Baptist vs Methodist

[Kathy T]

Does anyone know how Baptist teach of the bible veries/differs from teh Methodist? I grew up Baptist and my husband grew up Methodist. Last month he said that if we went to a Methodist church he would consider going. He refuses to go to a Baptist Church because he thinks we're "kooks" :mad . Any information or insight would be greatly appreciated.

Your Sister in Christ,

Kathy T.

[kattallysn1]

Does anyone know how Baptist teach of the bible veries/differs from teh Methodist? I grew up Baptist and my husband grew up Methodist. Last month he said that if we went to a Methodist church he would consider going. He refuses to go to a Baptist Church because he thinks we're "kooks" :mad . Any information or insight would be greatly appreciated.

Your Sister in Christ,

Kathy T.
why does he think baptists are cooks? we study right out of the king james bible???

[ssimon2000]

Talk about a can of worms!
Without stepping on anyone's toes, Methodists are more liberal in their views of Scripture than Baptists are. Methodists churches in my city have gay and women pastors, and generally are "tolerant" of any sinful lifestyle.
Baptists, generally, are more conservative, but that depends upon the type of Baptists they are: Independent, Southern, Free-Will. There are more, but hopefully you get the idea.

[antsinmypants]

I'm at a loss here. :sigh

From what I could tell by the Methodists we knew in Texas that attended the Independent Baptist Church we were at-- we only differed on SOME interpretations of the Word, and how we should sing.. (Joy, Joy, Joy.. at 3/4 or at 2/2?).. semi Fast (though not "pentecostal fast", no offense!) and they liked it SLOW..

:twitch

I don't know.. but that is just being silly and prejudiced.

Why did he marry you if he thought Baptists are kooks? Did he think he would change you or something? :doh

[ssimon2000]

why does he think baptists are cooks? we study right out of the king james bible???
:lol Baptists do have a lot of gatherings with some great food! :spit

[NetHog]

I have been to and worshipped at Baptist, Methodist, Anglican, various Evangelical, Foursquare, etc churches.

I would happily attend most of those churches again (with conditions, see below). The doctrine between Methodist and Baptist does not differ on anything significant. Their views about baptism differ. Methodist tranditionally has a "one baptism" view where a child christining counts as the one baptism (however, I know many methodist ministers who are ok breaking that rule). I have seen Methodists and Baptists worship together on many occasions.

One key thing though is check out the particular church and speak to the pastor of that church to see if that church and pastor are lead by the holy spirit or by their own motivation. That goes for any church really, it's not so much the denomination as the people and pastor of a particular chapel.

-
Jamie

(prepares for some 'but this denomination believes...' flames)

[NetHog]

Talk about a can of worms!
Without stepping on anyone's toes, Methodists are more liberal in their views of Scripture than Baptists are. Methodists churches in my city have gay and women pastors, and generally are "tolerant" of any sinful lifestyle.
Baptists, generally, are more conservative, but that depends upon the type of Baptists they are: Independent, Southern, Free-Will. There are more, but hopefully you get the idea.
:tsk This is very generalized. The Methodist church is split over these issues as are many churches I've attended.

[Old 33]

Theological differences aside (and there may not even be very much theological difference, depending on the individual Methodist or Baptist church)...

Methodism still has its roots in "high-church" Anglican practices. We don't get too emotional. The UMC is more guided by the head than it is by the heart, and even when we talk about being guided by the heart, we have to be able to think about doing it.

To many Methodists, a Baptist worship service is just messy because it's not the kind of orderly, predictable, methodical, cerebral service we're used to. I can count on one hand the number of altar calls I've seen in a Methodist church; I can't begin to count the number of altar calls I've seen in a Baptist church.

[ssimon2000]

:tsk This is very generalized. The Methodist church is split over these issues as are many churches I've attended.
Yeah, I know. I would even say extremely generalized. I was trying to give a non-offensive answer to a tough question. :doh Your reply about determining if a church and its leaders are led by the Spirit is spot-on. :thumb
Ultimately, it comes down to the needs of Kathy T and her husband. Much prayer is needed.

[heavenlierealm]

:lol Baptists do have a lot of gatherings with some great food! :spitthat is so true..as a former baptist ive witnessed it myself and the food is always good:heh

[Hootmon]

Baptist vs Methodist :(:

For a minute I thought we were talking a Tag Team match... :whoo

[Kathy T]

Thanks for all of your help.

As to why my husband married me knowing I was Baptist - I grew up Baptist, strayed from the Church and only within the last year or so have found Christ again. I think some of his fears come from when he was in his early 20's and close friend of his became "born agian" and changed before his eyes and would not have anything to do with him. I went to a meeting of this group and I personally think it was a kind of cult. They told him what to where, what to think, etc.

Baptists do have a lot of gatherings with some great food!

So very true :pound

[Witness4Jesus]

I was raised Baptist and my Husband Methodist. He was never ever taught about "end times" never looked at Revelation, Daniel or Ezk. Didn't know a thing about Rapture, coming Anti Christ ec.t... My inlaws when I try and talk to them about these things said "that is depressing stuff why would we want to look at Revelation." The also said they thought there were more than one way to heaven.

We now are going to a Christian non denomination church.

good luck,
Witness

[heavenlierealm]

:(:

For a minute I thought we were talking a Tag Team match... :whoo
:pound

[NetHog]

Thanks for all of your help.

As to why my husband married me knowing I was Baptist - I grew up Baptist, strayed from the Church and only within the last year or so have found Christ again. I think some of his fears come from when he was in his early 20's and close friend of his became "born agian" and changed before his eyes and would not have anything to do with him. I went to a meeting of this group and I personally think it was a kind of cult. They told him what to where, what to think, etc.

I had similar problems with my ex-wife. Long story, but you need to make sure you attend fellowship with spirit-lead leaders. If it happens that cannot be found at your local Methodist church, maybe compromise in saying that you will go to the Methodist church for one service with him, but you would still like to attend the Baptist service. You may have a struggle ahead of you though :(

[AnyDayNow]

For a minute I thought we were talking a Tag Team match...

Hey..If someone is planning on taking on the Baptists, I won't get between them! :lol

[mamacags]

Someone wanna fight:heh Methodists also baptise babies while all the Baptist Churches I have been to do full imersion (sp?) adult Baptising. Having gone to both churches it is almost always my opinion that the Methodist churches are more liberal.

I also now go to a NonDenominational Christian church:thumb

[kattallysn1]

This is something you really need to take to God and ask Him to lead you to the right church :)

[Angyl]

You should take this as a witnessing opportunity. Your husband is the Spiritual Leader of your home, and if he wants to worship Methodist instead of Baptist (the differences usually are not that big...rarely fundamental anyway), then you should go with that and remain firmly grounded in your upbringing and beliefs.

Then, if the Methodist church begins to stray or teach things outside of the Word, it is your opportunity to open your husband's eyes by showing him where in the Bible the church is contradicting the Word of God.

It should be easy enough to submit to this. It's not as if you're Baptist and he's trying to take you to a Mormon or Catholic church or something. :freaked

[heavenlierealm]

You should take this as a witnessing opportunity. Your husband is the Spiritual Leader of your home, and if he wants to worship Methodist instead of Baptist (the differences usually are not that big...rarely fundamental anyway), then you should go with that and remain firmly grounded in your upbringing and beliefs.

Then, if the Methodist church begins to stray or teach things outside of the Word, it is your opportunity to open your husband's eyes by showing him where in the Bible the church is contradicting the Word of God.

It should be easy enough to submit to this. It's not as if you're Baptist and he's trying to take you to a Mormon or Catholic church or something. :freaked:wacko

[Gary]

As Jamie said, a lot of the differences are dependant on the church you attend.

I grew up in Two different Baptist churches, and spent 9 1/2 years in a Wesleyan Methodist church. There was not much difference in either church. I have never been to a Free Methodist church so I can't comment on their service.

[ShagNappy]

Keep in mind there are many different Baptists as well. Primitive, Southern, Missionary, etc., etc. It's a mess.

[toddlemom]

why does he think baptists are cooks? we study right out of the king james bible???

There's your problem ... the Methodists are the cooks. Any excuse for a pitch-in dinner! :lol

Seriously, I think it would be good to get him to elaborate. In my opinion right now, the UMC is a house divided that can't stand much longer ... laity shocked and appalled by the decisions and directions of the hierarchy.

YSIC
Ann

[RobinB]

To many Methodists, a Baptist worship service is just messy because it's not the kind of orderly, predictable, methodical, cerebral service we're used to. I can count on one hand the number of altar calls I've seen in a Methodist church; I can't begin to count the number of altar calls I've seen in a Baptist church.

That's a big difference. . . I was raised Catholic and now attend Lutheran services with my dh and have never seen an altar call or anything similar.

[Shyguy]

Why the wacko face, Angyl is spot on

[igglet]

I was raised Baptist and my Husband Methodist. He was never ever taught about "end times" never looked at Revelation, Daniel or Ezk. Didn't know a thing about Rapture, coming Anti Christ ec.t... My inlaws when I try and talk to them about these things said "that is depressing stuff why would we want to look at Revelation." The also said they thought there were more than one way to heaven.

We now are going to a Christian non denomination church.

good luck,
Witness

Ditto here. My MIL (who is very active in her large UMC in a conservative city and state) thinks there's more than 1 way to heaven, and that all one really has to do is "love others". Jesus is just a cultural icon. Those who think there's only 1 way are intolerant bigots.

My FIL thinks church is only good for "moral purposes".

My Southern Baptist upbringing was full of extreme legalism and I left the church for a long time after I became an adult. It was years later before I discovered that God is indeed a God of mercy and compassion. We now attend a non-denominational church with Baptist leanings.

[Mrstks]

I have never been to a Free Methodist church so I can't comment on their service.


I can..... grew up Free Methodist and went there for about 4yr. Dh was saved in the Free Methodist church. Unlike the UMC the Free Methodist (and I have been to several) are very conservative both in worship and in theology. I had no idea until I was a whole lot older that many Methodist churches were liberal. (Or even exsisted.) Anyway I grew up in that church, Dh in the Catholic church now we also attend a non-demonination church. Oh yeah, and I wouldn't go back. Not because they are bad, no, but because I love the more contemperary style of worship. :nod

[Grow with God]

That's strange... I have never heard anyone call Baptists "kooks" before. They are generally very conservative, nice people. The only reason someone would call them a "kook" is if they think they are too conservative. I was raised Baptist and I learned a lot - they really study the Bible with all their heart and take things seriously.

[Ponderin]

Hey..If someone is planning on taking on the Baptists, I won't get between them! :lol

:laugh

[Ponderin]

<~~~~Head Kook In charge


That's strange... I have never heard anyone call Baptists "kooks" before. They are generally very conservative, nice people. The only reason someone would call them a "kook" is if they think they are too conservative. I was raised Baptist and I learned a lot - they really study the Bible with all their heart and take things seriously.

:laugh

[Becky]

Moving this to Christian Chat. I thought it would be more appropriate here. :):

[Ponderin]

Good Idea Becky! :angel

Girls honor . . . No more kooky *snicker* remarks in here from me :nono

:bolt

[BlueX]

why does he think baptists are cooks?

:laugh


we study right out of the king james bible???

Is this meant to be a question? ;):



:lol Baptists do have a lot of gatherings with some great food! :spit

:thumb

[Cash]

I am Baptist, been to a few Methodist churches as a Gideon speaker. Never seen an altar call at any, but once the methodist preacher said if anyone wanted to join the church, he'd be happy to visit with them later on. A very good friend of mine is Methodist, his personal beliefs closely resemble my conservative Baptist ones. He is much older than I am.

I do believe that particular denomination is in the midst of an identity crisis. Or it will be soon.

[carmen]

Last month he said that if we went to a Methodist church he would consider going. He refuses to go to a Baptist Church because he thinks we're "kooks"
Someone prior mentioned going to an non-denominational church. There are many fine, bible-based non-denom churches in my area. Perhaps your husband would consider this as a compromise for both of you?

I was raised baptist and have remained with that denom, but would certainly consider a few non-denom churches if God called me to leave my current church body :):

[Vickimac]

I'll take a stab at this one, I can identify with your husband in a way ;):
I consider myself denominationally impaired. :D:

I was raised Lutheran (no longer), my 1st husband was catholic, my brother has been strictly baptist for 30 years and my current dh was Methodist. My baptist brother has taught our bible study group for over 2 yrs.

I think the baptist church is one of the most doctrinally sound, I agree 100% with the basics. BUT throughout the bible study teachings, and other people/experiences in life, I find myself turned off or leery about some things about that church and personally don't want to go to a baptist church. Just for one example, we have debated the wine/grape juice thing several times. He is adamant about it being only juice, Jesus never ever no way drank any fermented grape, otherwise he would have sinned (???) (They would never touch a drop of alcohol!) I see the word speak against drunkenness, I'm not defending drinking, but his way of looking at (many) issues such as this are a little too legalistic to me personally. And when he 'suggests' I join a baptist church and I say I don't care to, he gets all defensive, like the baptists have a monopoly on Gods word or something. This stuff turns me off, plain & simple. ;): I have the utmost respect for him but that doesn't mean I want to join his church.
We had bible study last night and I served strawberry lemonade. His wife asked me what I used to flavor it and I told her it was strawberry daquiri mix, I had to assure her it was completely non-alcoholic. Now I don't even have this stuff on hand, I bought it specifically for last night, I'm not a drinker. If I have one or two drinks a yr, it's an occasion. But I see nothing wrong with that one drink a year whatsoever. It's alot of little things like this that turn me off from the baptist church. The doctrine is sound, but I don't agree with the 'sin list' that SOME of them set up, like having A drink or dancing, etc.
Ask your dh exactly what it is in his case.

[JimB]

Certainly an interesting discussion. My father has been a Methodist minister for about 40 years so I have seen LOTS and LOTS of Methodist services some forced and some I gladly attended. Even thought I am Methodist by church membership, I do belong to the one true church made up of ALL believers in Christ which is why I think the Methodist church is simply a place to fellowship and worship and no more right than a Baptist or most any other true Bible believing HS lead church.

Whew, ssimon2000, what city do you live in? I think this is a more of a description of the general apostasy of man than any one church.. It is indicative of mans sinful nature to accept these types of activities based on our own personal acceptance. The UMC as a body does not accept gays though recently their actions have not supported this doctrine. The UMC as a whole (over 60%- a sad statement) is not more tolerant of this however individual apostate ministers may be leading their people down the road to perdition. Which is, of course, why it is important for us all to know the bible for ourselves and study the scriptures daily to know if our teachers are to be followed or accursed.

….., Methodists are more liberal in their views of Scripture than Baptists are. Methodists churches in my city have gay and women pastors, and generally are "tolerant" of any sinful lifestyle.

Jamie,
Well said. The key question is certainly Is this church lead by the Holy Spirit or mans own motivation? How do we know? Do the teachings follow the word of God as presented in his standards for being good Christian men and women, the Bible. If it goes outside of that standard it is not from God but men. Many people will see one day that Gods word is sound and true, and mans words is like the shifting sands, unstable.

One key thing though is check out the particular church and speak to the pastor of that church to see if that church and pastor are lead by the holy spirit or by their own motivation. That goes for any church really, it's not so much the denomination as the people and pastor of a particular chapel.

Interesting. I have been to lots of Baptist services too and have never thought them to be disorderly but quite similar. For those who do not know the word Methodist came from the early Methodists, methodical, study of Gods word. Which is I am sure why Old33 italicized it.
Alter calls? This must also me an individual pastor thing, I cannot remember not seeing an alter call at a Methodist service.

To many Methodists, a Baptist worship service is just messy because it's not the kind of orderly, predictable, methodical, cerebral service we're used to. I can count on one hand the number of altar calls I've seen in a Methodist church; I can't begin to count the number of altar calls I've seen in a Baptist church.

[John Tyson]

Grace and peace to you all.

I've been a Baptist all my Christian life. As Vickimac said, the standard line about drinking is—total abstinence from consuming alcoholic beverages. I lead two adult bible studies and facilitate Divorce Care in my Southern Baptist church. My wife and I drink alcoholic beverages. I generally have a glass of wine or beer every day and I admit the fact when asked. I don’t flaunt it and I’m careful not to drink when with those that believe in abstinence nor do I judge them, but I don’t allow others to judge me either. I believe that I can defend the appropriate use biblically. In the almost thirty years my wife and I have been married, she has never seen me drunk because I don’t allow myself to get drunk. The Baptist folks that believe in total abstinence from the use of alcohol are in the minority…albeit a vocal minority.

Another difference between Baptist and Methodist is that Methodist doctrine teaches one can fall from grace. Baptist believe that once saved, always saved (OSAS).

God bless,
John

[Vickimac]

I guess I'm what you'd call a 'liberal baptist' at heart :lol

I'm pretty conservative actually, but there are just some things I don't agree with. But the basic doctrine and beliefs of baptists, I do.


Ya got that very vocal part right John, if my big brother is any example :D:
Who'd have thought in MY family? :heh

[Old 33]

Incidentally, the official position of the Baptist and Methodist churches re: alcoholic beverages really isn't different at all. Both use grape juice rather than wine at communion (the Welch company - grape juice - was started by a Methodist bishop at the start of Prohibition). And both teach that Christians should abstain from drinking alcohol or taking non-medical drugs.

***after a little research, it turns out that this Welch's thing is a little white lie that someone told me. Welch's wasn't started by a bishop, and predates Prohibition.

Nevertheless, every Methodist church I've ever been in has used grape juice instead of wine.

[BlackMoon]

Kathy, you need to take your husband to a pentecostal or AoG church. After that he will see your is normal and not full of kooks. Take no offense anyone I am Aog myself :):

[guyeub]

Yup, I'm a Methodist who belongs to a church that borders on the charismatic side. We are definitely evangelism oriented and are very, very conservative. It's a shame to see my brothers and sisters being taken in by the homosexual agenda. I personally have no problem with women pastors, but my wife is hardcore: definitely against. She makes me look like a liberal!

I thought one difference between the denominations was that we "sprinkle" and Baptists "dunk". Oh, and one other thing...

Baptist food is definitely better! The Methodist ladies put on the spread my former church's 150th anniversary and it was store bought cookies and cakes, with fruit punch! Love ya'll but, ewwwwwwwwww! And one of the congregants was complaining that one of the servers was filling the cups too full: "Not that full! We don't have that much punch!" I offered to get more punch... LOL

[Drpepper687]

Its just like food, we all go to the same place...

[Joyful One]

I am a Baptist and the idea of no alcohol makes sense to me because you never know if that first one drink will lead you to a lifelong addiction - as in being an alcoholic . My MIL has NEVER touched a drop as her father was an alcoholic and i think the same can be said for my FIL who was a Baptist preacher - both his parents were alcoholics .
Then on the other hand you have that church that openly serves beer during Octoberfest and it pretty much looks like a bar on the church parking lot .

[Mr. Igg]

I am a Baptist and the idea of no alcohol makes sense to me because you never know if that first one drink will lead you to a lifelong addiction - as in being an alcoholic . My MIL has NEVER touched a drop as her father was an alcoholic and i think the same can be said for my FIL who was a Baptist preacher - both his parents were alcoholics .
Then on the other hand you have that church that openly serves beer during Octoberfest and it pretty much looks like a bar on the church parking lot .

This argument has a lot of "face validity" (that is, it just makes sense). It's hard to argue that never drinking is a reasonable way to avoid alcoholism. Nevertheless, as Vickimac & John Tyson noted, moderate consumption of alcohol (not drunkenness) appears Biblically permissible. Do you have to drink? No. May you drink? Apparently so. For the record, I enjoy the occasional drink. (I usually don't need much more than my fingers and toes to count the number of drinks in a year.)

I'm pretty sure I don't like the idea of kegs in the church parking lot, though... :doh IMHO, that seems to fall very clearly in the tempting your brother category.

Ironically (though admittedly it actually proves nothing) some of the most legalistic Baptist pastors I know, whose churches I'd NEVER attend because they're so legalistic (bordering on scary), agree alcohol is permissible...

By the way, John Tyson: Very well said. I tip my hat: :yo

[Joyful One]

Mr. Igg

I wasn't trying to be arguemenative . I don't have a problem with my brothers and sisters in Christ who have an occasional drink . All I was trying to point out was maybe thr reasoning behind the no alcohol stance by some churches . I don't have any scientific evidence , but I believe that some people are born with a leaning to be addicted to alcohol ... Guess you would have to try it before you knew if you were going to be " a slave " to the habit . Some can have an occasional drink and that is the end of it . Some on the other hand will sacreifice their jobs , family , homes and all that they have to be able to tie one on every day/night ...

I guess having been exposed to the downfalls of alcohol personally , it makes me look at it on a different slant ...

[Average Joey]

Remember there are huge differences between Methodists and United Methodists.It should be Methodist vs. United Methodist.

[tractsforchrist]

I think someone hit the nail in the head by the "sin list"

:(:

But other than that, baptist churches are often correct in the core doctrine.

Personally I think all denominations are in trouble and that non-denom is something Im leaning towards.

Blessings in Jesus

[BlackMoon]

I think someone hit the nail in the head by the "sin list"

:(:

But other than that, baptist churches are often correct in the core doctrine.

Personally I think all denominations are in trouble and that non-denom is something Im leaning towards.

Blessings in Jesus


That is a good point Tracts, exept non denomination have no accountability.

[kgreen20]

Neither do the home churches, for that matter! Hmm...



Kathy G.

[walkbyfaith]

Don't forget that God and the "local" body keep us accountable, if Christ is the Head. :D:

[tractsforchrist]

The thing with nondenominational though is that if its a bad apple you just go to another church. This of course is the same with all denominations (that there is always a bad apple with the good ones) some denominations have more bad apples or annoying behaviours (i.e. the sin list, legalistic, or not the taste of the worshipper) than others. Of course I always advise to run if the church is "liberal" christianity (obviously a rotten bad apple).

A benefit of the nondenominational church is that you don't have to accept a certain doctrine or position (other than core doctrines that are aherent to the core of Christianity) that might be weighing a person down. There are some traditions within denominations that are just accepted because thats the way it was done before and no one cares if it is scriptural or not. Not saying its against scripture, it often supports it but some make it a sin or a bad thing not to follow these traditions.

Blessings in Jesus

[Mr. Igg]

Mr. Igg

I wasn't trying to be arguemenative . I don't have a problem with my brothers and sisters in Christ who have an occasional drink . All I was trying to point out was maybe thr reasoning behind the no alcohol stance by some churches . I don't have any scientific evidence , but I believe that some people are born with a leaning to be addicted to alcohol ... Guess you would have to try it before you knew if you were going to be " a slave " to the habit . Some can have an occasional drink and that is the end of it . Some on the other hand will sacreifice their jobs , family , homes and all that they have to be able to tie one on every day/night ...

I guess having been exposed to the downfalls of alcohol personally , it makes me look at it on a different slant ...

No worries...I didn't take it that way...in fact, it was probably my lack of sleep that made me come across more poorly... :doh

I still hear your point (and agree that's probably a primary argument churches make against any alcohol)...I had a pastor that felt exactly the same way for the same reason...in the end, though it could be a good thing, I don't think it's strictly Biblical...