What is the Difference Between Methodist and Presbyterian?

Methodist and Presbyterian are two distinct Christian denominations with different beliefs and practices. Some key differences between them include:

1. Salvation: Methodists believe in salvation by grace through faith, with the possibility of losing one's salvation by turning away from God. Presbyterians, on the other hand, believe in predestination and that one can only be justified by grace, as God has already predetermined who will be saved.
2. Governance: The primary difference between Presbyterians and Methodists is in governance. Presbyterians follow a more elder-centric approach, while Methodists have a pastor as their lead with a council as a backup.
3. Missionary Work: Methodists actively engage in missionary work, which is not as emphasized in Presbyterian churches.
4. Worship: Both denominations have a structured worship service, but Methodists focus more on traditional preaching and emphasize personal faith. Presbyterians have a stronger focus on the individual relationship with Jesus Christ.

Despite these differences, both denominations share some common features, such as belief in the Trinity, the deity of Jesus Christ, the inspiration and authority of Scripture, and the Second Coming. They both reject Catholic doctrines such as the authority of the papacy, communing with saints who are no longer living on Earth, including Mary, the mother of Jesus, and transubstantiation.

Comparative Table: Methodist vs Presbyterian

Here is a table comparing the differences between Methodist and Presbyterian beliefs and practices:

Both Methodist and Presbyterian denominations share several similarities, such as the rejection of the papacy's authority, the belief in the Trinity, and the emphasis on Christ as the head of the church and the sole mediator between God and humanity. However, they differ in their views on predestination, church governance, and worship styles.