What is the difference between United Methodist and The Church of Christ?

Question

Hi,I am currently Methodist and i have visited the church of chirst but as much as it seems the same ive been told theres Several differences!?The only differences i can think of is that they sing without musical instruments.....please help i am just intresed in knowing what is the difference??I mean if i were to start going to Church of Christ not convert but just attend with a friend of mine for a couple months..is there anything i need to prepare myself for?thank you for trying to help!!

Answer 1

The links below are some men's account of why they left the Methodist church and became a member of the Church of Christ.

While I have not read all of these in detail, I see from a quick scan that these articles seem to highlight some of the differences.

Notice some of these differences:

Methodist church: Uses instrumental music.
Church of Christ: Sings

Bible: “Sing” (Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16)

____

Methodist Church: Baptizes with sprinkling
Church of Christ: Immersion

Bible:
Baptism is a burial. (Colossians 2:12, Romans 6:3-4),
Those baptized went down into and came up out of the water (Matthew 3:16-17, Acts 8:38-39),
John baptized in a place “because there was much water” there (John 3:23 – Only immersion requires “much water”).

____

Methodist Church: Saved by “faith only”
Church of Christ: Saved by obedient faith.

Bible:
Jesus “is the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him.” (Hebrews 5:9)
“Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.” (James 2:24)

_____

Methodist Church: Baptism not for salvation.
Church of Christ: Baptism is “for the remission of sins”.

Bible:
“…be baptized and wash away your sins” (Acts 22:16);
“baptism now saves you” (1 Peter 3:21);
Baptism is “for the remission of sins” (KJV), “for the forgiveness of your sins” (NASB), “unto the remission of your sins” (ASV), “to remission of sins” (YLT), or “so that your sins will be forgiven.” (Acts 2:38).


I hope this is helpful!

Answer 2

There are differences among churches of Christ like any other religious group. I have been a member for over 20 years and was Methodist before. I'll try to help. The biggest difference I'm aware of is belief about baptism. Methodist (all I'm aware of) sprinkle. Baptism in the church of Christ is by immersion. The original greek word means to immerse and baptism simulates a burial. Also, Methodist believe we are saved by grace through faith only. Churches of Christ believe it is necessary to contact the blood of Christ in order to receive forgiveness of sin and baptism is the only way to access His blood. Churches of Christ do not use instrumental music because, in the New Testament church, instruments were not used as far as we are told. Our congregation takes communion every Sunday, regardless of how many elders are there. This must be a difference among churches of Christ and one I've never heard of before. The Bible says to gather together on the first day of the week (we assume every week) to break bread. There are a number of other differences and I'd suggest talking with a Sunday school teacher, elder, or preacher to answer some of your questions. It's nice to visit, but as you get older, you will see that the church (whichever one) needs you. Your coming to service every week is an encouragement and support to the other members. Eventually, you'll need to make a decision and be a complete supporter of a single congregation.

Answer 3

I was raised United Methodist, but my Dad's whole side of the family is Church of Christ. I visited a few times to appease my Grandmother. The things I was told that were different was that they don't sing with musical instruments, communion is given every week, but it is considered extremely rude to take it if you are not a member of that particular church. When my Grandmother would visit us and go to church she could not take communion because she was not a member of the congregation that she attended, even though she was Church of Christ. When they take communion, everyone sits where they are and the trays are passed up and down the rows. Since you won't be a member you are expected to not take it, but to pass it on to the next person. I never stayed for Sunday School, so I don't know anything about that. One other thing I noticed was that while the preacher would preach a sermon, before he did, the Song Leader (the title of the guy who would lead the congregation in song and considered to be second in charge I think.) would give some sort of spiritual thought/mini sermon that may or may not go with what the preacher preaches on later. In the few times that I noticed this, the Song Leader's remarks lasted anywhere from a couple of minutes to 20 minutes. OH, one more thing about communion. I said that they take it every week, but I just remembered they don't take it unless a quorum of Elders are present. If there aren't then they can't take communion. In some congregations this is a real problem, as new Elders can not be "ordained" unless a quorum is present. So in some cases the congregation slowly either dies or moves membership into another church. My grandmother has said that some churches have gone years without taking communion because of this. (I think it's sad.)

Answer 4

dont care im an independent fundamental baptist