What is the difference between United Methodist and Pentecostal worship services?

Answer 1

I grew up going to a Methodist church.

We have a fairly "calm" service. We begin with some nice piano or organ music, and then the Pastor greets everyone. We have a moment then to shake hands, hug, or greet those around us in the Church. Then we have a prayer which we read that is printed up in the program. We usually stand while singing or praying from a pre-printed prayer, and sit otherwise.

Throughout the service, there are hymns - usually taken from the United Methodist Hymnal. We share joys and concerns and pray about them. A Scripture is read and a sermon given. There is an altar call and a final hymn.

Once a month, communion is given.

Now, I'm no expert on a Pentecostal church. But I did attend one Pentecostal service in my life. So I can only describe what I witnessed that one time.
The layout of the church was different. They had a kind of low stage where people sung, played music, and the pastor preached. In the Methodist church, we have a "pulpit." There are actually 2 - one where the preacher preaches the sermon, and the other where announcements and such things are made. There is a place in front for the choir, where they sit during the whole service.

Anyway, at the Pentecostal service, people were speaking in tongues, shouting, running around the church with shoes off, proclaiming healings, etc. The music was more lively than in my Methodist church. The most noticeable difference to me was the "Slaying in the Spirit" practice, where people would go up,being tapped in the head, and literally fall over. Men went and covered up the women who were wearing skirts or dresses.

The sermon that day indicated that if you did not manifest these "signs of the spirit" (speaking in tongues, etc) then you were not saved. They also indicated that if you are not happy, it was a sign you were unsaved. Something like that would NEVER be preached in my Methodist Church.

In the Methodist Church, everyone just stays where they are pretty much. In the pentecostal, people ran around as the spirit moved them.

Answer 2

I know the Methodist church my mom goes to is dead. I dont think you can plead with God to show up. I dont think the people care if he isnt there. Now pentecostal's I know teach falsely on tongues. Other than that dont know much on them.

Answer 3

A United Methodist would be happy to have me at their service.

Pentecostals would want me to leave.

Edit: I'm Pagan