Methodist vs Presbyterian: Difference and Comparison

The main belief that forms the base of Christianity is the concept that Jesus Christ is the lord and Savior. However, it is evident that different Christian religions follow the same style of ways but have a common ground, as mentioned above.

Though these variations in alternative divisions of Christianity are enough to mark a difference between totally different sorts of Christian religions, Presbyterians and Methodists are two such Christian faiths with marked variations from each other.

Key Takeaways

  1. Methodist denominations are a branch of Protestant Christianity that originated from the teachings of John Wesley, emphasizing the importance of personal faith, social responsibility, and the possibility of achieving Christian perfection.
  2. Presbyterian denominations are a branch of Protestant Christianity rooted in the Reformed tradition, emphasizing the sovereignty of God, the authority of Scripture, and a representative form of church governance.
  3. Although both Methodist and Presbyterian denominations share a Protestant background, they differ in theological emphasis and church governance, with Methodists focusing on personal faith and social action. At the same time, Presbyterians emphasize God’s sovereignty and a structured, representative church organization.

Methodist vs Presbyterian

Methodism emphasizes personal faith, social justice, and the sacraments, as well as the authority of Scripture. Presbyterians emphasize the sovereignty of God and predestination, as well as the authority of Scripture, and practice a form of church governance where decisions are made by elders.

Methodist vs Presbyterian

 

Comparison Table

Parameter of ComparisonMethodistPresbyterian
OriginMethodism was originated by Wesley brothers Charles and John in 1739 in EnglandJohn Knox founded the Presbyterian Church in Scotland in 1560.
DefinitionThe main belief of Methodism is that men can call for God’s kindness to rescue oneselves although they have fallen.The main belief of the Presbyterian Church is that men immensely need God’s kindness for their salvation and that they cannot get God on their own.
SalvationAccording to the Methodists, everyone who believes in God can get salvation.According to the Presbyterian, God has already picked those individuals he needs to save, i.e. once god has chosen an individual, he’s continually saved.
Worship guideThe Methodist Church worship guide is ‘The Directory of WorshipPresbyterian Church worship guide is ‘The Book of Discipline
Local structureThe local structure of Methodist church is led by an administrative council underneath a pastor, who works under the ultimate guidance of a bishop.Presbyterian local churches have the right to ask a pastor to go and “call” another to lead the church.

 

What is Methodist?

The Methodist church initially originated in 1739 in England. A spiritual worker named John Wesley split from the Anglican Church, Church of England, to devise his own religious belief known as Wesleyism.

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Methodists are involved with “actions not belief or faith,” which means that the Methodist religion acknowledges the great works of individuals as a mark of their religion.

Individuals can’t say that they are right or are good humans if they are not doing good deeds within the point of view of the Methodist religion. The Methodist Church worship guide is ‘The Directory of Worship.

Another facet of church governance that helps different Methodist churches from others is the choice of pastors for her churches.  

The working of the Methodist church takes place where their pastors are sent to every place where the church is established by choice of Methodist bishops who commands the required changes.

Methodism also approves of penalisation (death penalty) only when society experiences the foremost serious crimes and may solely be administered by the law.

Methodists committedly look at homosexuality as a sin without any exceptions.

methodist 1
 

What is Presbyterian?

Originally a Catholic priest, John Knox supported the Presbyterian Church in 1560. The Presbyterian faith has its origin in Calvinism.

John used several church doctrines to create the Presbyterian’s main beliefs. He found the religion in Scotland.

The Presbyterian religion believes that God’s grace alone helps in salvation. God selects individuals previously alone who can receive grace and visit heaven.

According to the Presbyterian, God has already picked those individuals he needs to save, i.e. once god has chosen an individual, he’s continually saved. Presbyterian Church worship guide is ‘The Book of Discipline.

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Another side of church governance that helps differing Presbyterian churches from others is the choice of pastors for her churches.  The Presbyterian religion hires, or “calls,” its pastors to carry out and lead the religious community.

The Presbyterian church unconditionally and actively resists capital punishment (death penalty). Presbyterians consider homosexuality a sin.

Despite this, they believe it is a complicated issue that’s troublesome to evaluate without additional examination.

presbyterian

Main Differences Between Methodist and Presbyterian

  1. Methodism was originated by Wesley brothers Charles and John in 1739 in England, whereas John Knox founded the Presbyterian Church in Scotland in 1560.
  2. The main belief of Methodism is that men can call for God’s kindness to rescue their elves, although they have fallen. In contrast, the main belief of the Presbyterian Church is that man immensely needs God’s kindness for their salvation and cannot get God on their own.
  3. According to the Methodists, everyone who believes in God can get salvation. In contrast, According to the Presbyterians, God has already picked those individuals he needs to save, i.e. once god has chosen an individual, he’s continually saved.
  4. The Methodist Church worship guide is ‘The Directory of Worship’ whereas the Presbyterian Church worship guide is ‘The Book of Discipline.
  5. The local structure of the Methodist church is led by an administrative council underneath a pastor, who works under the ultimate guidance of a bishop. In contrast, local Presbyterian churches have the right to ask a pastor to go and “call” another to lead the church.
Difference Between Methodist and Presbyterian

References
  1. https://elibrary.ru/item.asp?id=7478024
  2. https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1999-08299-005

Last Updated : 13 July, 2023

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21 thoughts on “Methodist vs Presbyterian: Difference and Comparison”

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