The difference between Methodists and Baptists?

[palmtreegirl]

Could someone please explain to me the main differences between the Methodist and Baptist denominations?

We're trying to decide between the two and are really torn right now since both churches have been very warm and welcoming to our family.

Thank you for your help.

 

[ead79]

Generally speaking, there is not a huge difference between the two denominations. From church to church, things can vary, but their official beliefs and viewpoints are very similar. The only thing I can think of off the top of my head is that many/most Methodist churches baptize by sprinkling and some do infant christening/baptism. Baptist churches typically baptize by immersion and do not do infant christening/baptism.

If both churches have been very welcoming, then you could take a look at the children's activities, adult Bible studies, etc. to see which church offers programming that appeals to your family more. I'm sure you could also visit both for several months until you felt called by God to one church or the other specifically.

Hope that helps!

 

[cats7494]

I can not speak to Baptist - but I am a United Methodist.
I grew up Missouri Synod Lutheran and am now happy in the Methodist church. MY experience has been that the United Methodist is very mission and education oriented. If you want specifics on stances of the United Methodist church... you can go to www.umc.org.

Good luck in your search! I agree with ead79 - it should be what is best for your family!

 

[Toby'sFriend]

I agree with Elisabeth, at the base of the dogma -- not alot of difference beyond the baptism debate.

The Baptist churches I have attended have been much more Evangelical in nature while the Methodists more liberal. I have attended both United Methodist churches and Free Methodist Churches. The United Methodist church was much more traditional in nature, but again the specifics usually boil down to the flavor of that particular congregation.

But there are strict Evangelical Methodist Churches and Liberal Baptists... United Methodists at least ordain Women Pastors, I'm not sure about Baptists.

Methodism also has strong roots concerning the need to be active in charity and promoting social good. It is not a salvation issue, but rather one of responsibility to God to help improve the world He created. It is one of the strong pulls for me toward that denomination.

 

[MrsPete]

The two are rather similar. Both denominations are missions-oriented. Both denominations are very focused on strong youth groups to help the tweens/teens grow up with a strong foundation in the Lord. When we moved six years ago, a strong youth group and youth pastor were at the top of our list of "must haves".

Baptists accept the entire Bible, while Methodists lean towards omitting parts that seem "outdated". They have some differences in respect to baptism and funerals, but those are not as important as the everyday beliefs.

Baptist churches are independent organizations; their pastors are hired by a church committee -- the pastor will stay at that church as long as he's happy there and the congregation is pleased with him. Since they're independent, you'll probably find more variation between Baptist churches. That doesn't mean, however, that Baptist churches are stand-alone organizations; for example, there's the Southern Baptist Association -- but the individual church doesn't necessarily have to go along with everything the association says. Methodist pastors -- I won't use the right terms here, but you'll get the point -- are employed by the Methodist umbrella organization; the pastors are moved around every 2-4 years; as such, the Methodist church is more likely to be "reinvented" every couple years. Methodist churches seem to be more liberal than Baptist churches.

I think the real difference, however, is the pastor and the congregation. If we were suddenly to move to another town, I would have no problem attending either denomination -- but I'd want to attend both several times to see if I like the pastor, the youth group's direction, etc.

 

[brerrabbit]

I am a former Catholic who converted to Methodist and while on the surface Basptists and Methodist are similar there are differences. Some won't bother some people, some will. Here are the ones I know of. Methodists do not ban drinking, smoking or dancing. Some Baptist sects do. Methodist Pastors are not allowed to do any of those things and it says so in the Book of Disipline. Methodists according to the same book, welcome Gays and Lesbians into their church but do not allow Pastors who are Gay. The whole idea behind the Methodist faith is really twofold, first to study the bible in a certain way or "method" hence the name. From this study you draw your own ideals about faith and what it means to you. Secondly we beleive in mission works. Our current philosiphy is Win, Grow, Serve Win hearts to Christ, Grow in our beliefs and faith, and serve all Gods people. Our youth groups have UM Army which goes for a week or two in the summer to do mission projects such as helping the elderly and less fortunate do home repairs and projects, while our Junior High groups go twice a year on long weekends to do similar projects closer to home. Our church also works with a group called Builders Without Borders and do several mission trips to Mexico each year and have participated in building homes, and schools in a coastal village.

I love my church and have grown in my faith tremendously since joining, we have wonderful programs for all ages and I have come to really enjoy the mission work we do as it really gives meaning to the biblical teachings we learn and study.

 

[cats7494]

Baptists accept the entire Bible, while Methodists lean towards omitting parts that seem "outdated". They have some differences in respect to baptism and funerals, but those are not as important as the everyday beliefs.

I do not agree with this statement. Methodists in general do not omit parts of the Bible. Not trying to start a debate - but I find this statement to be false in my experience as a Methodist.

 

[tinatark]

Here is a great site with comparison charts for many religions/denominations-
http://www.religionfacts.com/christianity/charts.htm

 

[MrsPete]

I do not agree with this statement. Methodists in general do not omit parts of the Bible. Not trying to start a debate - but I find this statement to be false in my experience as a Methodist.

I've never been a member of a Methodist church, but I've heard several members of my Baptist church say that's why they left the Methodist church -- they weren't sure it was okay to "overlook" certain parts. "Outdated" might've been a poor word choice, but the idea is something I've heard numerous times. If it's not really true of Methodist churches in general, then I'm sorry for saying it. It could also be unique to the Methodist churches in our area; after all, every person (and that includes pastors) is going to have a slightly different take on things.

 

[cats7494]

I've never been a member of a Methodist church, but I've heard several members of my Baptist church say that's why they left the Methodist church -- they weren't sure it was okay to "overlook" certain parts. "Outdated" might've been a poor word choice, but the idea is something I've heard numerous times. If it's not really true of Methodist churches in general, then I'm sorry for saying it. It could also be unique to the Methodist churches in our area; after all, every person (and that includes pastors) is going to have a slightly different take on things.

It is definitely always up to interpretation! And you are right, often times it can be a regional/individual church thing!

 

[m&m's mom]

I can not speak to Baptist - but I am a United Methodist.
I grew up Missouri Synod Lutheran and am now happy in the Methodist church. MY experience has been that the United Methodist is very mission and education oriented. If you want specifics on stances of the United Methodist church... you can go to www.umc.org.

Good luck in your search! I agree with ead79 - it should be what is best for your family!

That is funny. I grew up Lutheran Missouri Synoad and Methodit now.
They are very similar.

 

[brerrabbit]

I've never been a member of a Methodist church, but I've heard several members of my Baptist church say that's why they left the Methodist church -- they weren't sure it was okay to "overlook" certain parts. "Outdated" might've been a poor word choice, but the idea is something I've heard numerous times. If it's not really true of Methodist churches in general, then I'm sorry for saying it. It could also be unique to the Methodist churches in our area; after all, every person (and that includes pastors) is going to have a slightly different take on things.

By the same vain I have never been a member of a Baptist church so I can't really know for sure but I think some of the differences of opinion stem from what parts of the Bible are literal vs what parts are figuretive. This is one of the issues that tend to always come up when discussing differences across Christian faiths. While some see it as a minor issue, others feel that it makes a particular faith completely wrong. I feel its a more minor issue and so it doesn't trouble me at all. However with that said I can assure you it is not an issue of omision rather of interpretation.

 

[tinatark]

Disclaimer - this statement is based on my experience!

You will also see that Methodist Churches are more ceremonial in their services - they have response reading, acolytes, confirmation, etc. Methodist churches do not typically have an invitation - a time in the Baptist service that you come forward and state that you have been saved, called into the ministry, come forth for Christian Baptism, etc. Methodists do not use the term "saved". Most Methodist churches are considerably more liberal than Baptist churches.

 

[Galahad]

I do not agree with this statement. Methodists in general do not omit parts of the Bible. Not trying to start a debate - but I find this statement to be false in my experience as a Methodist.

I'm also a Methodist and I'd agree with cats7494 on this.

We've been Methodists for about 10 years and were Presbyterians before that. I think most of the mainline protestant denominations differ more in style than in substance.

There are some great inter-denominational rivalry kind of jokes though:

Presbyterians are often thought to be more affluent or even intellectual than other denominations (sort of Protestant Jesuits). When the Lord's Prayer is said in a Presbyterian church, you use the word "debtor" - ("forgive us our debts") when said in a Methodist church you use the word "trespasses". So an old Methodist line is "Leave it to the Presbyterians to want their debts forgiven". To which the Presbyterian retorts that "a Methodist is merely a Baptist who can read".

 

[Buckalew11]

I'm also a Methodist and I'd agree with cats7494 on this.

We've been Methodists for about 10 years and were Presbyterians before that. I think most of the mainline protestant denominations differ more in style than in substance.

There are some great inter-denominational rivalry kind of jokes though:

Presbyterians are often thought to be more affluent or even intellectual than other denominations (sort of Protestant Jesuits). When the Lord's Prayer is said in a Presbyterian church, you use the word "debtor" - ("forgive us our debts") when said in a Methodist church you use the word "trespasses". So an old Methodist line is "Leave it to the Presbyterians to want their debts forgiven". To which the Presbyterian retorts that "a Methodist is merely a Baptist who can read".

As a Baptist who can read and used to be a Methodist, I found this funny.


Anyway, I probably would not turn around for the difference between Methodists and Baptists (in my area anyway).

Do Baptists ban smoking, drinking and dancing? I've never heard that. My FIL was a baptist deacon and smoked until he died. I know many who smoke. I do believe drinking is "frowned" upon, but I have never been told an officail stance. My preacher is totally against drinking and I am not. We've had some wonderful conversations on our views. I'm not a dancer so I have no idea about dancing. No one dances in the church--at least that I have ever seen but if there is a ban on it, I did not know about it. However, I do believe years ago most ALL denominations were very strict on these types of beliefs. The churches have slacked off on that strictness.

Baptist churches are very mission (home and foreign) oreiented. It is something I do like about being a SB christian. We are also into education. Nothing beats a good Bible study. It is one fascinating book, for sure.

My sister belongs to a Methodist church in SC and she likes it. She says they do not sing the old time hymns of the Baptist church and she misses those songs but otherwise most is much the same. Followers of Jesus Christ, Son Of the most High God, having His Holy Spirit endwell within each believer. A truly amazing opportunity if you ask me.

Good luck on your decision.

 

[Zippa D Doodah]

The Methodist will wave to each other in the liquor store.


Seriously, there are significant differences between (United) Methodists and (Southern) Baptists. I am a UM.

- The UM church has a doctrine of grace that is stronger that is different from any other denomination. The bottom line is that we believe God's grace is the strongest thing in the world. That grace is experienced in different forms (prevenient grace, justifying grace, sanctifying grace)

- We UMs believe baptism is an outward sign of something that God is doing on the inside of a person -God being the key word here. Since the grace received in baptism is something God does, we believe in baptising infants. Incidentally, we baptize in any one of three forms -sprinkling, immersion, or pouring (not as common as the other two). Baptists emphasize baptism more as a human response to God. Thus one must be of age to "understand" in order to be baptized.

- We celebrate women in leadership positions -both lay and clergy. I am a UM pastor. For example, I copastor a church along with my wife, also an ordained pastor. Women cannot be clergy in a Southern Baptist church. That's kind of a big nit I have to pick with them, but I guess that's why I'm a Methodist.

- UM churches are connectional. That means each congregation has its own vibrant ministries, but all UM congregations are connected thru commitment to mission, common doctrine (although its a pretty big tent we live under), financial support, etc.

- This varies from place to place, but UMs (clergy and lay) tend to read the Bible less literally. And yes, we read the WHOLE Bible. We do not as a point of doctrine ignore those parts that are incovenient. For the most part, we do not buy into doomsday doctrines squeezed out of apocolyptic books of the Bible (ie. no rapture theology in the UMC)

Hope this helps... Best wishes to you and your family in choosing the church that's right for you.

 

[Zippa D Doodah]

Do Baptists ban smoking, drinking and dancing? I've never heard that. My FIL was a baptist deacon and smoked until he died. I know many who smoke. I do believe drinking is "frowned" upon, but I have never been told an officail stance. My preacher is totally against drinking and I am not. We've had some wonderful conversations on our views. I'm not a dancer so I have no idea about dancing. No one dances in the church--at least that I have ever seen but if there is a ban on it, I did not know about it. However, I do believe years ago most ALL denominations were very strict on these types of beliefs. The churches have slacked off on that strictness.

It was actually the Methodists who got the ball rolling on the temperance movement long ago. Our culture's era of demonization of alcohol was born out of a Methodist revival movement. At least that's how they spun it in seminary. Carrie Nation was a Methodist.

 

[budbeerlady]

The Methodist will wave to each other in the liquor store.


- This varies from place to place, but UMs (clergy and lay) tend to read the Bible less literally. And yes, we read the WHOLE Bible. We do not as a point of doctrine ignore those parts that are incovenient. For the most part, we do not buy into doomsday doctrines squeezed out of apocolyptic books of the Bible (ie. no rapture theology in the UMC)

And they give directions by bars, seriously they do out by us.

Interesting, we have been attending a UM church for a while now and I hadnt noticed this about the rapture. But I came from Christian Reformed as my upbringing, so this is really, really liberal for my family. We really, really loved and miss our female pastor.

Another oddity to me, but this might be true for baptist also, it stuck out as it isnt how I was used to things being done. We used to interview the prospective pastor, he would preach a Sunday or two, meet the consitory, the church would vote, and if it were for the new pastor we would extend a call to him to come and be our pastor. And sometimes they said no.

We have a new pastor, well, he has been here for a year. He was appointed by the Bishop and we met him when he moved in and gave his first sermon. He isnt really a fit for our family, so we are looking else where. But that happens, and if we have voted I dont know if it would have changed a thing.

 

[Golf4food]

Another issue perhaps the Methodists could clarify for everyone: (Southern) Baptist interpretation says that you cannot fall from grace - once saved, always saved. You can fall out of fellowship, but not out of salvation. It is my understanding that some (all?) Methodist doctrine is that you can fall from grace and lose your salvation?

 

[palmtreegirl]

I know this Baptist church we're looking at doesn't ban dancing since they're having a Family festival Country Hoedown with dancing and all next month. But last week at the Sunday bible study group we went to there was a women who grew up in a Baptist church that didn't allow dancing and her family still attends the church. First thing that popped into my head was no way, just like Footloose!

My kids attended the VBS at the Baptist church and loved it but the one point holding me back is they currently have an interim pastor. I really like him but they'll be getting a new pastor and I wonder if things could change a lot because of that.

The Methodist church seems really nice and the people seem great but I thought they expect a lot from their new members right away. I went to Q&A sorta session with them and they stressed about volunteering and giving of money since they're expanding and building a new all purpose center. I have every intention of giving to the church I join(tithe and my time) but the way they focused on that aspect did turn me off slightly. It did feel rather overwhelming and sorta in a way made me question their motives for being so nice, although I'm sure that just was my doubts about churches creeping in because of my childhood experiences.

The kids programs at both place seem great. I think I do like the approach to Sunday school the Methodist have slightly better though.

I was raised Catholic so this is all very new to me,sorry for rambling there. Thanks once again for your help.