| Subject | Date Asked |
|
| Transfer of Minister | 11/20/2009 |
Q: Witin a Methodist charge having 4 churches our PPR committee have indication from members that 2 of ...
A: Connie, Either approach would be valid. Is there not a charge-wide PPR? It might also be a ...
|
| Inter-Racial Families | 11/17/2009 |
Q: My family is an inter-racial family African American and White we have had many disappointment in ...
A: April, First let me say how sorry I am that you have not been accepted in the Lord's house. ...
|
| Penance. | 11/4/2009 |
Q: I am a non-practicing Catholic and my husband is a non-practicing Methodist. We are in agreement to ...
A: Jeanette, Working backwards, answering the last question first: We do not hold confession to be ...
|
| Over view of beliefs | 10/8/2009 |
Q: One of my friends just changed from catholic to methodist, she is much happier and attends chruch ...
A: Krissy, To be a United Methodist, you must attend a United Methodist church, request a transfer ...
|
| God's Law | 10/7/2009 |
Q: I’m searching for a certain denomination and was hoping that by contacting you, you could help me in ...
A: Craig, If you are open to the answer I am OK with this. If you just want to argue, you can go ...
|
| about baptism | 10/5/2009 |
Q: i was raised in a missionary baptist church as a child, and i never got baptized,but now i am a ...
A: Wesley, I can't imagine the depth or nature of the water matters to God. In the earliest ...
|
| Church Council Membership/Vote | 10/1/2009 |
Q: Can a church staff member who is also the membership secretary be permitted to vote on church ...
A: Linda, As I said before, every member of the congregation has a voice at such meetings, but only ...
|
| clergy divorce | 10/1/2009 |
Q: have the "laws" within the united methodist denomination on divorce changed recently? ps i myself ...
A: Kelli, Sounds like you are looking at "The Book Of Resolutions." I don't have one of those. ...
|
| clergy divorce | 9/30/2009 |
Q: have the "laws" within the united methodist denomination on divorce changed recently? ps i myself ...
A: Kelli, I am not sure what you mean by "recently." So far as I know there have been no ...
|
| Church Council Membership/Vote | 9/29/2009 |
Q: Can a church staff member who is also the membership secretary be permitted to vote on church ...
A: Linda, Paragraph 252.5 details the minimum membership of the council. It also gives the Charge ...
|
| Methodist paraments | 9/29/2009 |
Q: When should the altar cloths colors be changed in a United Methodist Church? Please tell me for the ...
A: Kathy, There are no hard and fast dates for changing the paraments. There are suggestions in ...
|
| terminology | 9/28/2009 |
Q: What does one call the various cloth coverings over the pulpit and sacremental table used in ...
A: Ross, The general term for the fancy stuff is "paraments." They are sometimes referred to as ...
|
| Filing a GCSRW Report for sexual ethics misconduct | 9/24/2009 |
Q: Elder Tucker. What UMC Church Policy text(s)/volume(s)/book(s) would be good for me to own as ...
A: orbal1, From our "corporate" web site, www.umc.org, I have this information: How to file a ...
|
| baptism | 9/24/2009 |
Q: We recently have been going to a Methodist church and I know that Methodists use three methods for ...
A: Frank, If Jesus was ankle deep in the river, he would have been said to be coming out of the ...
|
| Marriage | 9/24/2009 |
Q: If a couple came to you and said they wanted to be married in the eyes of their friends, their ...
A: Julie, Unfortunately, in Indiana, it isn't officially a wedding unless there is a license. It ...
|
| SPRC & Pastor Salary | 9/23/2009 |
Q: There is no problem or discontent with our pastor's salary; my question where in the 08 Book of ...
A: Sandra, Paragraph 252.4.d lists among the responsibilities of the Church Council recommending ...
|
| Lutheran - ELCA vs United Methodist | 9/18/2009 |
Q: I was raised Catholic and my husband was raise Lutheran (ELCA) and to top it off were married by my ...
A: Stace, There are fewer differences between the ELCA and the UMC than there are between the ...
|
| Cremation/United Methodist Doctrine | 9/16/2009 |
Q: What is the position of the United Methodist Church as pertains to cremation interment, and more ...
A: Michael, As far as I can find, neither The Discipline, nor The Book Of Worship specifically ...
|
| UMC funding of RCRC | 9/8/2009 |
Q: I am interested in joining my local United Methodist Church. I am strongly pro life and have some ...
A: John, This troubles most of us greatly, and we struggle every four years to get it stopped. If ...
|
| receiving communion | 9/8/2009 |
Q: I am a confirmed Methodist. If I brought a friend to the Methodist Church who is a Catholic and the ...
A: Lesa, In some circles, where they haven't accepted the news that we are no longer outcasts, but ...
|
| Eternal Security | 8/29/2009 |
Q: I was saved, baptized, and accepted Jesus Christ as my lord and savior when I was about 12 or 13. I ...
A: Greg, Keep reading the Bible, and start putting into practice what you read. If you are still ...
|
| proper attire for baptism | 8/28/2009 |
Q: My daughters and I have very recently joined the UMC. The girls (ages 3yrs and 6mths) are being ...
A: Gretchen, Your local congregation may have its own unique customs, but generally children wear ...
|
| Methodist/Baptist | 8/24/2009 |
Q: Are there any major differences between Methodist and Baptist? What is the reason for lighting the ...
A: Brittany, The most obvious differences between Methodists and Baptists are organizational. We ...
|
| old law | 8/20/2009 |
Q: I have had a Jewish person tell me that the New Covenant cannot replace the Old Covenant because the ...
A: Alex, Intriguing question. Thanks for asking. The New Testament is called New because of ...
|
| church committees | 8/19/2009 |
Q: Is it ok for the spouse of church employees to be on church committee and is there any committee ...
A: Lee, I know of no restrictions for spousal committee membership other than SPRC. It would ...
|
| Abortion | 8/15/2009 |
Q: What is the United Methodist Church's current and complete position on abortion, i.e. partial birth ...
A: Terry, We hold that God sets the boundaries of human existence through birth and death. While ...
|
| Converting from Mormonism | 8/14/2009 |
Q: I want to join a local UMC. Is it necessary to be re-baptized to join the UMC since my baptism was ...
A: Chris, I looked in The Book Of Discipline, and can't find any mention of Mormons. I have ...
|
| Trustees of the Churh | 8/12/2009 |
Q: In our church the Official Board is known as "The Round Table". All the committee chairs are voting ...
A: Ruth, The Round Table can establish a fund specifically for the Trustees, or can set limits for ...
|
| "Supply Pastor" update? | 8/10/2009 |
Q: Any further explanation regarding the original question? Thanks
A: Russ, I have the answer finally. Supply pastors are lay people who have the desire and the time ...
|
| Confusion | 8/4/2009 |
Q: My question might not appear related to the doxa/cult itself, but I am really confused about it. ...
A: Nina, Sexual contact, sexual intimacy where genitals are involved is reserved for marriage. ...
|
| supply pastor? | 8/3/2009 |
Q: A number of pastors in Indiana have the designation "supply pastor." What does this mean and what ...
A: Russ, You are correct that SY means "Supply Pastor." I have emailed one of the supply persons ...
|
| "Supply Pastor" | 7/31/2009 |
Q: A number of pastors in Indiana have the designation "supply pastor." What does this mean and what ...
A: Russ, I will have to look further into this somehow. The current Discipline says only that the ...
|
| Other religions. | 7/29/2009 |
Q: This is a two part question..... I am not a methodist but would like to know what the core beliefs ...
A: Jim, Sorry for the delay. United Methodists are part of the continuing Protestant Reformation. ...
|
| Death | 7/12/2009 |
Q: If you are methodist when you pass can you be pass though a catholic church when you die
A: Mary, I am not entirely certain of your question. I think you are asking if a Methodist can ...
|
| candles | 7/9/2009 |
Q: Must the candles be white and if so, why? Must there be candles and an altar and a cross in a ...
A: kc, I can only speak of the United Methodist Church with any authority. I have never in all my ...
|
| candles | 7/8/2009 |
Q: Must the candles be white and if so, why? Must there be candles and an altar and a cross in a ...
A: kc, No, the candles do not *have* to be white. In fact, if they have much more than 20% ...
|
| salvation video | 7/7/2009 |
Q: my friend & I decided to make a YouTube video based on an idea I saw on the Alpha Project. Would ...
A: Greg, The idea of the building is great. I especially like the "Comparison Chart." But you ...
|
| Converting | 7/6/2009 |
Q: I was born and raised Jewish. Ten years ago I became a believer and subsequently converted to ...
A: Susan, I am guessing here, but I suspect that you were baptized into the name of Jesus, only. ...
|
| Rebaptisium | 7/6/2009 |
Q: I was rebaptized as a Metodist as an adult. I had no choice as a baby. Our Paster or refusing to ...
A: Billie, We have a number of ways to reaffirm our baptismal covenant short of re-baptism. For ...
|
| baptism of babies | 7/3/2009 |
Q: Are Methodists pastors obligued to baptize babies or is it optional(for pastors)?
A: Miguel, United Methodist pastors have the authority to decide whether or not they will ...
|
| holy club questions | 7/1/2009 |
Q: I heard at one time that John and/or Charles Wesley has a set of questions they asked themselves ...
A: Cynthia, These are John Wesley's self-examination questions. Some of them stemmed from his days ...
|
| Duties of the Chairperson on Finance | 6/18/2009 |
Q: We have a very small church with about 270 on roll but only 70 in attendance each Sunday. Many ...
A: Petra, I have not yet read the new Discipline, but unless it was changed in 2008, there is no ...
|
| resigning membership | 6/9/2009 |
Q: I would like to resign from my membership in a Methodist church. At this time, I have no plans to ...
A: Audrey, I am sure you have your reasons for not attending or participating. Write or call the ...
|
| Lighting of Altar Candles | 6/2/2009 |
Q: Is there a specific order in which you light and put out the candles and if so why?
A: Amy, Generally, the candles are lighted at the beginning of worship and extinguished at the end. ...
|
| Constitutional Amendment I - another question | 5/30/2009 |
Q: I have a couple more questions regarding Amendment I. How common is it for a UMC pastor to sincerely ...
A: Russ, Sorry, I was focused on the other part of the question. I can't speak for all pastors. I ...
|
| Constitutional Amendment I - another question | 5/29/2009 |
Q: I have a couple more questions regarding Amendment I. How common is it for a UMC pastor to sincerely ...
A: Russ, This amendment of Paragraph 4 has nothing to do with a pastor's duties, or with a ...
|
| Saints | 5/27/2009 |
Q: Why aren't there any saints in the methodist?
A: Glen, Thanks for asking. United Methodists are one in a long line of Protestant denominations. ...
|
| Acceptable Use of UMC Buildings | 5/18/2009 |
Q: Are there any UMC regulations for or against the use of a UMC sanctuary for the worship use of a ...
A: Rene' Sorry for the delay. I'm still officially on vacation status. There are congregations ...
|
| ministry | 5/17/2009 |
Q: How do I become a methodist minister?
A: Peyton, The first thing you have to do is to be a member in good standing for a year. Then you ...
|
| baptism | 5/14/2009 |
Q: I don't know what to do about my children. I didn't have my babies baptized. I wasn't a member of a ...
A: Amanda, I can't know if another person is saved. One of our United Methodist beliefs is that ...
|
| baptism | 5/14/2009 |
Q: I don't know what to do about my children. I didn't have my babies baptized. I wasn't a member of a ...
A: Amanda, It is never too late for a baptism. We do not expect everyone who is baptized to have ...
|
| cross | 5/14/2009 |
Q: Is it written somewhere that the Methodist Church can have only one cross in their sanctuary?
A: Vickie, If it is written somewhere, I have never seen it. Typically, you will find one cross ...
|
| Methodist vs. Catholic | 5/6/2009 |
Q: Does your Church celebrate any Feast days, Holy days, or do you celebrate the Liturgical seasons as ...
A: Victoria, It's not that we doubt the existence of saints, only that we hold a doctrine of equal ...
|
| The Devil | 5/5/2009 |
Q: Do we United Methodist believe in a literal devil? Does he appear in Genesis as the serpent? And how ...
A: Mike, Our official position is that Satan is a real being, a literal devil. We hold this ...
|
| question | 4/30/2009 |
Q: Pastor Tucker, I was looking at your profile when I asked you a question earlier, and one of the ...
A: Erich, I don't usually dwell on negatives, but I can share that there are clergy and laity alike ...
|
| Baptism | 4/30/2009 |
Q: Pastor Tucker, I am hoping that you can answer a question for me about Baptism. I am a United ...
A: Erich, In Acts 2:38 Peter tells the assembled crowd that they must repent and be baptized in the ...
|
| what is methodist | 4/28/2009 |
Q: i would like to ask you a question? me and my friend miheala would like to know what the religion ...
A: Hayley, Methodists, or more correctly United Methodists in my case, are Christians who take a ...
|
| PSPR | 4/14/2009 |
Q: I noticed that you answered a question about PSPR being allowed to have a closed meeting. Can PSPR ...
A: Shelly, The PSPR may have a closed meeting. Closed means members only. Now, it is true that ...
|
| building of a new church | 4/11/2009 |
Q: Pastor Wayne, My church is building a new church. Things have not gone as planned with the selling ...
A: Kathy, You would take your concerns to the Pastor and ask who in your congregation is going to ...
|
| The Book of Discipline | 4/9/2009 |
Q: Is The Book of Discipline intended to be a "rule book," i.e. a set of expectations for the entire ...
A: Russ, As I said, "Sometimes they succeed." More often they do not succeed. Too many of the ...
|
| The Book of Discipline | 4/8/2009 |
Q: Is The Book of Discipline intended to be a "rule book," i.e. a set of expectations for the entire ...
A: Russ, The short answer is "both." There are UM's who take the book as law. There are those who ...
|
| preacher retirement from the United Methodist | 3/30/2009 |
Q: I recently heard that when a pastor retired from the United Methodist ministry that he is not ...
A: Joan, I don't know who said that, but they were incorrect. Our pensions are immediately vested. ...
|
| SPRC Matters | 3/25/2009 |
Q: I noticed in an answer to a previous question that the Lay Leader does not have a vote in SPRC ...
A: Linda, Thank you for understanding. In the 21 years I have been a pastor there have been five ...
|
| SPRC Matters | 3/24/2009 |
Q: I noticed in an answer to a previous question that the Lay Leader does not have a vote in SPRC ...
A: Linda, I must apologize. At some point the Discipline has been changed and the Lay Leader and ...
|
| Trustees | 3/23/2009 |
Q: I have a two part question. The first part of my question is this, if you have a verbal agreement ...
A: George, If the Trustees have voted on plan A, and later a donation comes in for plan B, anyone ...
|
| Follow-up question | 3/20/2009 |
Q: If you wouldn't want to come back, do you think it is because we didn't love them enough or they ...
A: Kathy, Not wanting to come back has nothing at all to do with how much we love them or how much ...
|
| Trustees | 3/20/2009 |
Q: I have a two part question. The first part of my question is this, if you have a verbal agreement ...
A: George, I can only speak for Indiana on the Trustee election matter. In Indiana, the trustees' ...
|
| Where do we go when we die | 3/20/2009 |
Q: Do we go somewhere or are we just asleep or nothing. I read the book 90 minutes in heaven and ...
A: Kathy, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I can only imagine what you are going through. I ...
|
| ppr committee | 3/18/2009 |
Q: is the methodist minister allowed to call a private meeting with the ppr committee?
A: Debi, Either the pastor or the PPR may call a private committee meeting. The technical term is ...
|
| finance committee chairman duties | 3/14/2009 |
Q: I am a member of a small town church. We recieved a new preacher over a year ago and have had some ...
A: Kelly, Two things. First, it isn't your church. The church is God's and will be preserved ...
|
| Worried about my father's Marriage | 2/28/2009 |
Q: My father is bi-polar and is being treated for depression and alcoholism. He his to be married this ...
A: Richard, My best advice is to suggest that you and your siblings consult an attorney who ...
|
| holy communion | 2/22/2009 |
Q: why is communion done one or twice a month instead of every week.
A: Carol, In the distant past were the circuit riders, who offered the sacrament once a week. On ...
|
| religion | 2/14/2009 |
Q: Do methodist worship Mary
A: Barb, United Methodists worship God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. That leaves no room for ...
|
| Janitorial Contract | 2/12/2009 |
Q: Who is responsible for managing the janitorial and landscaping services for the church? Allan ...
A: Allan, If I hire you to clean the building in a prescribed manner by a set time week after week, ...
|
| Bank Loan | 2/11/2009 |
Q: Pastor Wayne, If the local church plans to obtain a loan from a bank, using the parsonage as ...
A: Allan, Each Annual Conference is slightly different, but most have money to lend to member ...
|
| Janitorial Contract | 2/11/2009 |
Q: Who is responsible for managing the janitorial and landscaping services for the church? Allan
A: Allan, It will be either the Trustees alone, or the Trustees with PPR. If the person is a ...
|
| Bank Loan | 2/11/2009 |
Q: Pastor Wayne, If the local church plans to obtain a loan from a bank, using the parsonage as ...
A: Allan, The usual progression is this: The Council decides that a loan is needed, and directs ...
|
| What is the Pastor's role? | 2/7/2009 |
Q: Can a pastor positively or negatively influence staff hirings or firings?
A: Len, Short answer? Yes. A United Methodist pastor sits on the Pastor/Staff Parish Committee. ...
|
| Pastor not beign able to vote as a member of PPR | 2/3/2009 |
Q: Where in the Book of Discipline does it say that the Pastor cannot vote as a member of the PPR ...
A: Shelly, Sorry again for the delay. According to Paragraph 259.2.a the pastor is not a member of ...
|
| early United Methodist History | 1/28/2009 |
Q: Why was John Wesley ejected from or not asked back to Anglican churches in which he preached early ...
A: Brad, There are several reasons that we know of. Among them, he preached that God's grace was ...
|
| The original language of public worship | 1/27/2009 |
Q: For public services and masses what would be the language used when Methodism first became ...
A: Gregory, John and Charles Wesley were Englishmen. They wrote and spoke in English. English is ...
|
| Attending the UMC | 1/25/2009 |
Q: I was raised as a Catholic but I've decided that I want to convert so I started attending the UMC. ...
A: J, No, you will not become a United Methodist simply by attending. There is a process by which ...
|
| baptized | 1/23/2009 |
Q: I was raised in a Methodist church when I was younger. I never was baptized as an infant. I am the ...
A: Wendy, Depends on what you choose. The usual "Here Comes The Bride" is not sacred, as far as I ...
|
| baptized | 1/23/2009 |
Q: I was raised in a Methodist church when I was younger. I never was baptized as an infant. I am the ...
A: Wendy, You'll need to discuss your baptismal state (not baptized) with the Lutheran pastor who ...
|
| Pastor's personal vehicle | 1/23/2009 |
Q: My pastor wanted a "personal opinion" about the church purchasing a vehicle that would be his, and ...
A: Susan, Sales tax laws vary from state to state. I can't help you on that matter. The Trustees ...
|
| Parsonage | 1/22/2009 |
Q: My understanding is the church (congregation) owns the parsonage and the land the parsonage is on. ...
A: Allan, The matter is DEFINITELY worth revisiting. I cannot understand for the life of me why ...
|
| Parsonage | 1/20/2009 |
Q: My understanding is the church (congregation) owns the parsonage and the land the parsonage is on. ...
A: Allan, 1. Check paragraphs 2501 through 2503 for the Trust Clause language. 2. The Trustees ...
|
| Apportionments | 1/20/2009 |
Q: "According to the Book of Discipline: World Service is “the first benevolent responsibility of the ...
A: Allan, Everyone in on a fixed income. Don't believe me? Go to your boss and ask for a raise. ...
|
| Apportionments | 1/19/2009 |
Q: "According to the Book of Discipline: World Service is “the first benevolent responsibility of the ...
A: Allan, DS's are required to send those letters. They know full well that the letter isn't going ...
|
| Parsonage | 1/19/2009 |
Q: My understanding is the church (congregation) owns the parsonage and the land the parsonage is on. ...
A: Allan, Your understanding of the trust clause, like that of many United Methodists, is flawed. ...
|
| Apportionments | 1/19/2009 |
Q: "According to the Book of Discipline: World Service is “the first benevolent responsibility of the ...
A: Allan, What I, personally, consider mandatory is of no importance whatsoever. It is the ...
|
| PPR or SPR? | 1/16/2009 |
Q: When is appropriate to use either a PPR or SPR in referring to the committee in charge of personnel ...
A: Len, If there is only the pastor, and no other persons are paid by the congregation, then PPR ...
|
| Staff Positions | 1/16/2009 |
Q: Does the pastor set aside or affect a decision to fire a custodian?
A: Len, It would be extraordinarily unusual for a pastor to attempt to set aside any decision of ...
|
| Committees | 1/16/2009 |
Q: 1. What is the difference between SPRC and PPR and do the same people sit on the committee? 2. Is ...
A: Allan, Some of it is spelled out. Some of it is just common sense. I'll get you a fuller ...
|
| SPRC Chairperson | 1/15/2009 |
Q: Below is a response regarding this question - question - Is this an appointment/selection that a ...
A: Donna, The Pastor can do that, but should not. "The Discipline" allows for the Lay Leadership ...
|
| SPRC Chairperson | 1/15/2009 |
Q: Below is a response regarding this question - question - Is this an appointment/selection that a ...
A: Donna, Regrettably, there are some few UM pastors who bypass the Lay Leadership Committee ...
|
| Committees | 1/15/2009 |
Q: 1. What is the difference between SPRC and PPR and do the same people sit on the committee? 2. Is ...
A: Allan, 1.) An SPRC and a PPR are different manes for the same function. The S in SPRC stands for ...
|
| SPR - Minister Involvement in Staff Evaluations | 1/11/2009 |
Q: At the last SPR meeting, our minister mentioned that he would like to attend upcoming staff ...
A: Tom, Unless your congregation establishes a policy concerning who attends evaluation meetings, ...
|
| baptism | 1/7/2009 |
Q: can a child be baptised in a catholic church after being batised in a methodist church. due to ...
A: Sylvia, You would have to ask the priest of that parish. For our part, we recognize the eternal ...
|
| cross | 1/6/2009 |
Q: What does the three steps on the altar cross represent?
A: Juliet, I like new questions. Thanks for asking. The three "steps" on the altar cross are ...
|
| Prayer of Confession before Communion | 12/26/2008 |
Q: I do not have a Methodist Hymnal available, so I need to know about the Prayer of Confession before ...
A: Tommy, The Hymnal contains two different formal prayers of confession for Communion. The newer ...
|
| two questions | 12/24/2008 |
Q: my first is that i was baptised and recieved holy communion by a catholic church does the methodist ...
A: Annie, Yes, the United Methodist Church has communion, but typically only on the first Sunday of ...
|
| Catholisism Vs. Methodist Faith | 12/23/2008 |
Q: Let me begin by saying that I was raised as a Catholic by my devout father and grandmother. I never ...
A: Elizabeth, You are one brave young lady; let me say that up front. I have been on several ASP ...
|
| Staff Parish Relations Committee | 12/19/2008 |
Q: Who appoints the chairman of the SPRC, is is the members of the committee, the Ad Bd. or the ...
A: Jane, According to "The Discipline" the Lay Leadership Committee may select the Chair of SPRC, ...
|
| Trustee authority | 12/16/2008 |
Q: What part does the minister play on committees especially the trustees. I guess what I am asking is ...
A: Mark, Unless the pastor is elected to the committee, he or she has no vote at the meeting. ...
|
| what makes this religion so distinct? | 12/12/2008 |
Q: When researching the beliefs and history of methodism, I was wondering what made the denomination ...
A: Jordan, Thanks for looking into us, and thanks for asking. A few of our distinctive doctrines ...
|
| Raised Southern Baptist, considering converting to Methodist | 11/30/2008 |
Q: Tucker, I was raised Souther Baptist, but after attending college and starting my own family I ...
A: Tesha, Sounds like you are finding a home for your spiritual development. I am happy it is with ...
|
| Geoege H W Bush church attendance | 11/28/2008 |
Q: Did the first president Bush attend church while president I am told his son did not. I am also told ...
A: Deborah, I remember pictures of Ronald Regan leaving one church or another during his ...
|
| baptism vs dedication | 11/27/2008 |
Q: I read your answer to Tom on the two practices of baptism and dedication and am a little confused. ...
A: Lynnel By "bottom up" I mean that dedication is all about what we do, with the intent of ...
|
| teachings | 11/24/2008 |
Q: What is the list of the verses, of what chapters., of what books, of the Bible, that your Methodist ...
A: Allen, That one's easy. We are on the web at www.umc.org. The site is fairly easy to navigate, ...
|
| teachings | 11/23/2008 |
Q: What is the list of the verses, of what chapters., of what books, of the Bible, that your Methodist ...
A: Allen, Unfortunately, no such list exists. Our doctrine holds that "the Scriptures of the Old ...
|
| communion | 11/15/2008 |
Q: Brother Tucker - I recently had a Roman Cathoic friend as an overnight guest. When I offered ...
A: R.C. Good to hear from you again. With most of the Protestant side of Christianity, we place ...
|
| different faiths. | 11/11/2008 |
Q: I have been talking with this man for awhile now, he found out that i am Methodist. Now he doses not ...
A: Meredith, The Church of Christ movement started less than a century ago, claiming to be ...
|
| sunday obligation | 11/10/2008 |
Q: My dad is dating a Methodist woman and we are unclear about the Sunday obligation for this church. ...
A: Tereea, We don't have designated days of obligation. Not even Sundays. We call on our members ...
|
| ordaination | 11/6/2008 |
Q: I am a baptist minister with an M. Div degree but have become discontented with baptist life. What ...
A: Mike, I am saddened to hear that your heart is distressed. This cannot be a joyous time for ...
|
| Baptism Doctrine | 10/30/2008 |
Q: I have a question about the Methodist doctrine and interpretation of act of baptism, immersion or ...
A: Ken, We hold that Peter makes it clear that the amount of water is not an issue. 1 Peter 3 ...
|
| satan state of mind | 10/27/2008 |
Q: Christians believe that Satan is an actual entity, will you please tell me how "Satan" works? can he ...
A: Connor, Jesus referred to Satan as an actual entity, a present reality. All those attributes ...
|
| role of the pastor | 10/26/2008 |
Q: What is the role of the pastor in relationship to the finance committee? Our pastor (of 1 1/2 ...
A: Louise, By virtue of his office, a United Methodist pastor is a member the Finance Committee. ...
|
| morning star | 10/25/2008 |
Q: excuse me if im wrong but wasnt lucifer the morning star first? and then jesus claims to the ...
A: Connor, Lucifer means "Carrier of Light." He was an angel, of the same order as Michael or ...
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| PPRC Chair | 10/24/2008 |
Q: Can the Lay Leader be the chair of the PPRC without being a PPRC class member?
A: Grady, It would be highly unusual. The Lay Leader is a member of the PPRC by virtue of their ...
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| Meaning of Life | 10/23/2008 |
Q: What is the meaning of life according to the Bible?
A: Eddie, This is a first. No one has asked this one before. I think the meaning can be summed up ...
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| bible | 10/20/2008 |
Q: what is the purpose of various 'spaces' inside the building that the people of your community of ...
A: Salinita, Individual spaces, rooms, within a building are there for simple convenience. It is ...
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| reformation | 10/20/2008 |
Q: If the Methodist Church is branch of the Church of England, and Henry VIII started it for his own ...
A: Glen, Because Wesley among others found fault with a number of Catholic teachings when compared ...
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| why doesnt the church stop members from consuming alcoholic beverages | 10/20/2008 |
Q: When i was being raised in the Methodist Church i was always taught not to imbibe alcoholic ...
A: John, Over the years, the General Conference has softened the stand on any number of social and ...
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| catholic | 10/8/2008 |
Q: did the methodist religion break off from the catholics?
A: Debbie, We are not a direct break from the Roman Catholic Church, but we are related. The ...
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| marriage | 9/30/2008 |
Q: Can a divorced person get married in a methodist church or do they have to have an annulment as in ...
A: Kelly, That depends entirely on the "stripe" of Methodist in question. In the United Methodist ...
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| Birth control | 9/29/2008 |
Q: I am currently a methodist but i do not recall them saying weather they believe that birth control ...
A: Sandra, In the Social Principles, Paragraph 162, section I of the Discipline, we state that it ...
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| Confused about denominations | 9/28/2008 |
Q: I was wondering what the difference is in Methodist and Baptist beliefs. I was raised in a baptist ...
A: Manda, The principal difference between United Methodist beliefs and Baptist beliefs is we have ...
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| Communion | 9/25/2008 |
Q: In our church we have an ongoing debate regarding the consecration of elements. Must a pastor (UMC) ...
A: Sharon, The old answer does not look like one of mine. I rarely quote from the Discipline, nor ...
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| Conformation | 9/23/2008 |
Q: In school we are studying conformation, and I was wondering what are the main events that take place ...
A: Lily, I will presume you mean 'confirmation' with an i, and not 'conformation' with an o. In ...
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| How are Methodists and Protestants alike? | 9/8/2008 |
Q: Tucker, Thank you in advance for your time. I do appreciate it. I was raised with a very limited ...
A: James, 'Protestant' refers to any organized Christian group whose roots do not predate Luther. ...
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| Denomination of Protestants | 9/1/2008 |
Q: Why Protestant have so much so denominations? like Catholic and Orthodox have no sub denominations ...
A: Nick, Because, sadly, once we began protesting some errors, we kept finding others we had ...
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| Blocking view of the sanctuary cross | 8/28/2008 |
Q: Our United Methodist Church is torn as to whether or not the infrequent placement of a white ...
A: Roland, In my humble opinion, the people objecting the loudest are on the verge of idolatry. ...
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| God command of killing | 8/26/2008 |
Q: An Atheist asked me if your God Jesus is love and love us then why He command Saul to killed every ...
A: Nick, Ask this atheist/agnostic why he gets to define love for the rest of the universe? How ...
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| Methodist membership | 8/26/2008 |
Q: My wife and I are currently Episcopalians in the SC diocese. As you know, the church has been torn ...
A: Bill, We are saved by grace, through faith. Nothing else is required of us. The process of ...
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| God command of killing | 8/26/2008 |
Q: An Atheist asked me if your God Jesus is love and love us then why He command Saul to killed every ...
A: Nick, The Amalekites had free will, and could have chosen to be kind and just toward the ...
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| God command of killing | 8/25/2008 |
Q: An Atheist asked me if your God Jesus is love and love us then why He command Saul to killed every ...
A: Nick, Ask your atheist this question. If they have an infection, do they want an antibiotic ...
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| Throne and Lamb | 8/21/2008 |
Q: according to Methodists Church Who is sit on the Throne in Revelation 4:10 and who is the lamb in ...
A: Nick, Our standard of thought on these matters is "In essentials unity, in non-essentials ...
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| alter call | 8/18/2008 |
Q: Our UMC church is very conservative and preaches salvation very nicely. However, they will not even ...
A: Don, Why no altar call? Because they have forgotten their Wesleyan roots. Somewhere back in ...
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| Deacon-Elders in the UMC vs SBC | 8/18/2008 |
Q: I am confused. In the Southern Baptist Convention a lay person can not become a Deacon if they are ...
A: John, You are correct. A United Methodist Pastor is the Chair of only the Lay Leadership ...
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| Deacon-Elders in the UMC vs SBC | 8/17/2008 |
Q: I am confused. In the Southern Baptist Convention a lay person can not become a Deacon if they are ...
A: John, Question 1.) We have both Deacons and Elders, but they are both ordained positions. One ...
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| About Paradise and Hell | 8/14/2008 |
Q: Will People of Paradise and Hell Physical What is Methodist views on catholic bible ?
A: Nick, I don't know what happened there. I hit the button to answer the question and the site ...
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| Gay Marriages | 8/10/2008 |
Q: Methodist allow gay marriages? how many percentage of Pastors support gay marriages and are gays ? ...
A: Nick, If that happens, there will be a split in the church, if such a split has not already ...
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| Gay Marriages | 8/9/2008 |
Q: Methodist allow gay marriages? how many percentage of Pastors support gay marriages and are gays ? ...
A: Nick, By no means did "most" of the pastors protest against the language in the Discipline. ...
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| Gay Marriages | 8/8/2008 |
Q: Methodist allow gay marriages? how many percentage of Pastors support gay marriages and are gays ?
A: Nick, Conducting a same-sex union, or even allowing one's facilities to be used for one, is ...
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| Emmaus Communitites | 7/19/2008 |
Q: I am a member of Simi Valley Presbyterian church in Ca. I have been asked to write letters for ...
A: Dorissa, The Biblical basis is found in Luke 24:25-32. Two disciples were downcast on the day ...
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| Salvation and our Methodist beliefs | 7/18/2008 |
Q: Wayne, I am an active member of a UMC here in Arkansas and love my faith! I am going through a ...
A: David, If she trusts in Christ for the salvation of her soul, no matter what questions she may ...
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| Faith has no part in salvation? | 7/17/2008 |
Q: Wayne, You responded to someone who was arguing against women pastors when you said that works has ...
A: James, If we read the scriptures we find no structures erected as church buildings, yet there ...
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| Emmaus Communitites | 7/17/2008 |
Q: I am a member of Simi Valley Presbyterian church in Ca. I have been asked to write letters for ...
A: Dorissa, I can't speak for Emmaus, or for any continuation group within the wider community. I ...
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| Faith has no part in salvation? | 7/16/2008 |
Q: Wayne, You responded to someone who was arguing against women pastors when you said that works has ...
A: James, When I answer questions, I am doing so from a United Methodist, Wesleyan theological ...
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| Member Discipline | 7/14/2008 |
Q: Two questions. 1. What will be a due process from the book of discipline to discipline a member ...
A: David, I am sorry that I have taken so long to get back to you. Our Book of Discipline says ...
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| hOLY COMMUNION | 7/11/2008 |
Q: tUCKER THIS PAST SUNDAY, i VISITED A mETHODIST CHURCH that was having a communion service, since it ...
A: Lucia, The ritual of which you speak was a part of the old Methodist Church Communion service. ...
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| Member Discipline | 7/11/2008 |
Q: Two questions. 1. What will be a due process from the book of discipline to discipline a member ...
A: David, I am not sure what you mean by "Christian misconduct." Since I don't know which parts ...
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| Church Names | 6/23/2008 |
Q: I live in a very small town, we have three churches. One church has a weekly attendance of 4 people, ...
A: Nancy, First, let me say that combining the churches is a marvelous idea. Second, let me say ...
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| kneeling | 6/20/2008 |
Q: Why dont the umc think that it is important to kneel befotr the lord? Why do catholics kneel? Do ...
A: Gary, Thanks for asking. Actually, in some UMC's we do kneel frequently. Kneeling is one ...
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| Baptism? | 6/18/2008 |
Q: I am Roman Catholic but I am marrying a methodist in his church. We are planning to have children ...
A: Sara, Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! These are exciting times. If someone hasn't ...
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| Christening | 6/2/2008 |
Q: I am a South African Citizen living in Gauteng. I am Dutch Reform of religion and my wife a ...
A: Faan du Toit, Congratulations on your marriage! If your newborn is to grow up as a Methodist, ...
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| Women as pastors | 5/25/2008 |
Q: I am having a hard time finding evidence in the Bible of support for women as pastors. Paul, I ...
A: Stephanie, I have never been certain Paul was correct about the events in Eden. If he is wrong, ...
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| Women as pastors | 5/25/2008 |
Q: I am having a hard time finding evidence in the Bible of support for women as pastors. Paul, I ...
A: Stephanie, There are several places we look for guidance. Paul was also clear when he thanked ...
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| Profit from the gospel | 5/13/2008 |
Q: I have been a christian and a methodist all my life, and a Sunday School teacher and youth leader ...
A: Kurt, Paul complains about preachers who were in it for the money only. Even so, he admitted ...
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| Confession | 5/1/2008 |
Q: "I've been told that Methodist only confess sin directly to God. "Q: Why do Catholics confess ...
A: Jacob, What you have been told is not entirely true. United Methodists most certainly confess ...
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| doctrine | 4/11/2008 |
Q: Hey Wayne, I am a pastor in a Free Methodist church. I recently received a phone call from a member ...
A: Pastor Dean, Thank you for asking. My heart is heavy these days with the rampant apostasy - ...
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| communion | 4/7/2008 |
Q: We had communion today in our UM church where we stood in line, received & dipped bread into a ...
A: Jon Saul, The procedure is called "intinction." There may be sanitary reasons for doing it ...
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| UM membership termination | 4/6/2008 |
Q: I have a longtime Mehodist friend that starting visiting a new church 4 months ago.Today she got a ...
A: Ben, It is Paragraph 241. "If a pastor is informed that a member has without notice united with ...
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| UM membership termination | 4/4/2008 |
Q: I have a longtime Mehodist friend that starting visiting a new church 4 months ago.Today she got a ...
A: Ben, I don't have the exact paragraph in front of me, but the Discipline permits a pastor to ...
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| Woman Preachers | 4/2/2008 |
Q: I know of several Methodists churches that have Woman Pastors. What is your opinion of 1 Timothy 2 ...
A: Curt, If you don't want to be a United Methodist, there is nothing I can do to stop you. You ...
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| Woman Preachers | 3/28/2008 |
Q: I know of several Methodists churches that have Woman Pastors. What is your opinion of 1 Timothy 2 ...
A: Curt, We have to balance those few passages with the many others where Paul thanks the women who ...
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| Ministerial Finances | 3/27/2008 |
Q: Mr. Tucker: Who in a Methodist Church has access to the church's money? (I would assume that each ...
A: Jean, Every United Methodist Church is required to have a Finance Committee. Their ...
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| affirmation of faith | 3/23/2008 |
Q: I went to a Methodist Easter service today (I was invited by a dear neighbor). I was raised in the ...
A: Anke, Thanks for asking. You will note that the word 'catholic' in the creed is lower case. It ...
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| methodist and wesleyan methodist | 3/15/2008 |
Q: Could you please explain the difference between Methodist and Wesleyan Methodist,and is it ok to ...
A: Lori, Back in 1843, the Wesleyan Methodist Church branched off of the main Methodist movement ...
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| Baptism | 3/11/2008 |
Q: What would you say to my husband who is refusing to attend the baptism of our Granddaughter because ...
A: Patti, I would tell him to go. The UMC recognizes the validity of baptism in all modes, and in ...
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| Methodist Communion | 3/9/2008 |
Q: Hey again! I got a question about how the Methodists practise communion and their beliefs about it!
A: Kat, We practice communion is a variety of ways. We may use leavened or unleavened bread. It ...
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| Methodist Church beliefs and description | 3/9/2008 |
Q: I need to know what does a Methodist Church look like inside and how does it differ from other ...
A: Kat, Thanks for asking. In a United Methodist church you will usually see musical instruments, ...
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| revelation | 3/7/2008 |
Q: I am in a bible study on Revelations. We are using the Efrid Bible study book. I have always ...
A: deeta, Some of us take the Bible at face value, others do not. Some take the language in the ...
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| Why couldn't you answer my question? | 2/28/2008 |
Q: If this isn't the person I sent this question to at first, I'm sorry, can you please back up your ...
A: David, This is my first time to see your comments attached to my answer to Eric's questions. ...
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| UMC and baptism | 2/23/2008 |
Q: I come from primarily a non-denominational and Baptist background. I have two series of questions ...
A: Bill, Thanks for asking. The simple fact is that the Scriptures give us absolutely no explicit ...
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| Many questions? | 2/20/2008 |
Q: my name is Eric. I am a member of the church of Christ and I used to attend a UMC. I left when I ...
A: Eric, Just a quick follow up, as I have been thinking about your questions and my reply. There ...
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| Q & A from InfoServ | 2/20/2008 |
Q: This info is from InfoServ: Q. Does baptism make me a member of the church? A. Yes, baptism is the ...
A: R.C. There are two different organizations here. The Church universal, the capital C Church, ...
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| Call to Ministry | 2/15/2008 |
Q: Rev. Tucker, I am a new member of the UMC, having left the Catholic Church quite a few years ago ...
A: Chris, Welcome to the UMC! I can't comment from here on the authenticity of your call. But ...
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| religion | 2/12/2008 |
Q: We just started going to a methodist church. my wife and I went to a baptist church and baptized a ...
A: David, Welcome to the United Methodist branch of the Christian family! I strongly recommend ...
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| PPR committee | 2/3/2008 |
Q: I am new to PPR yhis year and would like some answers to questions.Our church is not very stable ...
A: Barbara, I am saddened to hear that there is strife and instability in your congregation. ...
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| Religion for my baby | 2/3/2008 |
Q: I have a 9 wk old baby girl, and being home with her I have been watching a lot of History channel ...
A: Mallory, You are, of course, free to raise your child any way you wish. Baptist, Methodist, ...
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| Baptism (a different question) | 1/31/2008 |
Q: Pastor Tucker, I was brought up in a United Methodist Church ever since I was born. I was baptised ...
A: Jane, We look to two sources for our practice. One is scripture, of course. When Lydia ...
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| Does the Holy Spirit | 1/30/2008 |
Q: As a "Christian" who is answering Biblical questions to your flock of sheep, my question to you is ...
A: Marci, I do not always notice God's presence with hairs standing up. Often that just means that ...
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| Does the Holy Spirit "come upon" you? | 1/30/2008 |
Q: As a "Christian" who is answering Biblical questions to your flock of sheep, my question to you is ...
A: Marci, From time to time, I note a fresh movement of the Spirit in my heart. But generally I ...
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| Baptism | 1/28/2008 |
Q: So, if a baby is baptized, does this mean salvation for them? I have been a volunteer youth worker ...
A: Mark, The official United Methodists position is that baptism is neither necessary nor ...
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| Baptism | 1/23/2008 |
Q: If a child is born out of wedlock, will the Methodist and United Methodist Church allow the child to ...
A: Margaret, I probably have some colleagues who would refuse outright to baptize the child, but ...
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| Discipleship walk secrets | 1/21/2008 |
Q: Why do some churches keep the candle light walk on the last day of the discipleship walk such a ...
A: Cindi, I am familiar with some of the practices of the "Walk To Emmaus" group, but not the one ...
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| Baptism/conversion | 1/18/2008 |
Q: I am from a Baptist background and was baptized as a child nearly 20 years ago. In the time between ...
A: William, Thanks for asking. I understand the analogy very well. The only significant hole is ...
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| METHODIST ANNULMENT | 1/7/2008 |
Q: Im a catholic women never been married and I wish to get married with my husband which already had a ...
A: Marcella, In the US, all weddings are conducted to solemnize a union authorized by a license ...
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| 1Timothy 5:20 | 1/3/2008 |
Q: How do we as a church actually put this verse into practice? What direction would you give to ...
A: Marjorie, I am presuming for this answer that you are a United Methodist, attending a UM ...
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| Feast of the Circumsicion | 12/31/2007 |
Q: Do protestants celebrate or recognize the Feast of the Circumsicion? I grew up porochial and ...
A: Michael, We do neither. We celebrate Christmas, Good Friday, Easter, and Pentecost because we ...
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| admission into church | 12/10/2007 |
Q: Do Methodist believe that people should not be accepted into full fellowship in the church until at ...
A: Robert, Each UM pastor is responsible for determining to the best of his or her ability whether ...
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| spiritual battle | 12/7/2007 |
Q: In the book of Daniel an angel is resisted by an evil spirit for 21 days. Also the Bible says ...
A: Ray, I don't know. Having never been fully a spirit, but always constrained by this physical ...
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| What does it mean to | 12/3/2007 |
Q: My parents told me I was a Mehtodist and dropped me off at church on Sundays. I was dipped or ...
A: MA, I often don't get all the hoopla either. They had temple on Sunday mornings? Again, I go ...
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| What does it mean to "be a Methodist"? | 12/1/2007 |
Q: My parents told me I was a Mehtodist and dropped me off at church on Sundays. I was dipped or ...
A: MA, If you were baptized in a United Methodist church at age 13, it was probably done by ...
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| Methodist Religion | 11/26/2007 |
Q: I was baptized years ago in a baptist church. I am 56 and have been attending a methodist church ...
A: Diane, I would caution against the KJV. Not because there are mistakes or problems with the ...
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| Satan | 11/26/2007 |
Q: I would like to know if the Methodists believe in Satan as an actual "being", or if he is viewed as ...
A: Sarah, Our official position is scriptural. Satan is a Hebrew word that means "accuser." It is ...
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| Methodist Religion | 11/25/2007 |
Q: I was baptized years ago in a baptist church. I am 56 and have been attending a methodist church ...
A: Diane, Praise God that you are a baptized believer. There also baptized believers among the ...
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| Church selection | 11/14/2007 |
Q: My wife was raised Presbyterian and I was confirmed in the Episcopal church. Neither of us has been ...
A: Russ, These are serious matters. I affirm your desire to find a congregation as gently as ...
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| COMMUNION | 11/7/2007 |
Q: I have been reading about UMC communion beliefs and im a little lost. When the UMC says they ...
A: Bradley, Jesus said to his disciples, "This is my body," and we believe he meant it. Now, when ...
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| divorce among clergy | 11/4/2007 |
Q: Exactly what is the view of divorce among united methodist clergy if the minister is the spouse that ...
A: Kelli, Our official position is disconcertingly vague. All we really require of our clergy is ...
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| Mehtodist belief in Hell | 11/2/2007 |
Q: Wayne, My daughter was recently told at a Bible Study that Methodist do not believe in Hell - they ...
A: Ross, There are SOME United Methodists who do not believe in a literal hell, but our official ...
|
| query | 10/29/2007 |
Q: 1851 census ontario canada,ancestor originaly born in England & religion is noted as Rator M.or ...
A: Olga, I know of no combination of the current Episcopalian Church and the United Methodist ...
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| query | 10/28/2007 |
Q: 1851 census ontario canada,ancestor originaly born in England & religion is noted as Rator M.or ...
A: Olga, I normally welcome questions for which I do not immediately know the answer. They allow me ...
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| The Virgin Birth and Bodily Resurrection Heresy in the United Methodist Church | 10/27/2007 |
Q: Wayne, I appreciated your answers to some of the other questions you have been asked. So I ...
A: Clyde, Thank you for asking. You and I find ourselves on the same side of the question. In ...
|
| Baptism by immersion | 10/14/2007 |
Q: Why can't I be baptised by immersion. i donot remmber if I was baptised as a baby, however I was ...
A: Dolores, This is not an uncommon question. If there is no record of your baptism, no ...
|
| Godparent at a Catholic Christening? | 10/12/2007 |
Q: I'm not sure if you're the right person to ask or if you'd be able to help me but I would really ...
A: Jayne, Each priest tends to interpret the Canons on his own. Some are more liberal and some ...
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| Becoming a Methodist pastor or elder | 10/11/2007 |
Q: I am working with the jobless/homeless from Lafayette, IN using a program called Holistic Hardware. ...
A: Julie, The process in any Conference starts for us once a person has been a member in good ...
|
| Support services to terminally ill and family of.. | 10/5/2007 |
Q: I'm a student nurse doing research on the terminally ill who are Methodists. I would imagine any and ...
A: Henry, Glad to help. Sorry for the delay getting back to you. The most powerful ministry we ...
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| Annulment | 10/1/2007 |
Q: I am a member of the Methodist Church, have been for many years. I remarried (2nd time) four years ...
A: Bill, I am saddened by the pain that lies behind your question. I have never heard of a bishop ...
|
| Works and salvation | 9/26/2007 |
Q: Wayne, I'm a Baptist, have been visiting a Methodist church. Would like your input on two things: ...
A: Randy, Our doctrine also holds that salvation is by God's grace alone, accessed through our faith ...
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| rosary | 9/25/2007 |
Q: Why doesn't the Methodist church pray with the Rosary? A friend recently gave me one and I feel ...
A: Holly, The United Methodist Church grew out of the Methodist movement of the 1700's. That ...
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| METHODIST ETHICS COMMITTEE? | 9/20/2007 |
Q: Mr. Tucker, To whom would one report misgivings about a United Methodist Minister? Is there ANY ...
A: Nanette, Actually, there are several persons to whom you may speak about pastoral malfeasance. ...
|
| personal | 9/10/2007 |
Q: Was your call slow and gradual or sudden and dramatic? What confirmed the sense of the call? Have ...
A: R.C. I am honored to answer your questions for Lay Speaker's School. That was my first level of ...
|
| Who sits on PPRC | 9/7/2007 |
Q: Can you point to where in the Book of Discipline we can find out exactly who sits at the closed ...
A: Karl, I moved in July, and hadn't found all of my books the first time. I have finally done ...
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| Methodist Church | 9/6/2007 |
Q: Is a pastor of a methodist church a priest? Do you address them as "Father"
A: Kathy, United Methodist pastors have three basic functions; prophetic, professional, and ...
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| meaning of phrase | 9/5/2007 |
Q: What does "many are called but few are chosen" mean? It sounds like it means we are saved by ...
A: Friend, In the context of the parable, which is not about works at all, but about the universal ...
|
| methodist...? | 9/2/2007 |
Q: I've never actually went to church and im just now really getting interested in what my religion ...
A: Abbi, I really do not like to contradict a questioner, but you leave me no choice. You may well ...
|
| methodist vs luthern | 8/29/2007 |
Q: is there a real difference between methodist and Lutherans? if so what are the main differences or ...
A: Jack, Without Luther, it is unlikely there would be any Methodists at all. John Wesley traced ...
|
| Book of Discipline | 8/29/2007 |
Q: Referring to the statement contained within the 'Episcopal Greetings' of the Book of Discipline: ...
A: R.C. A pest? No way! Keep 'em comin'. Actually, there are scattered Scriptural references ...
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| Church Name | 8/29/2007 |
Q: I know the history and progression leading to the present day United Methodist Church. Where does ...
A: R.C. Another new question! I love it. When Methodism spread across the new nation, even as the ...
|
| altar candles | 8/27/2007 |
Q: Why two (customarily)? Is there symbolism other than simply representing the presence of Christ?
A: R.C. Thanks for asking. This question seldom comes up. The two candles typically found on ...
|
| Seeking Reading Material | 8/15/2007 |
Q: I am a non-practicing Catholic who would very much like to have religion become a bigger part of her ...
A: Lisa, If you are convinced that your reasons for changing churches are heart-felt and sound, ...
|
| Hell followup | 8/7/2007 |
Q: I have been reading a lot lately on websites ran by various denominations, and have carefully ...
A: Josh, Yes, some of the passages I quoted are parables. Most of Jesus' teaching was in parables, ...
|
| "Hell" | 8/6/2007 |
Q: I have been reading a lot lately on websites ran by various denominations, and have carefully ...
A: Josh, I don't have my ASV right in front of me, but I'm pretty sure it includes Matthew, chapter ...
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| methodist baptism of a baby who i'm planning to rear primarily in the catholic faith | 8/5/2007 |
Q: Tucker ... My husband and I have a seven month old daughter. I am Catholic and my husband is ...
A: Anne-Marie, In the first place, congratulations on the new baby, and congratulations to the two ...
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| Divorce and Remarriage | 8/3/2007 |
Q: I am a UMC member and believer. I have been since my teens. I married young and had 2 beautiful ...
A: Holly, You have taken a big step. By no longer "regarding iniquity in your heart" to use the ...
|
| communion | 7/21/2007 |
Q: i received my communion/conformation at the catholic church. do they have these at a methodist ...
A: Gina, I am not certain I understand fully what you are asking, but I'll give it a try. United ...
|
| Suicide | 7/12/2007 |
Q: what do you think the afterlife is for one who commits suicide?
A: Steve, Until my nephew committed suicide, I firmly believed that they must surely go to hell. ...
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| catholic baptism and methodist baptism | 7/9/2007 |
Q: What is the difference between Catholic baptism and methodist baptism
A: Stephanie, In some ways the two baptisms are identical, in others they are very different. Our ...
|
| Baptism | 6/13/2007 |
Q: Does the Methodist church do any private baptism, or are they all done at a service. My husband ...
A: Michelle, While we consider baptism to be an act of the church, we also do baptisms in private - ...
|
| religion | 5/30/2007 |
Q: is babtist and methodist the same?
A: Alicia, In most important ways, Baptists and United Methodists are very much alike. But there ...
|
| worship service | 5/23/2007 |
Q: what is involved in the methodist worship service?
A: Jeany, Thanks for asking. Our worship services include prayers both silent and spoken; ...
|
| my employment | 5/14/2007 |
Q: I have been told that the Methodist do not participate in anything that has to do with gambling , ...
A: Willie, In an ideal world, Christians would never incur debt. However, we do not live in a ...
|
| my employment | 5/12/2007 |
Q: I have been told that the Methodist do not participate in anything that has to do with gambling , ...
A: Willie, You will be looked on in many different ways. Not all UM's subscribe to the prohibition ...
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| Wesleyan/Methodist religions | 5/5/2007 |
Q: Please inform me as to the difference between the Wesleyan and Methodist beliefs. Many thanks
A: Cynthia, The essential theology is the same. All are sinners. Salvation is by God's grace, ...
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| language | 4/13/2007 |
Q: Was the Bible originally written in Greek or Latin? Either way, since no one currently fluently ...
A: Jon, I was unclear. What I am trying to say is that we have the Bible because God chose that ...
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| language | 4/12/2007 |
Q: Was the Bible originally written in Greek or Latin? Either way, since no one currently fluently ...
A: Jon, The original language of the Old Testament was Hebrew. There is a whole nation of people ...
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| President Bush's type of Methodist Church | 4/10/2007 |
Q: I grew up in the liberal branch of the Presbyterian and United Methodist Churches. I have attended ...
A: Marilyn, If you have never known any born again United Methodists, I have to wonder if you have ...
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| What to do? | 4/3/2007 |
Q: I was born into a methodist religion. but my father is catholic. me and my mom go to a public church ...
A: Ricky, I can't imagine what you mean by being "born into a methodist religion." No one is born ...
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| Objection at a Wedding | 3/25/2007 |
Q: My fiances mother and father hate me and they have been trying to break us up for 5 years. It hasn't ...
A: Crystal, Personal objections have nothing to do with the phrase, "If there be any here who can ...
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| Heaven | 2/26/2007 |
Q: Do you believe everyone is in the book of life? Therefore everyone will go to heaven someday? If so, ...
A: Jennifer, Thanks for asking. I am going to answer as though the "you" is plural, and you are ...
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| Email | 1/11/2007 |
Q: First of all, that's it? just accept it is what youre basically saying? with continuous somehwat ...
A: Jeff, Salvation, and the faith that leads to it, are free gifts of God's grace. One does not ...
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| ppr action | 1/5/2007 |
Q: our ppr commitee failed to gain input, re our ineffective pastor what might be our recourse our ...
A: Walter, I understand your pain. But don't be too quick to blame the pastor. I have seen one ...
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| confirmation classes | 1/2/2007 |
Q: When, in confirmation classes are the youth led or instructed or advised how to have a PERSONAL ...
A: Lisa, The short answer to your question is: before the classes end. My question to the classes ...
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| babtism | 12/30/2006 |
Q: We are looking for a church and a religion that will satisfy our family needs. My husband and his ...
A: Lisa, Thanks for asking. The requirements for membership vary from congregation to ...
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| The Lord's Prayer | 12/25/2006 |
Q: I've been seeking a protestant church to attend, Methodist primarily. I found a lovely church and ...
A: Linda, In the UMC, the content and conduct of worship is at the sole discretion of the pastor. ...
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| Email | 12/22/2006 |
Q: I just dont understand how to accept and have faith. If it will be believed then it will be ...
A: Jeff, Your philosophy is an interesting combination of rationalism and fatalism. Nevertheless, ...
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| UNITED METHODIST VS FREE METHODIST | 12/18/2006 |
Q: I grew up Free Methodist and believe there is a difference between Free Methodist and United ...
A: MJ, I know we are far more alike than we are different. Our salvation theology is identical. ...
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| unforgivable sin | 12/6/2006 |
Q: Is there any sin other than blasphemy against the Holy Spirit that can't be forgiven and can cause a ...
A: Adam, I like these straight forward questions. Thanks. Let's examine what blasphemy against ...
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| Church leadership | 12/5/2006 |
Q: Wayne, I recently received your reply to my e-mail concerning having a non-believer in a ...
A: Richard, In my humble opinion, a Music Director is not a leadership position. A Music Director ...
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| Chruch leadership | 12/4/2006 |
Q: I'm currently struggling with a leadership issue ( in my opinion) with the Music Director of our ...
A: Richard, If your preacher is not preaching salvation through Jesus Christ, then perhaps you ...
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| Is heaven the same for everybody? | 11/30/2006 |
Q: Could you please give me the chapter and the verses in the Bible where the Jesus has spoken of some ...
A: Adam, Here are a few to spark your study: Matthew 5:19, Matthew 11:11, Matthew 18:1-4, ...
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| Is heaven the same for everybody? | 11/29/2006 |
Q: Suppose there are two persons. The first person accepts Jesus Christ as his personal savior from the ...
A: Adam, Good question! Does the Bible have anything to say about this? Yes, actually. Jesus ...
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| how can I have my prayers answered? | 11/27/2006 |
Q: It seems like all my prayers are being unanswered. What might I be doing wrong and what can I do to ...
A: Adam, Yours is not an uncommon question. Many other believers struggle with this matter. I can ...
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| Email | 11/9/2006 |
Q: So do you think that we are saved through faith? Most protestants I thought believed God will be ...
A: Jeff, No, we are not saved by our faith. We are saved by God's grace. That salvation is ...
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| Email | 11/5/2006 |
Q: My point was more along the lines that, without a defined god, we cant know his nature. And yes you ...
A: Jeff, I, personally, don't need a definition of God to believe in God. That's the whole ...
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| Methodists | 10/31/2006 |
Q: These beliefs are basiclly the same as Baptist. Seems one of the main differences is the form of ...
A: Vera, In many ways our beliefs are similar. UM's tend to emphasize more the grace of God, while ...
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| Methodists | 10/29/2006 |
Q: What are the basic beliefs of methodists?
A: Vera, Thanks for asking. We are a Protestant denomination, meaning that we hold salvation is by ...
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| Email | 10/21/2006 |
Q: Suppose I do believe in those two facts. But that doesnt mean I believe he was THE son of GOD, or ...
A: Jeff, I think I am beginning to undestand your struggle. Let me begin with your statement: ...
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| the Pope | 10/20/2006 |
Q: Does the United Methodist Church see the Pope as Holy? What are the differences between the ...
A: Christine, We consider the Pope to be a man of conscience and character, and the defacto leader ...
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| divine man theory | 10/16/2006 |
Q: I was wondering what the Methodist's view of the Divine man theory was. Do you think Jesus was just ...
A: Valerie, We hold to the scriptural and ancient doctrine that Jesus was unique in all of history; ...
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| Altar in the Methodist Church | 10/9/2006 |
Q: My question is as follows: I was born/raised in the United Methodist Church, attended for almost 25 ...
A: Lura, We call it an altar because that's what the Wesleys called it. Remember they were Church ...
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| Email | 10/8/2006 |
Q: Heres my perspective...Dont know anything, way too much info and stimulus out there undiscovered, ...
A: Jeff, The only question I can find in this is what I know about getting to heaven. This is what ...
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| Who did Jesus Christ Die for and save and is he the one true GOD. | 10/7/2006 |
Q: What is your stand on this? Meaning are in the tribe in the Jungles of the Amazon,the ...
A: Hermy, We hold that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, and that therefore God ...
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| Formation | 9/13/2006 |
Q: I was raised in the Methodist church and am now 23 years old leading an active church life. I just ...
A: Jessica, Congratulations on your engagement! I am a bit surprised that the history wasn't ...
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| Difference between methodists and presbeterians | 8/23/2006 |
Q: Did John knox contribute to methodists dogma?
A: vstevens, Thanks for asking. Short answer: not much if any at all. Presbyterians were then ...
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| Cain and Abel | 8/4/2006 |
Q: Why are Cain and Abel not listed in the geneologys of Genesis 5:3 and 1 Chronicles 1:1? Also, when ...
A: Jeff, I can answer part of your question, and give you an opinion on the rest. Abel is not ...
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| Methodist preachers | 7/17/2006 |
Q: Can they leave and go to another church and preach? (Example a Baptist Church)I was wondering what ...
A: Heather, No, we can't leave one congregation for another the way a Baptist preacher can. We are ...
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| Praying to Jesus | 7/13/2006 |
Q: Tucker, I would like to know if we are suppose to pray to Jesus;according to the bible. When the ...
A: Carla, This can get to be a bit of a sticky issue, depending on how one views the nature of ...
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| Methodist preachers | 7/12/2006 |
Q: I was wondering what would cause a preacher to no longer be allowed to preach in a methodist church.
A: Heather, This is a new one! Thanks. There are a number of what are called "chargeable ...
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| Dual Race Family | 7/10/2006 |
Q: What are the Methodist views on marry-ing beyond ones race? My husband is black, I am white, and our ...
A: Mrs. Jackson, I can say for certain that you all would be welcomed in any of the congregations I ...
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| praise & worship | 7/9/2006 |
Q: how important is praise & worship during church service?
A: Friend, Praise and worship are the central events of any church service. We call it a "worship ...
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| praising the almighty | 7/8/2006 |
Q: Is methodist congregation when praising him a more formal or spontaneous with song and praise during ...
A: Brenda, Good questions! Thanks for asking. In some congregations of the United Methodist Church ...
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| church | 7/3/2006 |
Q: How would you answer a Catholic who says that his Church is the only one with legitimacy because it ...
A: Orion, I would answer that wherever the Spirit if the Lord is, there is the one true Church, ...
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| homosexuality | 7/3/2006 |
Q: i don't understand why so many denomenations are letting the homosexual groups force there way of ...
A: Sandra, I don't understand either. What we are seeing is a shift from purity as a driving force ...
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| Relationship | 6/30/2006 |
Q: I've been hearing a lot lately about having a "relationship" with Jesus. My first reaction was that ...
A: Winston, Very good question! You already have a relationship with Jesus. But there are many ...
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| O.K. My question concerns... | 3/30/2006 |
Q: O.K. My question concerns music. Here is a sample of what I like: Who'll Stop the Rain? by Credence ...
A: My only change to your playlist would be to substitute "Jam Back At The House" for "Watchtower." I ...
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| Philosophical question | 1/23/2006 |
Q: I spoke with a friend and told her that things with wisdom and things with logic are the same, can ...
A: Armando, I am unsure what this has to do with United Methodism, but it is an interesting ...
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| UMC | 12/15/2005 |
Q: Is your church connected to the Methodist Church in the UK? i.e. is it affiliated? Is George W. ...
A: Steve, If there are United Methodist Churches in England, then, yes, they are a part of the ...
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| statistics | 12/8/2005 |
Q: Tucker: How many Methodist hospitals, universities and elementary schools are there in United ...
A: Joann, That's a new one! I had to look it up. According to published reports we have 123 ...
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| Re: previous question on divorce | 12/6/2005 |
Q: Tucker, I saw your previous response toa question about divorce and I am seeking rassurance about ...
A: Sarah, If you are convinced in your heart of hearts that you were convicted by the Holy Spirit ...
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| Divorce | 11/30/2005 |
Q: Does the Methodist church allow divorce? If so, how does it justify that Biblically, since Jesus ...
A: Johann, The United Methodist Church strongly encourages married couples to stay together, to ...
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| Baptism vs. Dedication | 11/19/2005 |
Q: Mr. Tucker, My husband and I have recently joined the United Methodist Church. We have a 6 month ...
A: Kelly, We do not dedicate infants. The UMC has no official worship process for the dedication ...
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| Nature of Christ | 11/8/2005 |
Q: Can you explain the Methodist position on the nature of Christ, as man and God?
A: Susan, Our official position is that of the ancient and orthodox creeds, taken from the ...
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| Sexual Politics | 10/27/2005 |
Q: As an Episcopalian, I was empathetic to hear that the Methodist Church is struggling with the issue ...
A: John, Our two churches are already splitting, as are several others, because liberals will not ...
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| Bapism of babies | 8/23/2005 |
Q: I am a Baptist who is considering joining the Methodist Church. Baptism of babies is out of my ...
A: Tom, The United Methodist Church has no set pattern for dedicating babies. Dedication of ...
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| converting | 8/18/2005 |
Q: I have Questions about Free Methodist How do they... 1. feel about the issue about same sex ...
A: Nicolette, According to their web site, the official position of the Free Methodist Church ...
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| Calling | 6/3/2005 |
Q: How will you know if you are called to the ministry? Twenty years ago I almost quit my job to be a ...
A: Carl, The place to start with any call to ministry is to meet with your local PPRC. They are ...
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| Tithing | 5/23/2005 |
Q: Are Methodists required to tithe, i.e. giving 10% of income to the Church? What is the Methodist ...
A: Dan, United Methodist Christians are strongly encouraged to tithe, but tithing is not a ...
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| biblical inquiry | 5/10/2005 |
Q: Greetings in Jesus' name! I have a single male friend who met a lady in the internet; the girl is ...
A: Amram, According to the Scriptures, divorce is the greater sin. In Biblical times, divorce ...
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| What happens to non-Christians? | 3/25/2005 |
Q: I've always been taught that God is a loving God. Every week in church, it's also repeated that ...
A: Kris, You have encountered an old problem known as "the particularity of the cross." As you ...
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| Drinking | 3/19/2005 |
Q: Can Methodists drink? We'll we go to hell if we do?
A: Paul, Decades ago, Methodists could be expelled from membership in their congregation if they ...
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| non-verbal communication | 3/18/2005 |
Q: I will certainly use the cues in my thesis. I have some further questions. Namely, the postures, ...
A: Marzena, Indeed, you do have further questions! Again, in order: Postures: In many ...
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| non-verbal communication | 3/17/2005 |
Q: I am a student of English from Poland. I am writing my thesis on the use of non-verbal communication ...
A: Marzena, Thank you for asking. I am going to consider your topics in the order in which you ask ...
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| Salvation | 1/27/2005 |
Q: What becomes of those people who have lived since Jesus' birth but have never had the opportunity to ...
A: Barb, We don't know. It is a mystery to us, one that will only be solved at the judgement. We ...
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| The nature of Sin | 1/20/2005 |
Q: I am currently working on a personal project about the nature of Sin. I am the artist and co-author ...
A: Alyssa, Interesting that you would ask this question in the category of Methodists. Sin is ...
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| Ghosts | 1/8/2005 |
Q: Is there anything in the bible regarding ghosts and people that see them or people that look for ...
A: Terry, Thanks for asking. Basing one's faith on anything out of Hollywood is hazardous at best. ...
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| I am not smart but would not admit that for 67 yr. | 12/23/2004 |
Q: I have been a Methodist all my life and alway go to churth. have read the bible always but I can not ...
A: Roy Lee, Thanks or asking. I have always said that the only dumb question is the one you don't ...
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| Marriage | 11/30/2004 |
Q: If a young couple have not had counselling before a wedding and there is an objection to the ...
A: Joan, Whether or not a couple has had counseling makes absolutely no difference if an objection ...
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| Holy Trinity | 10/27/2004 |
Q: As a Methodist, I am on my personal search to understand Methodist Doctrine/Theology. A difficult ...
A: Hazel, Your last question is the loaded one! Sometimes the Discipline can be clear as mud. The ...
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| Doctrine Inquiry | 10/6/2004 |
Q: Check this out: http://www.4verichip.com/I'm writing a paper on the social implecations of ...
A: Mike, This Verichip technology has been around for several years. The idea is hardly new. ...
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| Doctrine Inquiry | 10/2/2004 |
Q: I'm writing a paper on the social implecations of computing. Where does the Methodist Church stand ...
A: Mike, I am uncertain what the mark of the beast has to do with computing, but I'll tackle the ...
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| church | 9/19/2004 |
Q: I am a United Methodist and I have been my whole life. Over the past few years I've completely lost ...
A: Betsy, I'll need a bit more information to adequately answer this one. How old are you? Is ...
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| People who can't hear the Gospel Message | 9/16/2004 |
Q: What happens to those who don't/can't hear the gospel message? Like, maybe, someone who has been ...
A: Matt, You have asked an endless question, one of my favorite types! Actually, we are dealing ...
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| church offices | 9/6/2004 |
Q: I would like to know more about the church offices in the Methodist Church. I know of some ...
A: Derek, Thanks for asking. I'm going to take your last question first: "Who run the church? ...
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| differences between religions | 9/2/2004 |
Q: I consider myself to be a Christian but I do not belong to a specific church. I've tried to find a ...
A: Carol, Thanks for asking. This is a tough question; not because I don't know our distinctive ...
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| Methodists? | 8/13/2004 |
Q: what is the Methodists main purpose, philosophy or beliefs. We are looking into churches to attend ...
A: Danny, Thanks for asking. We believe that all persons must be saved, that all persons can be ...
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| Sad | 8/13/2004 |
Q: I am a 25-year-old who sometimes wonders why we all continue to go through the motions. Let me ...
A: Lisa, Short answer to your question of why we are here: God wants us to be here. Jesus teaches ...
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| Infant Baptism | 7/7/2004 |
Q: Hello! I hope you are having a great day! I am a youth and family minister at the Westside Church ...
A: Chad, If you are truly willing to learn, then I will give you our side. If all you are ...
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| KJB | 6/10/2004 |
Q: Most marketing materials of modern Bible versions claim that the King James Bible is based on ...
A: Annie, I would not call the Hebrew and Greek texts used for the KJV defective. The translators ...
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| the holy catholic church | 6/10/2004 |
Q: Since Christianity is about a personal relationship with God and the Bible is our sole guide, why do ...
A: Larry, If you'll look closer, you'll find that in The Apostles' Creed catholic is spelled with a ...
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| after crucifixion | 6/8/2004 |
Q: What happened to Jesus and where was his soul/spirit between his cruxifixion and his resurrection? ...
A: Danny, Thanks for asking. Let me start by saying that no one went with Jesus to report on his ...
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| intercession of the saints | 6/7/2004 |
Q: Since we could and do always ask our fellow earthly Christians to pray with us, why can't we pray ...
A: Derek, This is one of those cases where the meaning of a word has changed over the years. In ...
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| relationships | 5/30/2004 |
Q: We all know that God forbids homosexual acts but loves homosexual persons. If a homosexual couple in ...
A: Mary, You are right that God considers acts of homosexuality to be an abomination. We are also ...
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| worship | 5/30/2004 |
Q: Could you explain the theology behind various acts of worship in a service? I understand that the ...
A: Danny, That's a lot of parts to one question, but I'll do my best. Worship theology has always ...
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| Baptism | 5/21/2004 |
Q: I would like to know if a baptized and/or confirmed non-Methodist Christian wishes to join the ...
A: Derek, We officially recognize all modes of baptism, no matter how much water is used, whether ...
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| Communion | 5/21/2004 |
Q: especially your views on other denominations too. You mentioned that you received Communion in a ...
A: Derek, The two Roman Cathoilc incidents were in different places at different times. Sorry that ...
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| Communion | 5/21/2004 |
Q: Can non-Methodist Christians, such as Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholics and other Protestant ...
A: Derek, The United Methodist doctrine is that none are required and none are refused. The ...
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| Communion | 4/27/2004 |
Q: Who may give communion in the Methodist church? I am taking my youth group on a trip and would like ...
A: Joyce, Just ask your pastor to consecrate the elements before you depart. Anyone may SERVE ...
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| finding a particular church | 4/25/2004 |
Q: I have recently retired from the University of Texas and we are looking at a house to buy in Prairie ...
A: Don, Thanks for your interest, and your persistence. Have you gone to www.umc.org? That is the ...
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| salvation change with the call of Abraham? | 3/2/2004 |
Q: How does God's program of salvation change with the call of Abraham?
A: Cindy, This is the first time I have considered a question of this sort. Usually we don't place ...
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| Christian education | 2/21/2004 |
Q: I'm in seminary and am required to do a paper (of course!). I'd like to compare a Baptist christian ...
A: Stephanie, A paper? ... In seminary? ;^) I was never happier than when, a full year out of ...
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| Possibly Converting | 2/9/2004 |
Q: Rev. Tucker. I am an 18 y/o cradle Methodist. I've been baptized, raised, and confirmed Methodist. ...
A: Dehn, You have a serious dilema facing you. You have read all that stuff about all those guys ...
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