gay, and went so far as to have his partner move into the parsonage with him! Obviously, this divided the congregation and many ended up leaving, at least for a time. The pastor was very good at his duties, and by all accounts was a good teacher and model Christian in every other way... this experience left a significant mark on how many in the congregation view Scripture and it's authority in matters of church doctrine. Which leads me to the other reason I added this to my post: I can't be sure how accurately this reflects attitudes and beliefs among other northern United Methodist congregations, but the whole issue has been very prominent in the debates at the UMC's national conventions.
Upvote
0
- Sep 1, 2013
- 2,071
- 391
- Country
- United States
- Gender
- Male
- Faith
- Methodist
- Marital Status
- Private
Good posts above. I'm another former Baptist who is now a Methodist. So if you have other specific questions please fire away!
I didn't notice above that it is also true that United Methodists support the gifts of both men and women. Nationally about 25% of our clergy are women. In Iowa where I am a pastor it is actually about 40% female and 60% male.
Pastors are appointed by the Bishop and not hired by the local church.
I didn't notice above that it is also true that United Methodists support the gifts of both men and women. Nationally about 25% of our clergy are women. In Iowa where I am a pastor it is actually about 40% female and 60% male.
Pastors are appointed by the Bishop and not hired by the local church.
Upvote
0
BryanW92
Hey look, it's a squirrel!
- May 11, 2012
- 3,571
- 759
- Faith
- Calvinist
- Marital Status
- Married
- Politics
- US-Others
I'm a Methodist attending Liberty too. They've been remarkably open-minded because I write my papers from my Wesleyan, Intelligent Design worldview and no one has told me that its wrong. Of course, I'm a very conservative Methodist, so we do share that common ground.
Upvote
0
- Sep 1, 2013
- 2,071
- 391
- Country
- United States
- Gender
- Male
- Faith
- Methodist
- Marital Status
- Private
As I think was said about, there are a lot of kinds of Baptists. Liberty was Independent. It may be affiliated with the Southern Baptists since Jerry Falwell got involved with the SBC later in his life. Bryan if you like Liberty I'm kind of surprised you also feel comfortable with the UMC. The differences are pretty wide.
The Southern Baptist Convention is the largest and one of the most conservative group of Baptists. American Baptists are more theologically moderate and are more similar to United Methodists in that they are less Calvinist than much of the SBC. The American Baptists also ordain women while most SBC churches do not. Most American Baptists would attend a UMC school before they'd attend an SBC school having more in common.
There are also smaller baptist bodies like the Cooperative Baptist Convention, here in Iowa there is the General Association of Regular Baptist Churches (GARBC) who think Southern Baptists are liberals and probably think Methodists are heretics. They don't associate with anyone else.
The part that is most difficult or even offensive for persons entering the Baptist church is that many of those churches will require you to be rebaptized if you weren't baptized by immersion or, in some cases, if you weren't baptized in their denomination or even their local church.
Methodist, Presbyterians, and many others who see baptism as an unrepeatable sacrament find this practice disturbing.
The Southern Baptist Convention is the largest and one of the most conservative group of Baptists. American Baptists are more theologically moderate and are more similar to United Methodists in that they are less Calvinist than much of the SBC. The American Baptists also ordain women while most SBC churches do not. Most American Baptists would attend a UMC school before they'd attend an SBC school having more in common.
There are also smaller baptist bodies like the Cooperative Baptist Convention, here in Iowa there is the General Association of Regular Baptist Churches (GARBC) who think Southern Baptists are liberals and probably think Methodists are heretics. They don't associate with anyone else.
The part that is most difficult or even offensive for persons entering the Baptist church is that many of those churches will require you to be rebaptized if you weren't baptized by immersion or, in some cases, if you weren't baptized in their denomination or even their local church.
Methodist, Presbyterians, and many others who see baptism as an unrepeatable sacrament find this practice disturbing.
Upvote
0
BryanW92
Hey look, it's a squirrel!
- May 11, 2012
- 3,571
- 759
- Faith
- Calvinist
- Marital Status
- Married
- Politics
- US-Others
Like I said, they've never told me that my theology is wrong and I've never been forced to write anything from the perspective that theirs is right. So, we get along well.
On the other hand, going to a secular state college would require that I accept their progressive dogma in every way. I tried that route before I went to Liberty. In the first semester, I was forced to write papers based on assumptions that I do not accept. It was infuriating.
Upvote
0
BryanW92
Hey look, it's a squirrel!
- May 11, 2012
- 3,571
- 759
- Faith
- Calvinist
- Marital Status
- Married
- Politics
- US-Others
I agree with that completely! It is extremely disturbing that any church would declare that my baptism is not valid because of the method used. I was thinking about moving to a large non-denom a couple years ago and they told me that I'd have to re-baptized "properly". That was a deal-breaker for me and I walked away and back to my UM church. My baptism was real and I stand by it!
Upvote
0
- Sep 1, 2013
- 2,071
- 391
- Country
- United States
- Gender
- Male
- Faith
- Methodist
- Marital Status
- Private
I'm glad it works for you. But really, have you attended a secular state college? My daughter is a senior at a well known state university and I can't say that she's ever been pressured to subscribe any particular "progressive" beliefs or any beliefs in particular for that matter. Honestly I'm not sure what you mean by that. What progressive beliefs are you worried you might be pressured to support?
Upvote
0
BryanW92
Hey look, it's a squirrel!
- May 11, 2012
- 3,571
- 759
- Faith
- Calvinist
- Marital Status
- Married
- Politics
- US-Others
I went to three. One in Washington state and two in NE FL.
I pretty sure that your daughter already had progressive beliefs when she arrived at school, so what I would call a progressive belief is just "truth" to her...and to her professors.
I have a lifetime of work and experience that flavors my worldview. I was born out of wedlock to an 18 year old girl in Appalachia. I served in the military when I was 18. I have done manual labor in my life and worked my way out of that and up to my present career as an industrial automation programmer/analyst by learning on my own. I don't need to be given a worldview by a college professor, but that's what they insist on doing. I'm 51 years old and am not going to change my beliefs to satisfy a college. Just feed me the information and I'll find the truth.
I developed critical thinking skills decades ago, so I don't accept the premise that that are trying to force me to change my beliefs to "teach me critical thinking skills" because they don't do the same for the young Progressives in the class.
Upvote
0
Holyroller125
Regular Member
I was also a PRIOR Baptist for 20-years, mainly Fundamental Baptist; > then Oneness Pentecostal for 9-years; > now, United Methodist.
I will tell you what the similiarities are, and I will disspell mis-conceptions that I had towards Methodists while I was a Baptist, then mainly underline the main difference.
For a real Biblical United Methodist, John Wesley was not concerned about creating a new denomination, for he said his concern was for "All Christians to be Biblical Christians." Therefore, a Real Methodist is a Biblical Christian.
Both Baptists and Methodists hold to "faith only" is the only requirement for conversion (becoming a Christian). Both Biblical Methodist (notice I said Biblical Methodist) and Baptist would hold to an instantaneous conversion, the moment you believe and confess, call on the name of the Lord to be saved, like Romans 10:9-10, +13. Both would "make that decision" and would tell about "that moment" when they believed and confessed Christ to become a Christian. Both would "do it" without the requirement of water baptism, without speaking in tongues, without legalism, and without works
The main difference I see is that Baptists hold to immersion ONLY (method, mode). But, Methodists accept pouring, sprinkling, and immersion as valid (methods, modes) of water baptism. Because, pouring (I Cor. 12:13, Acts 2:17), sprinkling (Heb. 9:13-21, Heb. 10:22), and immersion (Rom. 6) are methods used by God to save us, clean us, make us right, and to take us as his children.
Another difference that I see is that Methodists believe that ALL gifts of the Spirit are valid. Methodists do not believe like "classical Pentecostals" that the gifts of the Spirit is the [only] evidence of the Holy Spirit, evidence of being saved, they are not evidence of receiving the Holy Spirit and/or baptism in the Holy Spirit, and definantly not a requirement for becoming a Christian (an extreme view of the Oneness Pentecostals). A lot of Baptists believe in the cessation of or no spiritual gifts today. Methodists believe that the gifts of the Spirit are Still valid, used in the church, for the ministry of the church.
Some Mis-Perceptions of United Methodists (coming from a prior Baptist turned Methodist):
Methodist really do not believe that one can lose their salvation. I have asked leading United Methodist scholars this question, and all of them said - No!. We can step on and offend Christ for what God did in our salvation, but we never lose our salvation. We can stop working on our relationship, but God never leaves or gives up on His children. Even in Arminian theology, Methodists do not believe in losing their salvation. You cannot have a strong doctrine of "assurance of salvation" as articulated by John Wesley and speak about 'losing your salvation' out the other side of your mouth at the same time. As Methodist, I do not believe you lose your salvation, but you can reject Christ's correction, chastening, growth, or discontinue working on your relationship with Christ.
I hope this all helps. Thank You for asking.
God Bless
I will tell you what the similiarities are, and I will disspell mis-conceptions that I had towards Methodists while I was a Baptist, then mainly underline the main difference.
For a real Biblical United Methodist, John Wesley was not concerned about creating a new denomination, for he said his concern was for "All Christians to be Biblical Christians." Therefore, a Real Methodist is a Biblical Christian.
Both Baptists and Methodists hold to "faith only" is the only requirement for conversion (becoming a Christian). Both Biblical Methodist (notice I said Biblical Methodist) and Baptist would hold to an instantaneous conversion, the moment you believe and confess, call on the name of the Lord to be saved, like Romans 10:9-10, +13. Both would "make that decision" and would tell about "that moment" when they believed and confessed Christ to become a Christian. Both would "do it" without the requirement of water baptism, without speaking in tongues, without legalism, and without works
The main difference I see is that Baptists hold to immersion ONLY (method, mode). But, Methodists accept pouring, sprinkling, and immersion as valid (methods, modes) of water baptism. Because, pouring (I Cor. 12:13, Acts 2:17), sprinkling (Heb. 9:13-21, Heb. 10:22), and immersion (Rom. 6) are methods used by God to save us, clean us, make us right, and to take us as his children.
Another difference that I see is that Methodists believe that ALL gifts of the Spirit are valid. Methodists do not believe like "classical Pentecostals" that the gifts of the Spirit is the [only] evidence of the Holy Spirit, evidence of being saved, they are not evidence of receiving the Holy Spirit and/or baptism in the Holy Spirit, and definantly not a requirement for becoming a Christian (an extreme view of the Oneness Pentecostals). A lot of Baptists believe in the cessation of or no spiritual gifts today. Methodists believe that the gifts of the Spirit are Still valid, used in the church, for the ministry of the church.
Some Mis-Perceptions of United Methodists (coming from a prior Baptist turned Methodist):
Methodist really do not believe that one can lose their salvation. I have asked leading United Methodist scholars this question, and all of them said - No!. We can step on and offend Christ for what God did in our salvation, but we never lose our salvation. We can stop working on our relationship, but God never leaves or gives up on His children. Even in Arminian theology, Methodists do not believe in losing their salvation. You cannot have a strong doctrine of "assurance of salvation" as articulated by John Wesley and speak about 'losing your salvation' out the other side of your mouth at the same time. As Methodist, I do not believe you lose your salvation, but you can reject Christ's correction, chastening, growth, or discontinue working on your relationship with Christ.
I hope this all helps. Thank You for asking.
God Bless
Last edited:
Upvote
0
- Sep 1, 2013
- 2,071
- 391
- Country
- United States
- Gender
- Male
- Faith
- Methodist
- Marital Status
- Private
I hate to disagree with a fellow United Methodist Elder. But I have to say that I'm not sure a couple of your points jive with the doctrine of our Church as in the Book of Discipline.
You seem to suggest that United Methodists believe that conversion has to be instantaneous. Am I reading you correctly?
In Paragraph 102 Book of Discipline 2012 under the heading "Justification and Assurance" it says, "This process of justification and new birth is often referred to as conversion. Such change may be sudden and dramatic, or gradual and cumulative."
As to apostasy, that is someone walking away from their faith. No we don't believe you can "lose" your salvation like a quarter lost out of your pocket. But United Methodists does teach free will and the ability to walk away from your faith if you so choose.
Read paragraph 104 Book of Discipline 2012 under the title "Justification and Regeneration."
"We believe, although we have experienced regeneration, it is possible to depart from grace and fall into sin; and we may even then, by the grace of God, be renewed in righteousness.
You seem to suggest that United Methodists believe that conversion has to be instantaneous. Am I reading you correctly?
In Paragraph 102 Book of Discipline 2012 under the heading "Justification and Assurance" it says, "This process of justification and new birth is often referred to as conversion. Such change may be sudden and dramatic, or gradual and cumulative."
As to apostasy, that is someone walking away from their faith. No we don't believe you can "lose" your salvation like a quarter lost out of your pocket. But United Methodists does teach free will and the ability to walk away from your faith if you so choose.
Read paragraph 104 Book of Discipline 2012 under the title "Justification and Regeneration."
"We believe, although we have experienced regeneration, it is possible to depart from grace and fall into sin; and we may even then, by the grace of God, be renewed in righteousness.
Upvote
0
- Sep 1, 2013
- 2,071
- 391
- Country
- United States
- Gender
- Male
- Faith
- Methodist
- Marital Status
- Private
Another difference between Methodists and Baptists is that United Methodists, at least, have doctrinal standards and a common way of ordering the Church.
When I was a Baptist each church had its own confession of faith and each had its own bylaws for organizing the church that could be very different from church to church.
So while Baptists tend to adhere to certain ways of doing things their doctrines can vary greatly.
At the same time United Methodist doctrinal standards are primarily about faith basics. The UMC doesn't try to tell you what to believe in areas that I would call minutia.
When I was a Baptist each church had its own confession of faith and each had its own bylaws for organizing the church that could be very different from church to church.
So while Baptists tend to adhere to certain ways of doing things their doctrines can vary greatly.
At the same time United Methodist doctrinal standards are primarily about faith basics. The UMC doesn't try to tell you what to believe in areas that I would call minutia.
Upvote
0
BryanW92
Hey look, it's a squirrel!
- May 11, 2012
- 3,571
- 759
- Faith
- Calvinist
- Marital Status
- Married
- Politics
- US-Others
That is one of the best things about being Methodist. I wish we did a better job of communicating those faith basics, but the lack of control over minor details is refreshing compared to what I see in other churches.
Upvote
0
- Sep 1, 2013
- 2,071
- 391
- Country
- United States
- Gender
- Male
- Faith
- Methodist
- Marital Status
- Private
I agree. When I was a Baptist there was always someone trying to tell me what I had to believe all based on their own interpretation of the "essential" doctrines. Yet nothing was written down that said those views were essential.
Upvote
0
BryanW92
Hey look, it's a squirrel!
- May 11, 2012
- 3,571
- 759
- Faith
- Calvinist
- Marital Status
- Married
- Politics
- US-Others
I hear that a lot from my Baptist and non-denom friends. They find a verse and declare that to be the last word on something, even if you can show them that they are taking it out of context. Then, they demand that you show them a verse that opposes their prooftext if you continue to say that they are misunderstanding it. Finally, they declare that you are "making up scripture" and "doing what is right your own eyes" if you try to use reason.
Its good to be Wesleyan because we can relax in the scriptures and use our God-given intellect to understand them.
Upvote
0
- Sep 1, 2013
- 2,071
- 391
- Country
- United States
- Gender
- Male
- Faith
- Methodist
- Marital Status
- Private
It is a flaw for Baptists who insist on using the technical term "inerrant" to talk about the Bible. It forces them into a position of being unwilling to bring the other elements of tradition, experience, and reason.
Upvote
0
Similar threads
