Here in Galesburg, IL, churches are easy to find–but the right church might not be so easy to decide on. If you’re looking for a church in Galesburg, you may be curious about the differences between one denomination and another. If you’re considering joining a Baptist church, it’s important to understand how this denomination differs from other local denominations that might seem similar on first glance. Any Galesburg church will have some unique traits that set it apart from others, but researching denominational differences is an important first step towards making the right decision for you and your family. Specifically, when comparing a Baptist church to a United Methodist Church, many stated doctrinal points will be similar, but in practice, Methodist churches tend to follow a less literal interpretation of Scripture.

galesburg baptist churches commonWhat do United Methodist Churches and Baptist Churches Have In Common?

Both of these denominations can trace their roots back to the early days of our nation’s founding. American Methodism was shaped by preachers like John Wesley and Francis Asbury, and spread exponentially during the Great Awakening of the 1760s and the Second Great Awakening from around 1790-1840.

Methodism has always placed great importance on personal holiness and the need for each individual to encounter Christ through a salvation experience. Similarly, Baptists maintain that a Christian’s lifestyle should be shaped by their faith, and that making a conscious decision to accept Christ as Savior is necessary for salvation. Methodists, like Baptists, have long been active in efforts to spread the gospel and meet physical needs in society. Methodists have been responsible for founding many Sunday Schools, conducting many revival meetings, and operating orphanages, schools and hospitals.

church in galesburg il disagreement

What Are Some Key Points of Disagreement?

While both Baptists and United Methodists believe that the Bible is an important text we should study and follow, Methodists tend to deny the inerrancy of Scripture. 2 Timothy 3:16 explains that all of Scripture is breathed, or inspired, directly by God Himself. However, Methodists often interpret challenging Bible verses through cultural lenses, avoiding literal readings even when the original meaning is clear.

galesburg churches baptist methodist abortionAbortion

United Methodist churches are less likely to take a clear pro-life position than Baptist churches. The United Methodist Church actually helped to found the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice, which advocates for legalized abortion. While individual Methodist churches are often not quick to directly confront the issue of abortion, they do support it in practical terms.
In contrast, almost all Baptist churches take a clear position on abortion. Baptists affirm the sanctity of all human life, and they point to clear scriptural evidence that life begins at conception and that intentionally ending any human life is forbidden by God. For example, in Psalm 139, the Psalmist describes how God formed him in the womb, clearly stating that his identity as a human being existed before birth and continued after it.

Homosexualitychurch galesburg homosexuality

Officially, the United Methodist Church maintains that homosexuality is a sin. However, there is a large faction within the United Methodist Church seeking to overturn this historical position. These members actively lobby for the church to reverse its official position on homosexuality, and also to ordain people who are practicing homosexuality as church leaders. Within the Methodist church, many observers point to this divisive issue as one that could potentially divide Methodism into two separate denominations in the future.

Baptist churches, on the other hand, typically maintain that homosexuality is a sin according to the Bible. It’s difficult to generalize about every Baptist church. However, the vast majority of Baptist churches teach that those practicing homosexuality should be treated with love and compassion, but that homosexuality is in conflict with the clear teachings of Scripture and the commandments of God. For Baptists, communicating this message is not about spreading hatred, but about faithfully and lovingly sharing the truths of God’s Word.

galesburg il churches woman preachingOrdination of Women

Since 1968, the United Methodist Church has ordained women as pastors. Although there remains some disagreement within Methodism in general, almost all United Methodists, specifically, support the ordination of women.

While Baptist churches aren’t all identical, most Baptists take a traditionalist and literalist interpretation of Scripture. Bible verses including 1 Timothy 2:11-12, 1 Corinthians 14:34-35, and 1 Timothy 3:2 clearly state that women are not to teach men spiritually in a church setting, and that church leaders should be men. Baptists believe that these verses should be taken at face value and are still relevant to Christian practice today.

Sometimes, this position is confused with sexism by those who see it as discriminatory or unfair. However, Baptists do not believe that women are inferior to men as human beings, or that they have less to offer spiritually than men do. In general, Baptists believe that men and women have different roles to fulfil and these roles ordained by God, but that these roles are equally important, valid, and necessary.

How Do I Decide?churches near me galesburg light darkness

As this article indicates, your decision whether to attend a Baptist church or a United Methodist church should be influenced by your beliefs about Scripture and its proper interpretation. A belief that clear statements made in the Bible should be interpreted plainly and directly can lead us to positions that may be controversial or divisive in today’s society. However, as Christians we are not called to be just like the world. Rather, we are called to be salt and light in a dark world, standing out as clearly different while also showing grace, love and humility towards those around us. Unfortunately, when compromises are made in regards to the Bible’s authority, it becomes increasingly difficult to dismantle key doctrinal elements in the Christian faith. Doctrines that are essential for salvation can easily become open to doubt and questioning, if we conclude that any part of Scripture has ceased to be authoritative or true today.

Here at Harmony Baptist Church, we’re happy to answer your questions regarding these key issues or any other issues on your mind regarding faith and the Christian life. We’d love to welcome you to our church family. On our “Contact” page, you’ll find everything you need to plan a visit or get in touch with someone from our church!