| Subject | Date Asked |
|
| re-marriage | 11/16/2009 |
Q: my boyfriend is has no specific religion and doesn't know if he's ever been baptised. he's ...
A: Best wishes for your love, and for your marriage. May it fill all your life with God's love. ...
|
| Membership question | 11/11/2009 |
Q: Question-if a member of a local UMC was removed from membership (either from Charge Conference ...
A: In my own ministry, I would ask the previous church to restore the person and send a transfer. ...
|
| Healing | 11/10/2009 |
Q: Do Methodist belief in supernatural healing, or just take illnesses as something you have to bear? ...
A: There is no official position on healing. We believe that God is present for and with the sick, and ...
|
| Riches | 11/9/2009 |
Q: My brother recently became a Christian. He is doing well in his studies but we have a disagreement ...
A: Most New Testament scholars agree with you, that Jesus was financially very poor. His having to work ...
|
| Chairperson & PPR | 11/8/2009 |
Q: Does a member of the PPR Committee or Chairperson have to be and active member to be on the board or ...
A: By paragraph 258 of The United Methodist Discipline, 2008, "There shall be elected annually by the ...
|
| Catholic vs. Methodist | 11/4/2009 |
Q: I am a non-practicing Catholic and my husband is a non-practicing Methodist. We are in agreement to ...
A: United Methodism has no official creed that states a belief about Mary. However, most United ...
|
| transfer of orders from another methodist traditon | 10/28/2009 |
Q: Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord and Savior. Please forgive the length, but I seeking ...
A: Your question is about a depth level of the Discipline that is beyond my expertise. I would not dare ...
|
| funiture | 10/24/2009 |
Q: Is there a right way and a wrong way for the furniture to be placed in the church or is it left up ...
A: As it happens, placement of furniture in the worship space depends on tradition, both of the general ...
|
| female ministers | 9/7/2009 |
Q: How does the unite methodist church justify female ministers and use the Bible to back up their ...
A: The United Methodist Church looks to the first book of the Bible, to Jesus, and to St. Paul for its ...
|
| catholic-methodist baptism? | 6/1/2009 |
Q: My husband is methodist and I am catholic. We got married in the methodist church. If we get our ...
A: United Methodists and Catholics agree that baptism is into the overall church of Jesus Christ, not ...
|
| Church Leader | 5/25/2009 |
Q: Our church has a member who has lead in many ways. Lay Leader, Chair of Church Council, Delegate to ...
A: For guidance, I turn to how pastors are treated when under major accusations. Usually, the DS will ...
|
| Methodist receiving communion at a Catholic Church | 5/24/2009 |
Q: I am a confirmed Methodist,and married into a Catholic family. From day one I was told since I am a ...
A: In my 25+ years of pastoring in Virginia, I had several mixed faith couples/families. They would ...
|
| Methodist receiving communion at a Catholic Church | 5/24/2009 |
Q: I am a confirmed Methodist,and married into a Catholic family. From day one I was told since I am a ...
A: Officially, by its own doctrine,the Catholic Church admits to the Lord's Table only those who are ...
|
| Tithing followup question | 4/7/2009 |
Q: What about Par. 629 in The Book of Discipline, pertaining to the Conference Board of Discipleship, ...
A: You are quite right, although the paragraph number is 630 in the 2008 Book of Discipline. I had ...
|
| tithing | 4/6/2009 |
Q: I was wondering about the subject of "tithing". What is the Methodist Church views on it?
A: United Methodism does not accept the Old Testament custom of tithing as a commandment for ...
|
| Gender Discrimination | 4/2/2009 |
Q: Olewiler I had a a question about a recent incident that occurred in my conference that I found to ...
A: First, I don't know enough about gender discrimination law and its application to church government ...
|
| Board of Trustees | 3/26/2009 |
Q: Recently a member of the Trustees passed away. The chairman appointed an interested party to replace ...
A: In the United Methodist Discipline, paragraph 2525, we learn that trustees are elected by the Charge ...
|
| Methodist SPRC Committee Question | 3/24/2009 |
Q: Can the chairperson of the Staff Parish Relations Committee vote? If the matter has to do with ...
A: As I read the Discipline, the chair of SPRC is a member with vote in all matters, including advice ...
|
| Pastor, SPRC, Lay Leadership Committee | 3/13/2009 |
Q: On 12/19/08 Wayne Tucker said, "Since the Pastor chairs the Lay Leadership Committee, the members of ...
A: The chair of any committee has a strong influence on the deliberations of that committee. Pastors ...
|
| Sunday School | 3/9/2009 |
Q: My husband was raised catholic and attend Sunday school as a child and no longer practices the ...
A: Since I know nothing about Catholic Sunday School materials, I can only answer your question ...
|
| Pastoral Authority/SPRC/Church Council | 1/25/2009 |
Q: For almost 63 years I have been a Methodist and for 39 years a member of our local FUMC. Our ...
A: First, prayers for your congregation, with empathy and concern for the situation they are in. My own ...
|
| SPR - Pastor Involvement in Staff Evaluations | 1/11/2009 |
Q: At the last SPR meeting, our pastor mentioned that he would like to attend upcoming staff evaluation ...
A: I've never served a church large enough to have staff evaluation meetings. However, the pastor ...
|
| hospital chaplain | 12/5/2008 |
Q: I am currently doing the candidacy guide book and am also a UMC local church pastor (3yrs) finishing ...
A: Indeed, I am not the "expert" you need with these disciplinary questions affecting the work of the ...
|
| appointment of volunteer positions | 11/17/2008 |
Q: Who is responsible for selecting a volunteer music leader when there are two choir members ...
A: A disagreement with the pastor comes under the umbrella of the Pastor/Staff Parish Relations ...
|
| appointment of volunteer positions | 11/16/2008 |
Q: Who is responsible for selecting a volunteer music leader when there are two choir members ...
A: In the United Methodist Church, the Lay Leadership Committee selects the volunteer/unpaid officers ...
|
| methodist vs catholic. | 11/12/2008 |
Q: My husband and I are catholic. We do not have a church we attend currently. I in truth before my ...
A: You would be more than welcome to attend the Methodist church -- In one of my churches I had a ...
|
| Catholicism & United Methodism | 11/10/2008 |
Q: Rev. Olewiler, I have read with great interest the various postings (questions and answers) that ...
A: I am very happy that you have found a faith filled and joyous place in your spiritual jouney. Thank ...
|
| methodism | 11/7/2008 |
Q: what sets methodists aside from other Christian religions. -what is your view of God -who is Jesus ...
A: United Methodists and Baptists have much in common -- belief in God and Bible, acceptance of Jesus ...
|
| baptism | 10/31/2008 |
Q: My pastor is teaching a class on baptism. He refers to baptism as "an initiation into the church". ...
A: "Initiate" has the idea of "beginning" as its basic meaning. This is ok, I suppose, for baptism -- ...
|
| Ministers moving from church to church.... | 9/16/2008 |
Q: Why does the UMC move ministers from one church to another? Is the church afraid of losing members ...
A: Our custom of moving pastors comes from our early history, when Methodism was a movement within the ...
|
| Christ's earthly reign when He returns. | 9/14/2008 |
Q: What is Methodist position on the 1000 year reign of Christ (Rev 20) when He and His Christian ...
A: United Methodism has no official position on the question of the millenial rule. Church members have ...
|
| Hell | 9/13/2008 |
Q: Our church, United Methodist, are becoming divided on the issue of Hell...some believe that no one ...
A: For me, hell is separation from God, a separation that we choose when we worship ourselves, power, ...
|
| Tithing and First Fruits | 9/8/2008 |
Q: My wife and I are moving toward tithing. We will be able to give 10% of our gross income. We have ...
A: Your move towards tithing is a worshipful use of your income. What you have been told does indeed ...
|
| annullment | 9/1/2008 |
Q: My husband and I were married 3yrs ago, by the pastor of a nearby methodist church- not in the ...
A: First, I mourn with you at the pain and disappointment of your marriage. You indeed have a difficult ...
|
| flowers and banners in sanctuary | 8/28/2008 |
Q: Must flowers in the sanctuary be real? What can banners in the sanctuary be made of?
A: You will often find folks who prefer real flowers, perhaps because the presence of growing, living ...
|
| Followup | 8/26/2008 |
Q: Rev. Olewiler, St. James is a United Methodist Church in the Arkansas Conference. My understanding ...
A: To say that you feel blindsided is indeed an understatement! If the DS officially informed the PPR ...
|
| Catholics/Methodist's | 8/25/2008 |
Q: My boyfriend is Catholic while I have always been a United Methodist. One of the only issues that we ...
A: United Methodism shares with Catholicism the basics of Christianity. We believe in the one God who ...
|
| Sunday or Saturday | 5/19/2008 |
Q: I attend St. Paul United Methodist Church, and my sister converted to being a Seventh day adventist. ...
A: The Sabbath as celebrated by the Jews, of whom Jesus was one, is the Seventh Day, as Genesis says ...
|
| Jokes | 5/16/2008 |
Q: Many people like to make jokes that have to do with religion, here is an example: There was once a ...
A: A.J.! I see God as having a very broad sense of humor! That joke is "mere fun" in your words; ...
|
| UMYF | 4/4/2008 |
Q: Olewiler, My wife and I lead our church's UMYF. Recently, two members of our group who had been ...
A: A "meeting of both families" would be an Intervention, to be done only with through training by ...
|
| Please elaborate on one of your answers | 4/1/2008 |
Q: " Answer Dear Emily: Communion, the Lord's Supper, the Eucharist, is one of the two sacraments ...
A: United Methodist communion customs descend from a time in the 1700s and 1800s when there were too ...
|
| Biblical canon | 3/13/2008 |
Q: Good day! How did it come about that the books of the Bible, especially of the New Testament, are ...
A: The Jewish leaders of Jesus' time adopted the books that we now recognize around 90 a.d. The church ...
|
| missions | 3/6/2008 |
Q: hi what are some missions in the methodist church you can tell me about in the bahamas?
A: Here are some of the mission activities listed at our United Methodist Web site, www.umc.org United ...
|
| Call to Ministry | 2/15/2008 |
Q: Rev. Olewiler I am a new member of the UMC, having left the Catholic Church quite a few years ago ...
A: I answered your question several days ago -- the AllExperts system says you didn't get the answer. ...
|
| Difference between Catholic & Methodist? | 1/27/2008 |
Q: I was born into the catholic religion. I was baptized and made communion, but I do not have ...
A: Confirmation in United Methodism is usually for youth as they consider full membership in the ...
|
| kingdom of God | 1/23/2008 |
Q: What is the nature of the kingdom of God?
A: The Kingdom, Reign, Rule of God refers to people living according to God's wish for humanity. That ...
|
| Communion | 11/10/2007 |
Q: I am considering attending a Methodist service because I would like to learn more. For a Methodist, ...
A: In The United Methodist Church, the Lord's Supper/Eucharist/Communion is one of the two sacraments, ...
|
| homosexuality | 11/7/2007 |
Q: as a southern baptist I am conservative on the issue of Homosexuality. I believe (as the UMC does i ...
A: The official position of the United Methodist Church is set by our General Conference, clergy and ...
|
| communion | 11/7/2007 |
Q: What does the UMC believe concerning the lords supper? Is it the same as the Roman Catholic church? ...
A: As a descendant of the Anglican and German Pietist traditions, we recognize Baptism and the ...
|
| salvation | 11/5/2007 |
Q: Do Methodists believe in salvation by grace through faith alone? In what ways are Methodists ...
A: In fact, Paul (as in the last chapter of Romans) affirms the women whom he salutes as fellow leaders ...
|
| salvation | 11/2/2007 |
Q: Do Methodists believe in salvation by grace through faith alone? In what ways are Methodists ...
A: Josh! Yes, United Methodists/Wesleyans believe in salvaton by grace through faith. Glad that you ...
|
| woman ministry | 11/1/2007 |
Q: can a woman preach and pastor a church
A: The United Methodist Church, through its predecessor Methodist Church, has recognized women as fully ...
|
| exchanging vows | 10/24/2007 |
Q: "Hello, I have a question for you on marriage. I know a couple who is not legally married, nor have ...
A: Sorry that you did not receive my first answer, sent on the 24th. Marriage requires exchange of ...
|
| weddings | 10/24/2007 |
Q: "Hi, I have a question for you on marriage. I know a couple who is not legally married, nor have ...
A: What is needful for marriage in God's eyes is a couple exchanging vows to one another in God's ...
|
| Church | 9/18/2007 |
Q: I was baptized at a neighborhood Methodist church when I was 11. I wanted to be baptized because my ...
A: As you well recall, there was a time when hugs and welcoming touches were thought to be essential to ...
|
| Holy Scriptures | 9/4/2007 |
Q: Why does the United Methodist Church stop short of professing the "Verbal Plenary Inspiration" and ...
A: C.: The United Methodist Church does not profess "Verbal Plenary Inspiration" and "Inerrancy" ...
|
| Methodist beliefs on the rosary | 9/3/2007 |
Q: While I was looking up some information on the topic of Rosary, I came across a statement in ...
A: United Methodism has no official use of the Rosary, nor do we have a Rosary prayer. The Wikepedia ...
|
| Public Perceptions of a Rev. | 9/1/2007 |
Q: Rev. Olewiler, I have had many negative dealings with a seemingly gay Rev. on a "Cruise" forum. ...
A: Your perception of a judgemental, rude person is about what mine would be. Unhappily, ordination ...
|
| Baptism in the Methodist church and the Baptist church | 8/31/2007 |
Q: My wife was raised in the Baptist church and she tells me they firmly believe that you are baptized ...
A: United Methodists follow the discipline of one baptism per lifetime -- we do not rebaptize an adult ...
|
| Baptism in the Methodist church and the Baptist church | 8/30/2007 |
Q: My wife was raised in the Baptist church and she tells me they firmly believe that you are baptized ...
A: The Bible does not have a story of children being baptized. It is the Book of the Jewish people, for ...
|
| Baptism in the Methodist church and the Baptist church | 8/30/2007 |
Q: My wife was raised in the Baptist church and she tells me they firmly believe that you are baptized ...
A: I agree that the Bible's stories of baptism are about adults who accept the Faith and are immersed. ...
|
| ORDINATION | 8/29/2007 |
Q: WOULD A MINISTER TRAINED AND ORDAINED BY A LUTHERN ENTITY BE ABLE TO PRACTICE IN A METHODIST CHURCH? ...
A: The United Methodist Church is not a creedal church -- we have the Apostles' and Nicene creeds in ...
|
| organized religion | 8/28/2007 |
Q: I feel that I should give you a brief run down about me. I was raised in no church. The only ...
A: First, my prayers and sympathy for you at the pain you have suffered, both in your marriage and in ...
|
| baptism | 8/27/2007 |
Q: I am shortly to be baptized in the methodist church in the uk and just wanted to ask your view on ...
A: I am,of course, a pastor in the United Methodist Church, a different denomination from the UK ...
|
| Choosing where to go. | 7/24/2007 |
Q: I was just wondering, before I choose a church to start attending, what should I know about ...
A: Chad! When referring to churches in general, I wouldn't capitalize the word. But as part of a ...
|
| annulment in Methodist Church | 7/4/2007 |
Q: I was reading about Methodist Church, and I am very concern about, my situation is that I am ...
A: The United Methodist Church respects civil law on the matter of marriage and divorce. Pastors are ...
|
| Revelation Past or Future | 6/29/2007 |
Q: What is the Methodist view of the book of revelation? Is it apocalyptic in nature or more like the ...
A: The United Methodist Church has no Biblical teaching office as such, and so we have no official view ...
|
| Conflict in the church | 6/25/2007 |
Q: Olewiler, I am writing about conflict in the church. There are three women in my church who do not ...
A: Since I know very little about the history and dynamics of your church, I don't think I can give any ...
|
| Women as pastors? | 6/19/2007 |
Q: I read remarks by Rev. William E. Olewiler about women as pastors. He said that Paul "was ...
A: Biblical inerrancy is not a United Methodist teaching; our members run from that position all the ...
|
| Converting to the Methodist Church | 6/13/2007 |
Q: I was raised, baptized and confirmed in the Catholic church. However, I have not attended mass in ...
A: Welcome to The United Methodist Church. I'm glad that we have become a welcoming congregation for ...
|
| conversion | 5/23/2007 |
Q: My husband and I were both raised Catholic but we both found a lot of hypocrisy in Catholicism. We ...
A: I'm on vacation in Florida -- Orlando and Jacksonville, and I forgot to remove my name from the ...
|
| 18 year old with very racial tones | 5/9/2007 |
Q: there is a boy who was involved in the boy scout troop sponsored by a methodist church and a member ...
A: I am always impressed when people give of themselves so sacrificingly. I wonder what help the ...
|
| Confirmation Test | 4/28/2007 |
Q: What Was The Holy Club? Who Were The Circuit Riders? Where Did The Name Protestant Come From? What ...
A: John and Charles Wesley were Anglican clergy who lived through much of the 1700s. When they were in ...
|
| Women Ministers | 4/24/2007 |
Q: Can to tell me why some churches allow women to be ministers and some don't and can you explain to ...
A: Many churches, including United Methodism with women in seminary, women pastors, women ...
|
| becoming a minister | 4/17/2007 |
Q: how/where would i find a seminary school? i have a bachelor of arts degree in psychology, but i feel ...
A: United Methodist seminaries are listed at http://www.gbhem.org/gbhem/seminaries.html I'm sure ...
|
| language | 4/12/2007 |
Q: Was the Bible originally written in Greek or Latin? Either way, since no one currently fluently ...
A: The Old Testament was written in Hebrew, except for two short portions (a few chapters) in Aramaic, ...
|
| baptism | 3/31/2007 |
Q: One of my daughters was not baptized as an infant. She is now 6. What can I do to have her baptized ...
A: United Methodism baptizes infants, children, youth, and adults. We see baptism as a sign of God's ...
|
| tithing | 3/24/2007 |
Q: I am a mbr of a umc congregation. I am in a pickle. I do not believe that tithing is Biblical but ...
A: As you have noted, the UMC does not require tithing. We usually see the tithe (10% of income) as a ...
|
| The Lord's Supper | 3/18/2007 |
Q: How aften is the Lord's supper celebrated in the Methodist Church? I an Roman Catholic and we break ...
A: Jill! Since United Methodism began as a group of Methodist societies with only a few ordained ...
|
| What to wear to church | 3/12/2007 |
Q: Do you believe there should be dress down Sundays in Church? I am 54 years old and I wear a coat and ...
A: I'm with you in how we were brought up -- I'm 61 as well as being the pastor. I wear coat and tie to ...
|
| raised baptist | 3/10/2007 |
Q: I was raised baptist and my husband raised methodist. I am seriously considering joining the ...
A: We don't have a basic "plan of salvation" prayer. Candidates for membership confess their belief in ...
|
| Women ministers | 2/23/2007 |
Q: I believe it is true God made man and woman equal. But when Eve ate the forbidden fruit, didn't God ...
A: Genesis 3 is one of two creation stories. In the first, men and women are made equally in God's ...
|
| coverting | 2/23/2007 |
Q: I was born and raised catholic strictly, however my husband was born protestant we were married ...
A: United Methodism shares with Catholicism the basics of Christianity. We believe in the one God who ...
|
| CONVERTING TO BE A METHODIST | 2/21/2007 |
Q: I HAVE A COUPLE SO HERE THEY ARE. 1. MY DAUGHTER AND I WERE BOTH BAPTIZED CATHOLIC BUT I GET NOTHING ...
A: United Methodism is a Christian denomination; we baptize with water in the name of the Trinity, and ...
|
| Problem with co-leader | 2/16/2007 |
Q: My wife and I recently started a UMYF at our church. We have three youth age children in the group. ...
A: Having someone who seems to be a teen-age take over youth group leadership is indeed dangerous. ...
|
| How to convert to be a Methodist? | 1/22/2007 |
Q: I was raised Methodist and my husband was born into a Catholic family. We are looking into choosing ...
A: The United Methodist Church recognizes all baptisms as being into the universal Church of Jesus ...
|
| love | 12/16/2006 |
Q: I've been asking about love; the Bible tells us to love God, our enemies and ourselves. How can we ...
A: Marc! You're right; it is hard to love one we do not know. Perhaps one clue is in the Gospel ...
|
| Methodists only have 2 Sacraments | 12/11/2006 |
Q: I was raised as a Catholic but have many views that are quit different from the traditional ...
A: As a descendant of the Anglican and German Pietist traditions, we recognize Baptism and the ...
|
| differences | 12/10/2006 |
Q: What is the difference between Methodist and Trinity or are they the same? Just wondering because I ...
A: United Methodist is the name of a denomination, followers of John Wesley, an English priest whose ...
|
| Faith | 12/1/2006 |
Q: but I need a little clarification. Are you saying that methodists believe that salvation is by faith ...
A: Perhaps the letter of James in the N.T. outlines our basic stand -- Faith makes a difference in how ...
|
| Faith | 11/30/2006 |
Q: I just cannot understand the concept of Faith Alone. I guess my question has three parts: 1. What is ...
A: The United Methodist Church does not emphasize salvation by faith alone. Our Catholic/Anglican ...
|
| will everyone experience death | 11/20/2006 |
Q: Will all human beings experience death? What about the generations that are alive at the time of the ...
A: Since the risen Christ promised to be with us until the end of the age, I consider his coming to be ...
|
| On becoming a Christian | 10/28/2006 |
Q: How does one become a Christian? Is it by faith alone, as Lutherans teach? or praying the sinner's ...
A: As I see it, one becomes a Christian by being a follower of Jesus Christ. This means accepting the ...
|
| what's the difference between lutherns and methodists? | 10/28/2006 |
Q: I wanted to know what the difference was between Lutherans and Methodists, because in confirmation ...
A: I'm not familiar enough the Lutheran church to give an "expert" answer -- we have different ...
|
| Women as ministers and church doctrine | 10/20/2006 |
Q: If we are not to ordain homosexuals, then why did we reinstate the lesbian Methodist minister that ...
A: The Pennsylvania woman in question was reinstated when a jurisdictional court felt that procedures ...
|
| Women as ministers and church doctrine | 10/19/2006 |
Q: My husband and I recently completed some Christian counselling. For some very specific reasons, we ...
A: The United Methodist Church welcomes women as pastors, district superintendents, deacons, bishops. ...
|
| Email | 10/8/2006 |
Q: Dont worry Im not trying to get into an argument...discussion yes. Heres my perspective...Dont ...
A: I center on John (God sent a Son not to condemn, but to save the world) and Paul (God's will is that ...
|
| the cross | 10/6/2006 |
Q: why is there no figure of Jesus displayed on the crucifix in the methodist church?
A: The custom of having a bare cross, with no corpus of Jesus, is a general Protestant custom dating ...
|
| How can my fiancee obtain an annulment | 9/30/2006 |
Q: My fiancee got married in the united methodist church, he got divorce around 10 years ago, and he ...
A: Annulment, a statement that a marriage was never a sacrament in the eyes of God, is done in the ...
|
| Holy Communion | 9/29/2006 |
Q: What exactly is Holy Communion and what role does it play in the church? Also do you have to be a ...
A: Holy Communion is the sharing of bread and wine (or grape juice in some churches) by Christians. It ...
|
| the methodist protestant church | 9/26/2006 |
Q: i read the question about the methodist protestant church and your answer that it does not exist, ...
A: Looking at the history there, I see this: "In 1939, a majority of the Methodist Protestant Churches ...
|
| Sprinkling | 9/25/2006 |
Q: Why do Methodists sprinkle ?
A: "Sprinkling" is one of the three methods of baptism used by United Methodist churches. We also pour ...
|
| Methodist Protestant Deacons/Elders | 9/23/2006 |
Q: Can you please describe the position of Deacon and Elder in the Methodist Protestant Church, ...
A: Noel! First, a technical quibble -- The Methodist Protestant Church has not existed since 1939, ...
|
| doctrine | 9/18/2006 |
Q: What is the basic doctrine or belief of the Methodist Reglion?
A: Here are two short articles I wrote comparing United Methodism with the Baptists and the Catholics. ...
|
| Ministers | 9/12/2006 |
Q: Would you say that there is a decline of people becoming ministers?
A: I can speak only for my own United Methodist denomination, where the answer is that there is no ...
|
| Jesus Christ | 9/10/2006 |
Q: I strongly believe in God! However, I have never felt in my heart that Jesus Christ is the Son of ...
A: Billy! I respect your search for God, and your honesty. What do you believe is meant by ...
|
| DIFFERENCES | 9/6/2006 |
Q: WHAT IS THE DIFFERNCE BETWEEN METHODIST BELIEFS AND ROMAN CATHOLICS BELIEFS. I'M CATHOLIC, BUT WOULD ...
A: We are all baptized Christians, members of the universal church of Jesus Christ. United ...
|
| Baptist Religion Compared to Methodist | 9/5/2006 |
Q: I read a question and the answer on your site but you had written that there were other differences ...
A: Here is my basic short essay on U.M. and Baptist differences. Can't bring to mind any other basics. ...
|
| fornication today | 9/3/2006 |
Q: According to your knowledge and beliefs what is your stance about fornication today? Do you still ...
A: Let's be sure we have a definition for "fornication." I think that this refers to sexual intercourse ...
|
| joining the methodist church | 8/30/2006 |
Q: My husband and I are not currently members of any church. He was dedicated in the Baptist faith as ...
A: I rejoice with you that your family is drawing nearer to the church and to growth in the Spirit! ...
|
| Minister | 8/28/2006 |
Q: Why did you become a minister? How did you become a minister? Do you have to college?
A: Wes! (Are you named after our founder, John Wesley?). I became an ordained minister as part of a ...
|
| Finding a church home | 8/7/2006 |
Q: Do you have to be baptized in the Methodist church to be a member and follower...since I have ...
A: The United Methodist Church recognizes all baptisms in the name of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. ...
|
| Finding a church home | 8/7/2006 |
Q: My husband and I are trying to find a church home. He was raised strict Baptist I was raised ...
A: The official stance of United Methodism is that homosexual practice is contrary to Christian ...
|
| 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: The geneology of Genesis 5:3 is intended to take us to Noah, and so only the men who were Noah's ...
|
| methodist faith | 6/23/2006 |
Q: can you tell me what is differant about the united methodist and the methodist protestant church? i ...
A: I don't quite understand what denomination you may have observed, for The Methodist Protestant ...
|
| methodist relion | 6/13/2006 |
Q: I wish to become a minister of the methodist faith. It has become my main goal. but I would like to ...
A: To begin the process of working towards ordination in The United Methodist Church, you must have ...
|
| is there really a big difference? | 6/9/2006 |
Q: i go to a pentacostal church and, of course, it's a christian church, but what does it really ...
A: Arianna! As St. Paul points out, the Spirit gives different gifts to different people, all for ...
|
| Eucharist | 6/7/2006 |
Q: Rev. Olewiler, What do Methodists believe the Eucharist is? I know in the Catholic Church they ...
A: United Methodism believes that Christ is fully present in the sharing of the bread and the cup ...
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| pastoral leadership differences | 6/4/2006 |
Q: How is the theological training different between deacon and elder? Are there differences in what ...
A: Elders lead churches in worship, preaching, and general oversight. They become what we usually call ...
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| Leadership | 5/24/2006 |
Q: Our grandson attends a Methodist school. When the new pastor arrived, he tried to close down the ...
A: The pastor's immediate superior, who oversees his ministry directly, is the District Superintendent, ...
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| Being called Reverend | 5/19/2006 |
Q: I am a member of the Church of Christ and I pray that my question does not offend you, but I am ...
A: Hassan! Not offended at all; it is a good question. This is a custom among Christian ...
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| when? | 5/16/2006 |
Q: My sister died in 1997 but her brain died before her body as she was on a life support when did she ...
A: The answer to your question, I believe, is known only to God. I tend to think that the death of a ...
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| the difference between methodist and baptist religions? | 5/8/2006 |
Q: I'd like to know what are the differences between these two faiths. I know they're both Christian, ...
A: Neither Baptists nor United Methodists confess formally to a pastor/priest, although we have prayers ...
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| Life mission | 4/3/2006 |
Q: I am saved for about 10 years now & love to spread the word. But now I'm thinking about what to do ...
A: Greg! May God work in and through your life with the presence of the Spirit. I remember ...
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| choosing a religon | 3/24/2006 |
Q: I was raised Catholic in my childhood and found the religon uncomfortable. Now I have a family of ...
A: Laurie! Best I can say is that most faiths range from high church to ultra laid back within ...
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| I know that John Wesley believed... | 2/24/2006 |
Q: I know that John Wesley believed that all sickness was caused by demons, as do modern Pentecostals. ...
A: United Methodism follows medical science in its explanation and diagnosis of disease. Mr. Wesley ...
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| Christ | 11/5/2005 |
Q: What are Methodist ? give me thier believe and what is the nature of Christ ? What was God doing ...
A: Here is a short description of United Methodism compared with Baptists: United Methodists and ...
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| 1 Timothy | 9/29/2005 |
Q: Some friends and myself had a discussion concerning whether a woman should or shouldn't be a pastor ...
A: The United Methodist Church has women as pastors, district superintendents, and bishops. We begin ...
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| Appearances | 8/28/2005 |
Q: I wondered if the Protestant churches such as United Methodist have people who have had appearances ...
A: Yes, United Methodists and other Protestants have had experiences of the presence of Christ. Since ...
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| Differences in Methodist churches? | 8/24/2005 |
Q: I am trying to find a church home here in my town and would like some information. I notice there ...
A: The phone book often lists United Methodist churches under several different headings. What used to ...
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| Beliefs of Methodists | 8/16/2005 |
Q: William and Rev. Bill, Thank you for the reply. It has increased my understanding of the issues ...
A: Daniel! St. Paul has the best guidance -- we test all supposed revelations by comparing them ...
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| Beliefs of Methodists | 8/15/2005 |
Q: William, I am a 23 year old Methodist living in Malaysia and I have a few question. I have tried to ...
A: United Methodism follows Paul's general idea that we are followers of Jesus Christ, not Jews. When ...
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| Converting | 8/14/2005 |
Q: I have some questions about the Methodist religion. I am a former Catholic converting to a ...
A: Nicolette! Thanks for your interest in United Methodism, and for your questions. I'll respond to ...
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| question | 6/24/2005 |
Q: http://www.maitreya.org/english/Satsangs%201999+/satsang_2001.htm
A: Let me refer you to Acts 1:7 where the risen Christ points out that only God the Father knows the ...
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| beginning | 6/18/2005 |
Q: Rev. Olewiler Could you help me understand when the 4 gospels and the rest of the beeks in our ...
A: The Old Testament books were accepted as canon by a group of rabbis who met in Palestine around 80 ...
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| Wedding Reading and Prayer | 5/31/2005 |
Q: I am getting married in August and ould like to have my mother do a reading as part of the ceremony. ...
A: Sarah! I congratulate you on your upcoming wedding. May God's love ever dwell in the love that ...
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| I am 26 years old, married,... | 5/25/2005 |
Q: I am 26 years old, married, no children, and up until now, Catholic. I recently have questioned some ...
A: United Methodism shares with Catholicism the basics of Christianity. We believe in the one God who ...
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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: The United Methodist Church does not require tithing, the giving of 10% of income to the church. We ...
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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: The Torah, the books of Moses, allowed divorce and remarriage. Jesus said that divorce and ...
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| Abortion | 4/12/2005 |
Q: I am a cradle-Methodist and have begun to become disoriented with all the wishy-washy morals and ...
A: I rejoice that the UMC has worked wonderfully in developing your faith. Yours is one of many stands ...
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| wedding | 4/8/2005 |
Q: Rev Olewiler, I have posted this question to four different experts on the "Islam" panel, and to ...
A: I appreciate your thoughtfulness and caring about your friend. I wonder if you have had any inkling ...
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| One Church | 3/14/2005 |
Q: Do you think it is time for there to be just one Church instead of all the denominations we have at ...
A: Actually, one can argue that there now is one Church. United Methodists join with many others in ...
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| Methodist's and Communion | 3/2/2005 |
Q: How does attending Communion make a difference to a Methodist?
A: Communion, the Lord's Supper, the Eucharist, is one of the two sacraments that United Methodism ...
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| Blood Transfusion | 2/8/2005 |
Q: This is again Yilmaz Yildiz, asking about blood transfusion. First of all, I am extremely pleased to ...
A: 1. Generally, the major denominations and divisions of Christianity (e.g.: Anglican/Episcopalian, ...
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| What happened to those who... | 1/27/2005 |
Q: What happened to those who have lived since Jesus' birth but have never been presented the ...
A: As you know, Christians have different responses to your question. Some would insist that all who do ...
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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: For me, as a Christian, sin is the human state of separation from God's complete will. We center on ...
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| Moses | 1/20/2005 |
Q: Exodus Chapter 4:24-26 At a lodging place on the way, the Lord met Moses, and was about to kill him. ...
A: The best answer to this question about God wanting to kill Moses is, "I don't know"! Most ...
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| Difference between being a methodist and a catholic | 12/22/2004 |
Q: I'm curios what the basic differences are between being a catholic and a methodist? Thanks, ...
A: United Methodism shares with Catholicism the basics of Christianity. We believe in the one God who ...
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| Halloween | 12/12/2004 |
Q: I am a Methodist. My daughter has become a Baptist. Suddenly according to my daughter,my wife and I ...
A: Halloween literally means, "All Hallow's Even," the evening of All Saints Day (All Hallows = All ...
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| Difference between Baptist and methodists | 11/27/2004 |
Q: What are the main differences between Methodists and Southern Baptists? (I am a Baptist who attended ...
A: Amy! I don't know enough about Southern Baptists to answer your question well. One other ...
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| Difference between Baptist and methodists | 11/27/2004 |
Q: What are the main differences between Methodists and Southern Baptists? (I am a Baptist who attended ...
A: United Methodists and Baptists have much in common -- belief in God and Bible, acceptance of Jesus ...
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| Baptisms/Christenings | 10/29/2004 |
Q: Sir, My wife and I are expecting a baby boy in late January of 2005. We also live overseas. Before ...
A: As a United Methodist pastor, I see baptism as do most pastors of the major denominations (United ...
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| premarital sex | 10/26/2004 |
Q: I had sex with my girlfriend who i love and care about, now she feels guilt because we had sex and ...
A: I believe that the basic question is of your relationship and of your mutual respect. If your love ...
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| future of Methodism | 10/22/2004 |
Q: Why would some say that Methodism is loosing its effectivenes in ministry?
A: Several indicators seem to show a lessening effectiveness for the U. M. Church. General ...
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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: In The United Methodist Church we have ordained elders and deacons. Elders lead worship, preach, and ...
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| Sad, sad, 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: First, I pray for you. May God's healing and holy Spirit hold you in comforting love. May God's ...
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| What did the bible say Jesus look like? | 7/24/2004 |
Q: What was Jesus's hair,eye skin described in the bible ?
A: The New Testament does not describe Jesus, other than to indicate that he was around 30 years old ...
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| apostolic succession | 6/20/2004 |
Q: Olewiler, Thank you for your reply. I'm a bit confused because I've always thought that deacons & ...
A: The United Methodist Church changed its system of orders and ordination eight years ago. Under the ...
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| apostolic succession | 6/19/2004 |
Q: I know that most Methodist Churches have bishops. Do you have the same holy orders and maintain ...
A: No, United Methodist bishops are not in the same succession as are Catholic, Orthodox,and Anglican. ...
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| Difference between SBC & UMC | 6/18/2004 |
Q: What are the main differences between United Methodist and Southern Baptist?
A: United Methodists and Baptists have much in common -- belief in God and Bible, acceptance of Jesus ...
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| methodist view of afterlife | 6/13/2004 |
Q: what happens to a Christian after death? does s/he goes to heaven and be with God immediately? or in ...
A: There is no "Methodist" view of the afterlife. Like other Christians, we note that two views appear ...
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| Beliefs | 6/11/2004 |
Q: Rev. Olewiler, I have been Methodist all of my 18 years and very active in my church. However, about ...
A: Luther, of course, would argue that he was returning the church to its early universal (catholic) ...
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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: I agree that the KJV was translated from very late (which means often corrupted) versions of the ...
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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: Your question raises a couple of thoughts: First, when the Apostle's Creed was written, there ...
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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: Christ after his death descended to hell, or descended to the dead. This emphasizes that Christ ...
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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: Sorry to be late in answering; Allexperts would not open the reply window last night. Yes, I ...
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| Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit | 6/3/2004 |
Q: Matthew 12:31-32 states that blasphemy against the Son of Man is forgiveable, but blasphemy against ...
A: Jeffrey! The Holy Spirit is God's advocating, comforting, guiding presence with us. To ...
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| religion | 5/30/2004 |
Q: Is the Methodist religion more like the Catholic? A friend had made the comment that they were ...
A: Nancy -- Maybe this would help. It outlines some similarities and differences of United ...
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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: As I read the Bible, it is concerned with same-sex acts that are violent acts of war or that are ...
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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! Intoit literally means, "going in"; postlude is "after the event. They are meant as ...
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| homosexuality | 5/28/2004 |
Q: i understand that the traditional church teachings on the subject of homosexuality has been negative ...
A: Since I once served a church whose choir director was gay, I refuse to condemn gay persons or to ...
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| religion | 5/27/2004 |
Q: Is the Methodist religion more like the Catholic? A friend had made the comment that they were ...
A: Nancy! Sorry that I have been out of town today and thus very late in getting to your question. ...
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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: The United Methodist Church recognizes baptism by all Christian churches. We are not baptized into ...
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| Communion | 5/21/2004 |
Q: Can non-Methodist Christians, such as Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholics and other Protestant ...
A: Yes, we have open communion for members of all Christian churches. Some pastors require baptism; we ...
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| second offering | 5/20/2004 |
Q: I've attended a Holy Communion service at a Methodist Church and there was a collection for the ...
A: This second offering was simply that particular church's response to its special needs or ...
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| Denomination | 4/26/2004 |
Q: What denominaiton was Jesus? & Why do you call yourself reverend?
A: In Jesus time there were no denominations, not even a Christian Church. He was a Jewish teacher and ...
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| Mary and Christ | 4/26/2004 |
Q: What is the official Methodist stance on Mary's relation to Christ? According to Methodist belief, ...
A: United Methodists have no official stance on Mary; she is not part of our theological background. ...
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| Prayer Guidance | 4/17/2004 |
Q: Olewiler, I had a brother I loved very much who committed suicide in the early 80s from gambling ...
A: How sad to learn of your brother's death. I pray for you and for him, that God may hold you in the ...
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| Doctrinal Differences | 4/14/2004 |
Q: I was raised a Baptist. However I have been out of church for several years. I have been searching ...
A: United Methodists and Baptists have much in common -- belief in God and Bible, acceptance of Jesus ...
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| Giants in the Bible | 3/24/2004 |
Q: Genesis refers to "giants". Putting aside the Holywood version of giants, what is teh Bible ...
A: Genesis' authors are reflecting a common theme in the folklore of the early Middle East -- that at ...
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| Bible and slavery | 3/19/2004 |
Q: The Bible seems quite casual in it's handling of slavery, it seems to neither condone nor condemn. ...
A: You are right. The Bible writers took slavery for granted in many instances. I think that we look to ...
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| Aposples Creed | 3/15/2004 |
Q: Olewiler, After attending "The Passion of the Christ" , I was thinking about what happened to ...
A: The original version of the Apostles' Creed (which was a creed said at baptism to express the faith) ...
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| promises given to Abraham prophetically | 3/2/2004 |
Q: What promises were given to Abraham prophetically?
A: Are you thinking of Genesis 22? God promises to Abraham a whole nation of descendants, as many as ...
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| The Passion | 2/26/2004 |
Q: William, I am a 20 year old college student who was raised in a Christian (Methodist) family. My ...
A: The Church over the years has explored many ways of understanding what God did for us in the life, ...
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| Methodist vs Episcopal | 2/25/2004 |
Q: You have been of great assistance. Can you recommend any reading material that would assist me?My ...
A: There is a thick paperback called "The Story of American Methodism" (by Frederick A. Norwood, ...
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| Methodist vs Episcopal | 2/25/2004 |
Q: My family (wife and newborn son) and I have recently begun a quest to find a church that fulfills ...
A: Let me answer briefly some of your questions, without pretending to be able to handle them all. ...
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| Converting | 1/23/2004 |
Q: I have been raised a Roman Catholic since birth, I am what you call a Cradle Catholic, or born into ...
A: Perhaps your folks are concerned that you might be leaving a way of relating to God that satisfies ...
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