| Subject | Date Asked |
|
| Wesley & Apostles Creed | 10/14/2009 |
Q: I'll be teaching a class soon in Sunday School on the Apostles' Creed. One thing I've learned while ...
A: I've spent a while researching your answer, however I haven't been able to find a specific answer to ...
|
| 2nd Coming of Christ | 10/8/2009 |
Q: Do Methodists believe in a literal, future 2nd Coming of Jesus Christ, in addition to the current ...
A: Some -- perhaps even a great many -- United Methodists certainly do believe in a literal, future 2nd ...
|
| St.. Luke and St. John | 10/8/2009 |
Q: In your biographical information you mention the Order of St. Luke and the Society of Saint John the ...
A: The Order of Saint Luke is an Order within the United Methodist Church; it is "dedicated to ...
|
| Old Testament laws and ordinances | 10/8/2009 |
Q: I am doing Disciple Bible Study and we are on the Old Testament laws and ordinances. I seems that ...
A: It would be safe to say that the Mosaic Covenant -- the Law -- as it is contained in the Hebrew ...
|
| Phases of Grace | 10/8/2009 |
Q: Before becoming a Methodist I knew about justifying and sanctifying grace, but heard virtually ...
A: I suppose you're asking about John Wesley, and did he originate the idea of Prevenient Grace? To ...
|
| relationships between religions | 10/7/2009 |
Q: How is the Methodist religion related to that of Lutheran and Anglican religions. Thank you for ...
A: The United Methodist Church, and the other related branches of Methodism, are denominations of the ...
|
| seminary accrediation | 10/6/2009 |
Q: I feel a calling to seminary, but how do I know if the one I choose is acceptable to Methodist ...
A: The Seminary you are considering will need to be one that is listed by the University Senate or its ...
|
| NARAL | 10/3/2009 |
Q: What is the Methodist position, via the Board of Church and Society, on providing funding and ...
A: I was asked a question regarding this recently and I attempted to find out, from the Board of Church ...
|
| wedding sacraments | 10/2/2009 |
Q: Is there communion at the wedding? If so, is it remembering Jesus dying for our sins or is the ...
A: In the United Methodist Church the Sacrament of Holy Communion may be celebrated if the wedding ...
|
| Liberal and Conservative | 10/2/2009 |
Q: In your experience, are the majority of clergy in the UMC more "liberal" or more "conservative" in ...
A: This is a highly subjective question, so I hope you understand that my response will be entirely my ...
|
| Methodist Evangelists | 9/30/2009 |
Q: I'm a fairly new Methodist (about 2 years) and recently became aware that the UMC has both lay and ...
A: I found quite a lot of information on the website of the National Association of United Methodist ...
|
| United Methodist and Unitarian Universalists | 9/27/2009 |
Q: In your opinion, what is the majority view among UMC Elders concerning the Unitarian Universalists?
A: I'm honestly skeptical about being able to identify a single "majority" view among UMC Elders ...
|
| Trouble choosing a new religion | 9/25/2009 |
Q: Good Afternoon Rev. Neal, I have been struggling with my religious beliefs since I was in high ...
A: God bless you in your search for a church home! I believe that you are doing the right thing in ...
|
| Coveting prayers | 9/25/2009 |
Q: I have noticed a trend lately with people making the statement, "I covet your prayers." I don't ...
A: This is an interesting question. It's a phase I have used, often, when I have requested the prayers ...
|
| Filing of a GCSRW Report for sexual ethics misconduct | 9/24/2009 |
Q: Reverend. What UMC Church Policy text(s)/volume(s)/book(s) would be good for me to own as reference ...
A: The 2008 Book of Discipline and the 2008 Book of Resolutions both will contain information and ...
|
| Required to do liturgy? | 9/23/2009 |
Q: Our new pastor is not following Methodist ritual during the Holy Communion. When he first came to ...
A: I think it behooves us to keep in mind that there is a great degree of latitude incorporated into ...
|
| Annual Conference Rules | 9/22/2009 |
Q: During a local UM annual church conference, is there a difference between "Church" conference and ...
A: There is a very precise difference between a Church and a Charge Conference. According to the 2008 ...
|
| Lay Leadership | 9/21/2009 |
Q: I have been asked by our new pastor to consider becoming Lay Leader of our small very diverse ...
A: Congratulations! Being Lay Leader is a very important job, and the position within our United ...
|
| methodist relegion | 9/20/2009 |
Q: what happen when a child is born as a methodist. what special cermony are held what is the ...
A: 1. When a child is born to Methodist parents that child is usually baptized (within a year or, ...
|
| SPRC MEETINGS | 9/18/2009 |
Q: Our SPRC wanted to hold an "open forum" type of meeting to get members' input on their ideas for ...
A: Strictly speaking, according to the 2008 Book of Discipline at Paragraph 258.2e, all meetings of the ...
|
| The AG Church | 9/16/2009 |
Q: Greg, I am attending an Assemblies of God college, Valley Forge Christian College, and was wondering ...
A: I'm sorry it's taken so long for me to get back to you, but it's been a busy week! I pray your ...
|
| Infant vs Adult Baptism | 9/16/2009 |
Q: I was baptized as an infant in the United Methodist Church. As an adult I am now attending a ...
A: You find yourself in the midst of a fundamental disagreement over the nature and meaning of ...
|
| UMC funding of the RCRC | 9/8/2009 |
Q: I am interested in joining my local United Methodist Church. I am strongly pro life and have some ...
A: I have waited several days before responding to your question because I have been hoping that the ...
|
| Methodists & Disciples of Christ | 9/7/2009 |
Q: How does the Methodist Church compare to Disciples of Christ and/or Church of Christ? Are they ...
A: Differences between the United Methodist Church and the Disciples of Christ will be less extreme ...
|
| Evolution | 8/31/2009 |
Q: Attended a lecture by Dr. Patricia Kelley of University NC, Wilmington last Thursday evening at ...
A: I don't know about any statements in 1984, but until the 2008 General Conference The United ...
|
| How close is the United Methodists are to the Episcopal Church | 8/30/2009 |
Q: I have always been interested in the relationship between the UMC and the Episcopal Church. Do you ...
A: I'm not sure you have a question here; rather, you're making an observation and stating a few about ...
|
| Scripture refenc | 8/30/2009 |
Q: In a response someone asking a question I've always had; basically, what happens to good people who ...
A: Your question is a frequent one, and one which merits a response. Firstly, Paul states in Romans ...
|
| 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: I understand your situation, however understand that you wouldn't be having these thoughts and ...
|
| hierarchy of the Methodist church | 8/29/2009 |
Q: i was reading a previous question and wanted to know more about the hierarchy of the methodist ...
A: The United Methodist Church has an Episcopal Polity (government), with Bishop's who are responsible ...
|
| How close is the United Methodists are to the Episcopal Church | 8/28/2009 |
Q: I have always been interested in the relationship between the UMC and the Episcopal Church. Do you ...
A: The United Methodist Church and the Episcopal Church are closely related in many ways. We share the ...
|
| hiring the pastor's wife - follow up | 8/27/2009 |
Q: Just today the pastor notified the SPRC Chair that there will be a committee meeting in 5 days to ...
A: This is truly a "mess." It sounds like your pastor is trying to set up appropriate lines of ...
|
| adam and eve | 8/26/2009 |
Q: I attended a methodist church this past week and the pastor stated that methodist do not believe in ...
A: There are going to be a great many different opinions on this subject. However, to say, ...
|
| hiring the pastor's wife | 8/21/2009 |
Q: Just after his appointment our pastor asked the SPRC chair if the church would hire his wife as ...
A: "QUESTIONS: (1) Is it ethical for the pastor to ask a congregation to employ his wife at his ...
|
| 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: It is an interesting one. Allow me to address it from several directions. Firstly, The Old ...
|
| Sex | 8/12/2009 |
Q: My boyfriend and I are in a committed, loving relationship. I strongly believe, with the right ...
A: Since you have asked this question I must assume that you are willing to receive an honest answer, ...
|
| mormon-methodist | 8/11/2009 |
Q: I am wanting to join a local Methodist church. I have learned that a mormon baptism is not accepted ...
A: Welcome to the United Methodist Church! I pray that you have found a loving and accepting church ...
|
| Love Offering for Pastor | 8/10/2009 |
Q: We are collecting a Love Offering for our pastor at a service on Sunday. It is my understanding ...
A: I'm sorry to read that there would be members of the Finance Committee who would object to a love ...
|
| wedding ceremony | 7/29/2009 |
Q: If you are getting married in a Methodist church, is it "protocol" for the pastor of that church to ...
A: It is a matter of pastoral authority as well as "good protocol" that the appointed pastor at least ...
|
| Holy Communion | 7/27/2009 |
Q: I took communion at a Methodist Church where each person was given their own small glass to drink. ...
A: The practice of partaking of the Eucharist using the small shot glasses is reflective of an old ...
|
| Methodist church | 7/23/2009 |
Q: I was born and raised down south(NC)and now live in WA state and have two children. We are invited ...
A: Ah, thank you for the clarification! Yes, there will be some significant differences between the ...
|
| ex-officio members | 7/22/2009 |
Q: I understand that the Church Council chair and the lay leader are ex-officio members of every ...
A: The Church Council Chairperson is an ex-officio member of every committee of the church except for ...
|
| Methodist church | 7/13/2009 |
Q: I was born and raised down south(NC)and now live in WA state and have two children. We are invited ...
A: I assume you were a member of the United Methodist Church in North Carolina before moving to the ...
|
| SDA to UMC | 7/12/2009 |
Q: I was raised in a strict Seventh-Day Adventist family and my husband was raised in a Baptist family. ...
A: "How does the UMC interpret the 4th commandment of resting on the 7th day of the week to observe the ...
|
| 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: I found the video straight forward and honest, both in terms of its sincerity and desire to make its ...
|
| Eucharist | 7/7/2009 |
Q: what are your beliefs and how similar is it to catholic
A: United Methodists are part of the catholic tradition in the Church which teaches that the Sacraments ...
|
| Serving Communion when not licensed | 7/2/2009 |
Q: I am not yet licensed as a local pastor, but I will be serving communion this Sunday July 5th. The ...
A: I understand that you are working within a difficult set of circumstances; having been appointed to ...
|
| sprinkleing | 6/17/2009 |
Q: why do the methodist sprinkle when baptism means submersion which means to go underneath the ...
A: It will be helpful to consider that Christian Baptism actually means submersion into Christ Jesus, ...
|
| Constitutional Amendment XIX (19) | 6/14/2009 |
Q: Wouldn't this change give equal representation to those churches which are severed by Local Pastors ...
A: I'm afraid that you are laboring under a severe misunderstanding of how Annual Conference Membership ...
|
| Modern Affirmation | 6/8/2009 |
Q: Rev. Neal! I am a fellow Texan and Methodist and am leading some SS classes on the creeds found in ...
A: I'm so sorry that it took so long for me to get back to you with this response, but I was busy this ...
|
| Chancel area redesign | 6/5/2009 |
Q: What is the current Methodist thinking as it relates to the use of just a pulpit or using a pulpit ...
A: Different Churches have their chancels arranged in different ways. In the 1970s and 1980s the ...
|
| Baptism and Salvation UMC and Baptist differences | 6/1/2009 |
Q: I come from a Baptist background and am considering moving to the UMC. What are the differences in ...
A: The official doctrinal position of The United Methodist Church on the sacrament of Holy Baptism can ...
|
| Child Baptism | 5/26/2009 |
Q: According to the Bible, one has to believe in order to be baptized (Mathew 28:18-20). A child knows ...
A: What Methodists say regarding the baptism of infants can be summed up in a few short sentences ...
|
| Constitutional Amendment I | 5/26/2009 |
Q: If Constitutional Amendment I is approved will it allow for a self-avowed practicing homosexual to ...
A: You've asked an interesting question; after thinking about it and inquiring with several other UM ...
|
| Constitutional Amendment I | 5/25/2009 |
Q: If Constitutional Amendment I is approved will it allow for a self-avowed practicing homosexual to ...
A: It's an interesting and natural question given the language of the change. If voted and so declared ...
|
| Church Leader accused of crime | 5/24/2009 |
Q: A member of our church was recently indicted for money laundering in connection with his ...
A: Since he has only been indicted, and has not be convicted, he should be treated as "innocent until ...
|
| Writing a declaration of intent | 4/29/2009 |
Q: My sponsoring church has asked me to write a document explaining my call to ministry and my ...
A: You are being asked to write about your calling to ministry. I cannot tell you what your calling ...
|
| angels | 4/19/2009 |
Q: What do Methodists belive about "Angels among us?" Are angels still around, helping us in our daily ...
A: There are likely to be about as many opinions on the subject of Angels as there are Methodists to ...
|
| communion | 4/19/2009 |
Q: Can you discuss and clarify the new language regarding the "pre-consecrated" elements of communion? ...
A: You ask an excellent question! What the Judicial Council did was rule that it is not proper for the ...
|
| Role of UM Pastor's wife | 4/14/2009 |
Q: Does the Pastor's wife(UM)have any voting power or can she be on committees even if she is not a ...
A: There is no position of "Pastors Wife" or "Pastor's Husband," no special or unusual authority is ...
|
| ELDER MINISTER JOB DESCRIPTION | 4/5/2009 |
Q: Is there a formal job description for a full time minister in the United Methodist Church. If so ...
A: The "job description" for an Ordained Elder of the United Methodist Church can be found in the 2008 ...
|
| Finance Question | 3/28/2009 |
Q: Our church, like many these days, are experiencing some financial hard times. It was suggested at a ...
A: It can be done, but such funds cannot be used for a purpose other than for which they were ...
|
| Discipline | 3/24/2009 |
Q: I have read numerous conflicting answeres on this site to theDoes the Lay Leader have a vote at SPRC ...
A: According to the book of Discipline at Paragraph 258.2a, the composition of the SPRC is outlined. ...
|
| Communion to Homebound and the Sick | 3/19/2009 |
Q: Can you describe how to give communion to the homebound and sick? Specifically, what to say and ...
A: I'm sorry! I should have asked that question first! The Book of Worship has a wonderful short ...
|
| Communion to Homebound and the Sick | 3/16/2009 |
Q: Can you describe how to give communion to the homebound and sick? Specifically, what to say and ...
A: I presume that you are referring to the lay distribution of Communion elements which have been ...
|
| Baptism in the UMC | 3/16/2009 |
Q: First of all, I want to thank you for taking the time to answer these questions on this web site. ...
A: I also want to first welcome you back to the life and faith of the Church, and my prayer for you is ...
|
| The sacred Scriptures | 3/15/2009 |
Q: What is your position on the infallibility of the Scriptures?
A: It's a simple one, but the response will take a little bit of time, so please bear with me. As a ...
|
| appt of chair of SPRC | 3/12/2009 |
Q: Where in the Discipline does it say that the SPRC Committee may elect its own chair instead of ...
A: The Paragraph of the 2008 Discipline detailing the election of members of the Pastor-Parish (a.k.a. ...
|
| Difference in methodist beliefs | 3/11/2009 |
Q: I was raised baptist and when i got married i ended up swithcing to church of god. I haven't been to ...
A: You ask a very large question, and it will take a little while to answer. So, please bear with me. ...
|
| baptism of infants | 3/10/2009 |
Q: What is the scriptural text use for the baptism of infants\children?
A: There is very little direct scriptural support for the Baptism of Infants and young children. You ...
|
| walking in front of the altar | 2/26/2009 |
Q: Our UMC minister just informed the lay readers and choir members that they are not allowed to walk ...
A: Allow me to first answer your question directly, then provide a little bit of theological ...
|
| Chosen Peoples Ministry Rep in the Methodist Church | 2/10/2009 |
Q: Our pastor has created much division among the Trustees of our church by offering up office space @ ...
A: I must admit that I have never heard of the "Chosen Peoples Ministry" before, and after a little ...
|
| United Methodist | 1/18/2009 |
Q: My Mother had us children attend United Methodist. But she sent my Sister and I to a Lutheran ...
A: Allow me to address the differences and similarities between the UMC and the Lutheran ELCA, for I ...
|
| UCM and UCC / converting | 1/17/2009 |
Q: 1. What are the main differences between the United Methodist Church and the United Church of Christ ...
A: I'll address each question in turn: 1. "What are the main differences between the United Methodist ...
|
| Membership Removal | 1/16/2009 |
Q: When can an active member be removed from the roles of a church?
A: I assume this question pertains to the Discipline of the United Methodist Church? If so, there are ...
|
| World Service - Apportionments | 1/15/2009 |
Q: According to the Book of Discipline: World Service is “the first benevolent responsibility of the ...
A: Do I consider the paying of apportionments "mandatory?" The correct answer is, of course, "yes." ...
|
| methodists | 1/15/2009 |
Q: what kind of religion is methodist? ANSWER: Methodism is a movement within Protestant ...
A: I find it interesting that someone would make that claim about us ... it is manifestly untrue. I ...
|
| pulpit ministry | 1/14/2009 |
Q: I would like to know the meaning of pulpit ministry in the Methodist church and also as to what are ...
A: In my response, bellow, I am assuming that you are part of a United Methodist Church ... or of a ...
|
| methodists | 1/13/2009 |
Q: what kind of religion is methodist? ANSWER: Methodism is a movement within Protestant ...
A: "Christian" is a religion. The United Methodist Church is a Denomination of the Christian Religion ...
|
| methodists | 1/12/2009 |
Q: what kind of religion is methodist?
A: Methodism is a movement within Protestant Christianity. The United Methodist Church, specifically, ...
|
| Creed and Communion | 1/12/2009 |
Q: I'm a 15 year old Catholic who has never strayed from my church or been anywhere else, but my new ...
A: United Methodist Churches will tend to vary from congregation to congregation in their liturgical ...
|
| methodist conversion | 1/10/2009 |
Q: I was born and raised in a southern baptist church. When I was married the first time I began to ...
A: I really want to encourage you to speak to the pastor of the United Methodist Church where you are ...
|
| Communion | 1/8/2009 |
Q: The "giving" of communion. Is/are laity allowed to administer communion in a worship service ...
A: According to the Book of Discipline (Paragraph 340.2(b)) it is responsibility of the Ordained Elder ...
|
| Church leadership positions | 1/7/2009 |
Q: Can you recommend some good resources for leadership roles in the United Methodist Church? What I'm ...
A: There is an excellent series sold by Cokesbury entitled: "Guidelines For Leading Your Congregation." ...
|
| pulpit ministry | 1/7/2009 |
Q: I would like to know the meaning of pulpit ministry in the Methodist church and also as to what are ...
A: "Pulpit Ministry" is the ministry of preaching the Word on a regular basis during public worship ...
|
| Church Offices | 1/6/2009 |
Q: I was wondering, can one person be the treasurer and also the Church Council chairperson? Or the ...
A: While it would not be common for the Church Council or Lay Leader to serve as chair of other ...
|
| Communion | 1/4/2009 |
Q: As a lifetime Baptist I was taught that Communion was a symbolic representation of Christ's ...
A: Given what you have said regarding your background I am not surprised at your questions regarding ...
|
| Nose piercing | 1/4/2009 |
Q: I recently had my nose pierced. I am not a teenager and am in fact nearing 40, which was precisely ...
A: I'm not entirely sure how I can be of help to you on this issue. While piercing isn't my "thing," ...
|
| The Duties of the Circuit Finance Committee | 12/18/2008 |
Q: I have recently been appointed the Chairperson of the Circuit Finance Committe for our small rural ...
A: I'm sorry it has taken so long to get back to you but the Advent lead-up to Christmas has been ...
|
| The Methodists | 12/14/2008 |
Q: What makes Methodists stand out more then other Christians. Also do you expect women to wear dresses ...
A: I understand your first question as relating to what is distinctive about Methodists and Methodism. ...
|
| Tod Jacobs AL. Preacher | 12/13/2008 |
Q: Does a preacher have the right to throw a member out of church for going to a bar to watch a friend ...
A: I am a disturbed by what you describe. Was this a United Methodist Church and a UM pastor? If so, ...
|
| Dad's failure | 12/12/2008 |
Q: My wife and I are christians. We have kept our family in church, attended Sunday School and UMYF, ...
A: Your express a very painful and difficult situation, and yet one that is not foreign to many people ...
|
| Sacraments | 12/12/2008 |
Q: I have recently been ordained as a member of the Liberal catholic Apostolic Church (members of WCC). ...
A: I assume you're referencing a circuit or charge of the United Methodist Church? If so, then it is ...
|
| universal redemption vs. universal salvation | 12/10/2008 |
Q: Can you please explain the difference of universal redemption vs universal salvation in regards to ...
A: You pose several interesting questions. Please allow me to address each one independently: 1. ...
|
| Wesley | 12/6/2008 |
Q: I have told the story about Wesley's enlightenment upon reading Luther's preface to Romans. I think ...
A: Wesley wrote this in a June 1766 letter to his brother, Charles Wesley. It is, indeed, a most ...
|
| teachings | 11/23/2008 |
Q: Gregory S. Neal What is the list of the verses, of what chapters., of what books, of the Bible, ...
A: I'm afraid that neither a simple nor a straight forward answer to your question is really possible ...
|
| Saints | 11/18/2008 |
Q: Do Methodists believe in the Saints. If so, do they have a patron saint for the military?
A: You question is an interesting one, thanks for asking. The United Methodist Church believes in the ...
|
| PPR committee | 11/18/2008 |
Q: Who should make up the PPR committee? Does the Chairman of the PPR get to vote? Does the preacher ...
A: The Staff/Pastor-Parish-Relations Committee is made up of nine members of the church, plus the Lay ...
|
| Finance Chairperson | 11/6/2008 |
Q: Please explain the responsibilities of the Chairperson on Finance for the United Methodist Church. ...
A: The Chairperson of Finance has, among their principle responsibilities, the coordinating and ...
|
| Lay leader Position | 11/3/2008 |
Q: What is the job Description, what is the term of the position. What warrant's dismissal and who ...
A: The Lay Leader's principle responsibility is to represent the laity of the church to the conference ...
|
| Baptist vs Methodist | 10/25/2008 |
Q: Neal~ I am Baptist. My boyfriend grew up Methodist. I have not been attending church regularly for ...
A: The fundamental difference between Baptists and Methodists boils down to a difference in conception ...
|
| Faith | 10/24/2008 |
Q: "The righteous shall live by faith" (Romans 1: 17) Does it mean 'By faith, the righteous shall ...
A: In looking at the Greek original of Romans 1:17 I note that the wording is as follows (transcribed ...
|
| abstaining from alcohol and gambling | 10/16/2008 |
Q: why doesn't the Methodist Church have stricter rules about imbibing alcoholic beverages?I have seen ...
A: John, You ask an interesting question, but I'm not sure there is any real way to answer it other ...
|
| God being nongender | 10/11/2008 |
Q: Please, what do you do with 1 John 2:1-2, or John 11:41-42- clearly Our God is our Father, and in ...
A: I do not interpret the 1 John 2 and the John 11 passages as being justification for understanding ...
|
| Elders in Methodist Church | 10/7/2008 |
Q: In his answer to another person's question, Rev. Bill Olewiler said "The Elder is the 'pastor,' the ...
A: In the United Methodist Church the Office and Order of Elder is the equivalent of the Office and ...
|
| Leasing | 9/30/2008 |
Q: Our minister and his wife recently brought a home and moved out of the church parsonage. The church ...
A: To the best of my knowledge there is no problem with this, nor are there any statements in the ...
|
| Board of Trustees | 9/26/2008 |
Q: I am the current BOT chairperson. My church is in the final stages of coplection of a new ...
A: I assume your church is Incorporated? If so, then you are signing as agent for the BOT and the ...
|
| Christianity | 9/10/2008 |
Q: Do you believe Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, etc. who have not accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior ...
A: There are many different opinions on this matter, and there is no "definitive" Methodist response. ...
|
| Tolerance of vices such as smoking and drinking alcohol | 9/8/2008 |
Q: Rev. Neal my only experience in religion has been with the Baptist church. They are very close ...
A: The official position of the United Methodist Church on the use and misuse of Alcohol and Tobacco, ...
|
| Wesley as a Classical Arminian | 9/3/2008 |
Q: Where did Wesley get his arminian theology from at oxford?
A: It's a good one, but one I hadn't thought about before and had to do a little reading to find the ...
|
| Blocking the view of the Santuary Cross | 9/2/2008 |
Q: Some members of our United Methodist Church are torn over whether or not it is or is not okay to ...
A: I am not aware of any regulations within the Book of Discipline which would restrict the hanging of ...
|
| Denomination of Protestants | 9/1/2008 |
Q: Why Protestant have so much so denominations? like Catholic and Orthodox have no sub denominations ...
A: You ask a good question. Firstly, the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Communions ...
|
| a few questions | 8/29/2008 |
Q: Sir, I am in Iraq and to pass time decided to take a world religion class. I have to write a paper ...
A: May God bless and keep you in your service. I also hope your studies go well. The "central myth" ...
|
| 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: While God is depicted as giving these directions, I believe that they are far more reflective of the ...
|
| communion | 8/25/2008 |
Q: My pastor has 3 churches. Recently she was in between churches and received a phone call that her ...
A: You were correct. Within the United Methodist Church a Certified Lay Speaker is not authorized to ...
|
| Throne and Lamb | 8/21/2008 |
Q: according to Methodists Who is sit on the Throne in Revelation 4:10 and who is the lamb in ...
A: I don't believe there is any definitive "Methodist" answer to these questions. However, I can give ...
|
| Trinity and Jews | 8/11/2008 |
Q: Does Jews also believes in trinity ? What about Adam , Cain , Noah, Abraham, Isac , Jacob , David ...
A: Those of the Jewish faith do not believe in the doctrine of the Holy Trinity. That is Christian ...
|
| Gay Marriages | 8/9/2008 |
Q: Methodist allow gay marriages? how many percentage of Pastors support gay marriages and are gays ? ...
A: Many clergy do disagree with the Church's position on Homosexuality and Gay-Marriage. The fact that ...
|
| Baptism | 8/9/2008 |
Q: Neal- I had an additional question(s) I was hoping you could answer, regarding baptism. My first ...
A: The prevenient grace that an unbaptized believer has received is not really any different than the ...
|
| Gay Marriages | 8/8/2008 |
Q: Methodist allow gay marriages? how many percentage of Pastors support gay marriages and are gays ?
A: The United Methodist Church does not allow Gay Marriages to be performed in our churches, nor are ...
|
| Baptism | 8/7/2008 |
Q: Neal- I had an additional question(s) I was hoping you could answer, regarding baptism. My first ...
A: You ask two good ones. I'll attempt to address both at the same time. Baptism, as a sacrament, is ...
|
| incense burning | 8/7/2008 |
Q: i was baptized and grew up as a Methodist. I still attend church at my local Methodist church. Over ...
A: I find your question interesting because I, myself, have used incense not only in my own prayer life ...
|
| Nominations Committee | 8/6/2008 |
Q: I am staff Parish Chair at a UMC in North Carolina. I have had a member complain to me about our ...
A: To the best of my knowledge, there are no Disciplinary regulations that would restrict a pastor from ...
|
| Church Weddings | 8/5/2008 |
Q: Does the UMC Book of Discipline allow others of like faith to perform the wedding ceremony in the ...
A: I assume you're asking about people and clergy of other Christian denominations wishing to use UMC ...
|
| Age of Mary | 8/1/2008 |
Q: What is the age of Mary when she gave birth of Christ ?
A: We really can't say for certain, however it is likely to assume that, given the conditions described ...
|
| Having more than 1 wife | 8/1/2008 |
Q: Why don't God send His wrath on Abraham , Jacob , Moses and David , because they have multiple ...
A: You ask an interesting question. While I'm not sure as to the intention behind your question, a few ...
|
| Means of grace | 6/26/2008 |
Q: Some people includethe sacraments as part of the "Means of Grace Wesley seems to also. What is the ...
A: The Sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion are the two principles means of grace for John Wesley's ...
|
| babptims | 6/25/2008 |
Q: My name is Ashley. I've been looking around for a church, and the Methodist church interests me very ...
A: I'll do my best to address both of your questions. Firstly, while I respect your belief that ...
|
| women pastors | 6/20/2008 |
Q: What does the bible say about women being in a position to lead a a church of any religon. If Jesus ...
A: According to: Matthew 28 Mark 16 Luke 24 John 20 The first evangelists -- the first preachers and ...
|
| concerts a sin? | 6/18/2008 |
Q: My old college buddy recently asked me to attend a concert with her. I want to go bc it sounds fun ...
A: Dea Kia, I don't believe that concerts are inherently sinful. Things can happen at concerts, etc., ...
|
| your website is......... | 6/9/2008 |
Q: absolutely useless, why dont you make it more catholic friendly? also i would like to add i learnt ...
A: I'm very sorry you feel this way, but I respect your right to feel and believe however you wish. ...
|
| Is god a male or female or niether | 5/31/2008 |
Q: Is God a male or female or niether? My methodist mother in law and myself disagree on this and I was ...
A: You ask an interesting question, one that has left me thinking about it, off and on, for a few days. ...
|
| 10% | 5/28/2008 |
Q: What are your views on tithing? Erik
A: Allow me to take a little while to lay out my response to your question. Some Christians will ...
|
| Baptism | 5/24/2008 |
Q: My brother and I were baptism in 2004 along with 3 of our kids. We were baptism in a lake. Are ...
A: Okay ... well ... you're on the Baptized Members Roll for sure. However, to go on the professed ...
|
| Baptism | 5/24/2008 |
Q: My brother and I were baptism in 2004 along with 3 of our kids. We were baptism in a lake. Are ...
A: I suppose I'm going to need a little more information to answer your question. Firstly, you say you ...
|
| Profit from the gospel | 5/13/2008 |
Q: I have been a christian all my life, a methodist all my life, and a youth worker and Sunday School ...
A: There are several factors to consider when publishing Bible Lessons for use in Churches. Scripture ...
|
| SPPRC/PPRC | 5/10/2008 |
Q: What is the role of the Pastor in the SPPRC? I was told it was as an "ex officio" member. There to ...
A: The Staff Parish Relations Committee (or Pastor Parish Relations Committee) does not have the ...
|
| Baptism | 5/7/2008 |
Q: What is the position of the UMC in regards to baptism being required for salvation? ANSWER: The ...
A: I'll try to answer the best I can: 1. The "mark" of baptism is the "outward and visible sign of ...
|
| Baptism | 5/1/2008 |
Q: What is the position of the UMC in regards to baptism being required for salvation?
A: The official doctrinal position of The United Methodist Church on the sacrament of Holy Baptism can ...
|
| Confession | 4/28/2008 |
Q: I've been told that Methodist only confess sin directly to God. "Q: Why do Catholics confess their ...
A: This is not a real question here ... your principle purpose was to make a point, and you made it. ...
|
| Coptic Orthodox religion | 4/28/2008 |
Q: Can you explain the differences in the Coptic Orthodox Church and the United Methodist? What ...
A: United Methodists and Coptic Christians have many different practices, as Christians, as well as ...
|
| Methodist vs Catholic | 4/21/2008 |
Q: Gregory, I was born and raised a Catholic and my mom doesn't like when I attend service at any ...
A: You ask an interesting question. Before I proffer a response, I would really like to make a few ...
|
| Marriage | 4/17/2008 |
Q: Does either party have to be baptized Methodist to be married in the Methodist church?
A: I'm sorry for the delay in responding to your question. The short answer to your question is no ... ...
|
| Hello | 4/13/2008 |
Q: My question is can the pastor get someone to give his sermon on a Sunday without asking the ppr for ...
A: The shortest and most direct answer to your question is "yes." The duly appointed pastor of a ...
|
| Methodists and Weekly Eucharist | 4/11/2008 |
Q: I grew up in the Roman Catholic church and would like to know why Methodists don't have communion ...
A: The reason why many United Methodist Churches do not receive Communion more frequently than once a ...
|
| i need to know | 4/8/2008 |
Q: I was raised Baptist. But recently have joined a United Methodist church. Why do the Methodist not ...
A: I'm not sure if I understand your question. Are you asking why Methodists don't baptize? If this ...
|
| eucharist (follow-up) | 3/3/2008 |
Q: Rev. Neal- Thank you so much for your thoughtful and knowledgable answer; this matter has forced me ...
A: You ask an excellent question regarding the use of Grape Juice rather than fermented, full-fledged ...
|
| eucharist | 1/21/2008 |
Q: - Thanks for fielding this question. Could you tell me, in general terms, any i) perceivable, and ...
A: I appreciate your question on the Eucharist. I assume you mean, in your question, the differences ...
|
| Difference of various Lutherans | 1/14/2008 |
Q: Neal, My husband was raised Catholic, and I was raised Methodist. We recently moved to a new area, ...
A: Depending upon the Synod and a few other factors, Lutherans will trend "higher" church and, hence, ...
|
| Heavenly Form? | 1/3/2008 |
Q: My wife and I are members of a Methodist church in Atlanta Georgia. As part of our Sunday School ...
A: Your question is not unlike that posed to Paul (and to which he was responding in 1 Corinthians ...
|
| 25 with a curfew | 12/31/2007 |
Q: My name is KT i am a 25 yr old senior in college. While i am away at college i make my own decsions ...
A: I understand the dilemma. If you cannot get her to let-up, and you cannot afford to move out at ...
|
| 25 with a curfew | 12/30/2007 |
Q: My name is KT i am a 25 yr old senior in college. While i am away at college i make my own decsions ...
A: I understand your frustration, but I also understand your mother's concern. She has had events in ...
|
| Mary and the Virgin Birth | 12/24/2007 |
Q: Do Methodists believe in the virgin birth of Jesus? Last Sunday in church my pastor (a Baptist) ...
A: The Virgin Birth of Jesus is a hot-button issue for many people and for many different reasons. ...
|
| evolution | 12/22/2007 |
Q: I was investigating the UMC's position on the theory of evolution and ran across an article to a ...
A: I am not sure that you pose any specific question; rather, you appear to be making a statement of ...
|
| communion | 12/13/2007 |
Q: can you describe communion to me?
A: A description of the Sacrament of Holy Communion could be made from several directions, and I'm not ...
|
| fellowship | 12/10/2007 |
Q: Do Methodists believe that people should not be accepted into full fellowship in the church until at ...
A: I'm sorry about the delay in response; it's been a tough several days (funerals and such). While ...
|
| Methodist's beliefs | 12/2/2007 |
Q: My neighbor, who is Jewish, claims that the Methodist Church is opposed to Jewish beliefs and ...
A: I'm very sorry that your Jewish neighbor believes this, for it is very far from my understanding of ...
|
| Difference Between Methodists and Baptists | 11/24/2007 |
Q: Can you explain, as concisely as possible, the one most-critical difference between Methodists and ...
A: While any answer to this question will necessarily depend upon two generalizations (one for Baptists ...
|
| Rules governing church committee elections | 10/18/2007 |
Q: Concerning the election of persons to positions on committess in the church, such as the board of ...
A: This is a very interesting question - it is not one I've ever heard before. To the best of my ...
|
| Methodist pastors | 10/11/2007 |
Q: I am working with our city's homeless/jobless. This weekend I am sponsoring Zach so he can attend a ...
A: The Great Banquet Experience is very similar to what I am familiar with in the Walk To Emmaus. As ...
|
| Emmaus | 9/23/2007 |
Q: Do you know anything about Emmaus, and is it a cult?
A: David, The Emmaus movement is not a cult, it is a spiritual renewal retreat designed to develop a ...
|
| Methodist beliefs and science | 7/2/2005 |
Q: I would like to know where the United Methodist church stands on the issue of evolution, ...
A: As far as I am aware the UMC has no official stand on the issue of evolution -- neither in the Book ...
|
| 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: I'm sorry this took so long ... I've been away at Annual Conference for the past week. ...
|
| Formally Dressing A Bishop | 5/28/2005 |
Q: God Speed,Rev. Neal: would you help me with detailing the ceremony procedure for dedicating ...
A: I'm sorry, but I'm not sure what it is you're looking for. In the United Methodist Church there are ...
|
| Tithing | 5/23/2005 |
Q: Are Methodists required to tithe, i.e. giving 10% of income to the Church? What is the Methodist ...
A: Tithing is an excellent spiritual exercise for any and all Christians, not just Methodist. It ...
|
| PPR committee | 5/14/2005 |
Q: Is it against the discipline rules for a member of this committee to ask members of the congregation ...
A: I'm sorry for the delay in responding to your question. It is not against any Disciplinary rules of ...
|
| 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: I'm sorry it has taken me so long to get back to you with a reply, I was away leading a men's ...
|
| Lesbian Minister | 5/1/2005 |
Q: Rev. Neal, Thank you for answering my last question. I greatly appreciate it. If you do not mind, I ...
A: "Will the demand for homosexual clergy and blessings of homosexual marriages from the MANY MANY ...
|
| Lesbian Minister | 4/29/2005 |
Q: With the overturning of the former conviction and defrockment of Beth Stroud, do you think that the ...
A: No. The Book of Discipline is exceedingly clear on the subject of the blessing of homosexual unions ...
|
| Methodists and the Pope | 4/28/2005 |
Q: What do United Methodists think about the Pope?
A: I'm not sure as to the specificity of your question. Are you asking about the Office of the Pope in ...
|
| Heaven | 4/13/2005 |
Q: Will we know each other when we get to heaven? Also will we recognize our parents and children?
A: There are many opinions on this issue, but there isn't much Scripture to indicate one way or the ...
|
| inquiries to formal docterine | 4/7/2005 |
Q: rev.neal I am curious as to what the methodist church has adopted comparitivly as a form of self ...
A: The Methodist movement began as a religious revival in the Church of England geared toward improving ...
|
| What happens to other denominations? | 3/25/2005 |
Q: I've always been taught that God is a loving God. Every week it's also repeated that believing and ...
A: I'm sorry about the delay in responding to your question -- Holy Week and Easter were busy. God ...
|
| Methodist Church and the Bible | 3/24/2005 |
Q: What does the Methodist Church teach about the Bible?
A: Methodists believe that the Scriptures function in an indespinsible fundamental way as a Means of ...
|
| Arminian Doctrine | 3/21/2005 |
Q: What is the current acceptance of Arminian Doctrine in the United Methodist Church? What are the ...
A: 1) What is the current acceptance of Arminian Doctrine in the United Methodist Church? ...
|
| the bible | 3/16/2005 |
Q: I was wondering if you could tell me which book(s) deal with the war in Heaven? Thank you.
A: Revelations 12:7-9 mentions, in passing, war in heaven: "And war broke out in heaven; Michael and ...
|
| non-verbal communication | 3/15/2005 |
Q: i am a student of English from Poland.I am writing my thesis on the use of non-verbal communication ...
A: Among Protestants the verbal, physical, and visual symbols will vary greatly, however among ...
|
| direction of Methodist church | 3/14/2005 |
Q: Neal! My question is actually a great concern. We have attended Methodist Churches for many years. ...
A: I'm not sure how to answer your question, or even if I can. Frankly, my own experience has been ...
|
| origins of Methodist doctrin and it's foundation | 3/5/2005 |
Q: Each of the Christian denominations has brought forth an aspect of the fullness of the word of God, ...
A: Methodism developed within the Church of England in the 1700s during a period of time when ...
|
| Methodist and the Nazarenes | 2/27/2005 |
Q: I went to a local Nazarene church and was told that they branched off from the Methodist church, ...
A: The Nazarenes broke off from the Methodist Episcopal Church in the late 1800s over disputes relative ...
|
| Forgiveness | 2/17/2005 |
Q: First, I want you to know that I am a Christian and I love my wife very, very much! My question ...
A: Ron, your question is a simple one. You want to know if God can forgive you for your unfaithfulness ...
|
| Lent question | 2/13/2005 |
Q: We're needing some insight here as a family. We gave up pizza for lent as a whole. However, could ...
A: Lent is comprised of the 40 days between Ash Wednesday and Easter, not inclusive of Sundays. ...
|
| What is the Methodist Religion? | 2/12/2005 |
Q: I know it is christianity; but what is the deference between this religion and babtist, catholics, ...
A: In terms of "Religion," Methodists are, indeed, Christians ... the same as Baptists, Episcopalians, ...
|
| Annulment | 1/26/2005 |
Q: Can a couple who have been married for 32 years obtain an annulment if the wife withheld herself ...
A: I assume the man and the woman in question are Methodists? In the United Methodist Church we do not ...
|
| President Bush's Inauguation | 1/23/2005 |
Q: Neal, The ending prayer given by the Minister at the inauguration struck me as very worthwhile. I ...
A: The Minister you are looking for is the Reverend Kirbyjon H. Caldwell. He serves as the Senior ...
|
| 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: In its most fundamental nature, sin is "missing the mark" of God's will, perfection, and expectation ...
|
| Crown / rewards in heaven | 1/17/2005 |
Q: Our church is doing the Disciple 1 Bible study and this question came up last night at the end of ...
A: This qualifies as a "homework" question, which means that I am reticent to offer outright answers ...
|
