Methodist vs. United Methodist

Attribute	Methodist	United Methodist
Founder	John Wesley	John Wesley
Year Founded	18th century	18th century
Beliefs	Arminian theology	Arminian theology
Structure	Connectional	Connectional
Membership	Global	Global

History

Methodism originated as a movement within the Church of England in the 18th century, led by John Wesley and his brother Charles Wesley. The Methodist movement quickly spread to the United States, where it became a separate denomination. The United Methodist Church was formed in 1968 with the merger of the Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren Church. Both Methodist and United Methodist churches have a rich history of social activism and outreach.

Beliefs

Both Methodist and United Methodist churches share core beliefs in the Trinity, the divinity of Jesus Christ, the authority of Scripture, and the importance of personal salvation through faith in Christ. They also emphasize the importance of social justice, caring for the poor and marginalized, and spreading the message of God's love to all people. However, there are some differences in beliefs between the two denominations, particularly in terms of governance and theology.

Governance

One of the key differences between Methodist and United Methodist churches is their governance structure. Methodist churches are typically governed by a system of connectionalism, where decisions are made collectively by a council of ministers and lay leaders. United Methodist churches, on the other hand, have a more hierarchical structure with bishops overseeing regional conferences and making decisions on behalf of the denomination as a whole.

Theology

While both Methodist and United Methodist churches share a common theological heritage, there are some theological differences between the two denominations. United Methodist churches tend to be more liberal in their theology, embracing a more inclusive approach to issues such as LGBTQ rights and women's ordination. Methodist churches, on the other hand, may vary in their theological beliefs depending on the specific congregation and leadership.

Worship

Both Methodist and United Methodist churches have a rich tradition of worship that includes hymn singing, prayer, Scripture reading, and preaching. However, there may be some differences in worship styles between the two denominations. United Methodist churches often have a more formal liturgical style of worship, with set prayers and rituals, while Methodist churches may have a more informal and spontaneous approach to worship.

Missions and Outreach

Both Methodist and United Methodist churches are known for their commitment to missions and outreach. They engage in a wide range of social justice initiatives, including feeding the hungry, providing shelter for the homeless, and advocating for the rights of marginalized communities. Methodist and United Methodist churches also have a long history of global missions, sending missionaries to countries around the world to spread the message of Christianity and provide humanitarian aid.

Conclusion

While Methodist and United Methodist churches share many similarities in terms of beliefs and practices, there are also some key differences between the two denominations. Understanding these differences can help individuals make informed decisions about which church best aligns with their own beliefs and values. Both Methodist and United Methodist churches offer a welcoming and inclusive community where individuals can grow in their faith and serve others in need.