Methodist vs. Non-denominational
A side-by-side comparison of Methodist and Non-denominational teaching on 16 questions, from Scripture and salvation to baptism, communion and church government.
Methodist
Methodism began in the 18th century as a renewal movement within the Church of England under John and Charles Wesley. It emphasizes God’s grace offered to all, holiness of heart and life, and practical care for the poor.
Non-denominational
Non-denominational churches are independent congregations with no formal denominational parent. Most are evangelical, centered on the Bible and personal faith in Christ, but each sets its own doctrine and style, so practice varies more here than in any other group.
At a glance
Where they differ: Authority: Scripture and tradition; Baptism; Communion (the Lord’s Supper); Sacraments or ordinances; Church government; Style of worship.
Varies within one or both: Can a saved person fall away?; Predestination and free will; Clergy and women in ministry; The Holy Spirit and spiritual gifts.
Where they agree: Books of the Bible; The Trinity; How a person is saved; Mary and the saints; Death, purgatory and hell; Day of worship.
Side by side
| Question | Methodist | Non-denominational |
|---|---|---|
| Authority: Scripture and traditionDiffer | Scripture is primary, and is understood in light of tradition, reason and Christian experience. This fourfold method is called the Wesleyan Quadrilateral. | The Bible is the final authority, and each congregation interprets it for itself. Most hold to biblical inerrancy in some form. |
| Books of the BibleAgree | 66 books. The Apocrypha is not part of the canon. | 66 books. |
| The TrinityAgree | One God in three persons, in the historic creeds and in Wesley’s Articles of Religion. | Almost always Trinitarian, though statements of faith are set by each church. |
| How a person is savedAgree | Justified by grace through faith. Wesley also taught that God’s grace goes before conversion (prevenient grace) and leads to sanctification, growth in holiness that may be called “Christian perfection,” meaning perfect love. | Usually teaches salvation by grace through faith in Christ alone, received by a personal decision to trust him. Details are set by each church. |
| Can a saved person fall away?Varies | Yes. Wesley taught that a believer can fall from grace by persistent unbelief or sin, though he held that God is eager to restore. | Varies by church. Many teach eternal security, and others teach that salvation can be lost. |
| Predestination and free willVaries | Rejects Calvinist predestination. Grace is offered to everyone, and each person is free to accept or resist it, which is the Arminian position. | Varies by church. Some are Calvinist and many are Arminian or take no stand. |
| BaptismDiffer | A sacrament and sign of God’s grace. Both infants and adult believers are baptized, and the mode may be sprinkling, pouring or immersion. | Usually believer’s baptism by immersion, as a public witness. A few churches baptize infants or allow other modes. |
| Communion (the Lord’s Supper)Differ | Christ is truly present, but the manner is a holy mystery. The United Methodist Church rejects transubstantiation and does not define a theory. | Usually a memorial ordinance, observed as often as each church chooses. |
| Sacraments or ordinancesDiffer | Two sacraments, baptism and the Lord’s Supper. | Two ordinances, baptism and the Lord’s Supper. |
| Church governmentDiffer | A “connectional” system in which churches are bound in districts and conferences. The United Methodist Church has bishops, and some Methodist bodies do not. | Each church governs itself, generally under a pastor or a board of elders. |
| Clergy and women in ministryVaries | Women are ordained as pastors and bishops in the United Methodist Church and most other Methodist bodies. Clergy may marry. | Varies by church. Many limit pastors to men and others welcome women in leadership. |
| Mary and the saintsAgree | Mary and the saints are honored as models of faith. Methodists do not pray to them. | Mary is honored as the mother of Jesus. Non-denominational churches do not pray to saints. |
| Death, purgatory and hellAgree | Purgatory is rejected. Believers are with Christ at death and await the resurrection, and unbelievers face judgment. | Believers go to be with Christ at death and unbelievers face judgment. There is no purgatory. |
| Style of worshipDiffer | A mixture. Worship generally follows a set order with hymns (many by Charles Wesley), Scripture and preaching, and styles range from traditional to contemporary. | Free-form and often contemporary, with a band, a sermon and modern arrangements. Each church sets its own style. |
| The Holy Spirit and spiritual giftsVaries | The Spirit’s work is stressed in assurance and holiness. Attitudes to tongues and healing vary, and the Wesleyan holiness movement gave rise to Pentecostalism. | Varies. Some non-denominational churches are charismatic and others hold that miraculous gifts have ceased. |
| Day of worshipAgree | Sunday. | Sunday, with some churches also offering Saturday evening services. |
| Best known for | Warm-hearted evangelism, hymnody, holiness of life and social outreach through hospitals, schools and missions. | Independence, contemporary worship, a focus on personal faith and the Bible, and rapid growth as a share of American churchgoers. |
“Agree” means the two traditions take the same broad position, although the wording above may still note finer differences. “Varies” means at least one of the two is itself divided on the question, so no single position can be given. These summaries describe typical teaching, and individual churches may vary. For an authoritative statement, consult each denomination’s own confessions.
Learn more on this site
- The Inspiration and Inerrancy of Scripture
- The Reliability of Scripture
- Baptism
- What Does the Bible Say About Salvation?
- What Does the Bible Say About Worship?
- The Canon
- Textual Variants and "Lost Books" (Gnostic Gospels, Apocrypha)
- The Trinity
- The Deity of Christ
- Grace
- Justification
- Catholic Church
- Eastern Orthodox Church
- What Does the Bible Say About Heaven?
- What Does the Bible Say About Hell?
- What Does the Bible Say About Judgment Day?
- Sabbath
More comparisons
Methodist
Non-denominational
- Catholic vs. Non-denominational
- Eastern Orthodox vs. Non-denominational
- Lutheran vs. Non-denominational
- Presbyterian / Reformed vs. Non-denominational
- Anglican / Episcopal vs. Non-denominational
- Baptist vs. Non-denominational
- Anabaptist / Mennonite vs. Non-denominational
- Pentecostal vs. Non-denominational
- Seventh-day Adventist vs. Non-denominational
- Church of Christ vs. Non-denominational