Methodists vs. Assembly of God?

Question

I grew up Methodist and was married in Methodist church. I work Sunday mornings and am not able to attend worship serive. I moved and all of the nearby Methodist churches don't have an evening worship service and if they have a Wednesday evening service it conflicts with something else. Anyway, my cousin goes to the Assembly of God and when I visit her I go to her church and even though it is completely different, I do enjoy it. There are some nearby Assemblies of God that have an evening Sunday service and I am thinking about attending. Are the beliefs too different? I don't want to betray my beliefs by worshiping at another church. If they are too different, anyone have suggestions at any other churches I should look into?

Answer 1

You'll probably find that the Assembly of God has a more charismatic worship style than the Methodists. But you'll find certain similarities regarding beliefs about Christ. These are two different denominations within Christianity, and as such, will likely share some core beliefs (the saving grace of Christ, and so forth). Have you considered the Episcopal Church? It's also a different experience from Methodism, but one you might also enjoy looking into.

Answer 2

Assembly of God will likely be much more conservative than what you are used to in the Methodist church. They hold to a more literal interpretation of the bible. They would be considered more "evangelical". But it's good bible teaching, so if you like the worship service, it would just be a different philosophy.

Presbyterian Church USA might be close in approach to Methodist, but they believe in predestination, so if that's a problem for you that might not work.

I'd also suggest looking for a United Church of Christ--they are pretty close to Methodist as well I think.

I don't think attending any Chiristian church would be a problem. I can't imagine any modern Methodist suggesting you were betraying your beliefs as long as the church still believed in Jesus Christ as God.

Answer 3

I also grew up and was married in a Methodist Church.
I am now a non-denominational Preacher, writer and Evangelist.
The biggest difference I found was in a more literal interpretation of the Bible in an Assemblies of God Church.
The believe in God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit.
I'd suggest you keep going for some time and read your Bible.
I assure you that God will give you guidance.

Answer 4

They are not too different. The Assembly is a pentecostal church, the Methodist is not. Their roots are in the camp meetings in the early 1800's of the Baptist, Methodist, and Presbyterian Churches. Generally the Methodist church will have an educated pastor, the Assembly most likely will not. Both are considered liberal theologically.

Answer 5

I am a United Methodist, and I'm telling you to go wherever you feel Jesus Christ is being preached. Methodists don't usually speak in tongues like the Assemblies, but that's a personal decision left up to you.

Answer 6

The basic beliefs are the same. There can be differences in the way they believe the Holy Spirit manifests Himself in spiritual gifts, but that doesn't change the message. If you find you are worshipping God there, then go ahead. Also, you have to decide what you believe. Growing up in something is not a belief. There shouldn't be any "versus" about it though. Believers in both denominations will be worshippping together in Heaven.

Answer 7

Baptists and Presbyterian will be the most conservative. The Methodists and Episcopalians are competing to be most liberal. Lutherans will be considered liberal, but so much as the other two. edit: Most Baptists and Presbyterians will hold a fairly literal view of the Bible.

Answer 8

You can believe what you want and go to assembly of god. I went there to and I liked it.

Answer 9

You need to know what is sound Biblical doctrine (and believe it!) before you will be able to discern false doctrines and able to avoid the dangers of being blown about by every wind of doctrine. Churches aren't like clothes you shop for!
The doctrinal differences between the two churches isn't as important as seeing how any church lines up with the doctrines of the Word. The Old Time Methodists and the Old Time Assemblies of God use to be very much alike as did many denominations. I think the church government varies, doctrines on the "rapture" may vary and the Methodists may not believe in the in-filling of the Holy Ghost and many Pentecostals left other denominations or were kicked out when they met with a deeper experience in God from sanctification experience and other blessings meant for the church of today.
The basic tenets of faith should be recognizance of Jesus as the Deity, the trinity, salvation by grace through faith in Jesus name and his shed blood on Calvary to atone for our sins, living a holy separated sanctified life through prayer, meditation of the Word, and the help of the Spirit, growing in faith to recieve deeper experiences in God including the Holy Ghost, believing Jesus died, rose from the grave three days later and is coming back again for a bride who has made herself ready. Water babtism in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost is an outward act of faith after a genuine salvation experience or being "born again" of the spirit. Babtism itself does not save you or the lack of it condemn you.
A church who remembers the symbolic act of the Lord's Supper the way Christ showed us is necessary. Don't eat or drink unworthily or eat with those who are living in blatant sins per the Bible. We are instructed in the Bible to dress and act like our respective sexes. Attend a church who practices this Bible teaching. A church which dresses proud and haughty and in same sex clothing or immodest sexy revealing loud expensive clothing is a carnal wordly church and/or full of immature people or hypocrites. This will weed out the majority pretty fast. A church who practically worships and follows the minister more than Christ is also not a good sign. Those who allow the spirit to lead the services and all the saints to contribute their spiritual gifts as God wills are extremely rare. Prayer is a good way to be led into the right church fellowship where the Word is lived and rightly divided and where love and equality rule. A church that can truly pray, in spirit and with a life to back it up in faith and confidence, that's the one to go to. They will have depth and power and unity. Also growing more rare as the love of many waxes cold. I think the Assemblies of God (in general) are more charismatic in their leanings. Methodists tend to be more formal and the services programmed by men. Both hire their ministers on salaries to preach to a regular "flock". I would prefer to go where the gospel is preached to the poor for free but those are hard to find where mammon isn't central to worship. (spirit led giving is in order)

Answer 10

Look for anything BUT the Assembly of God. My sister went to visit one because it is my parents' church....she was under enormous pressure to be baptized -- even though she and I were baptized as babies.

Don't want to betray your beliefs? They do not believe in half of what you do....infant baptism, Confirmation, and plenty of other things. You'll go to church 2, 3, 4, 5, days/week....under pressure!!!!! But don't believe me....try it yourself. But don't succumb....its hard to get out -- as with all other cults.