There are some twenty Methodist denominations in America today. However, the three largest (Methodist Episcopal Church, Methodist Episcopal Church South and Methodist Protestant Church) were united in 1939 into what was called the Methodist Church. In 1968 the Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren Church became the United Methodist Church. Methodism in general goes back to the early 1700's and freely acknowledges John Wesley as its founder. Two words stand out: "Episcopal," which brings out the fact that the Methodist Church had its origin within the Ranks of the Episcopal or Anglican Church and "Methodist" (from "Method"), a name given in derision by enemies of the movement and later accepted by its adherents.

Methodism had its beginning in 1729 among a group of students of Oxford University in England. These students were members of the Church of England. Outstanding among them were John and Charles Wesley and George Whitefield. It was the intention of John Wesley to instill fervor and spirit within the cold, formal ritualism of the Anglican Church. At first he considered the meetings conducted and the societies formed as a movement within the Church of England, but eventually Methodism emerged as a separate and new denomination. In 1739 John Wesley drew up a set of general rules; he also prepared the Articles of Religion, which are held to this day. The Methodist Church is a human church (like all denominations), having a human founder and a human creed. The earliest name of the church in England bore the name of Wesley, and his name is still prevalent in the churches, colleges and societies of the various branches of Methodism.

Methodist Doctrine vs Bible Doctrine

1. Methodist doctrine teaches that salvation is by faith only, declaring this to be "most wholesome" and "full of comfort." The Bible teaches that salvation is by faith (Rom. 5:1), but denies that it is by faith only (James 2:24) and makes obedience to the Lord's commandments essential to salvation (Matt. 7:21; Rom. 6:17-18; Heb. 5:8-9).

2. Methodist doctrine permits infant baptism and infant church membership. The Bible teaches that infants are innocent of sin and not in need of baptism or church membership (Deut. 1:39; Luke 18:l5-l7). The Bible requires hearing of the word of God, believing in Christ, repenting of sins and confessing faith in Christ as prerequisites to baptism (Matt. 28:19; Mark l6:l5-l6; Acts 8:35-38; Rom. 10:10; Acts 18:8), infants cannot and need not comply with any of these.

3. Methodist doctrine encourages and permits the practice of sprinkling or pouring (of water on the head of a "candidate") for baptism. According to the Bible baptism is a burial in and resurrection from water (Rom. 6:34; Col. 2:12; Acts 8:38; John 3:23).

4. Methodist doctrine has arranged for the church to be centrally governed by a College of Bishops; the Bishops, in turn, who compose that ruling body are over the various districts and the conferences in the districts. Bible doctrine makes no arrangement for a central governing body over the church. Christ is the only head of His church (Col. 1:18), and He exercises His authority by His word (Matt. 28:20; 2 John 9). The only organization provided by Christ is the local congregation; each local congregation is independent and ruled by a plurality of men known as bishops or elders or pastors (Acts 14:23; 20:17,28; Philip. 1:1; 1 Pet. 5:1-4).

5. According to Methodist doctrine the Methodist Church is to be guided by the "Discipline of the Methodist Episcopal Church." The church that Jesus built was and is to be guided by the doctrine of Christ as delivered by the apostles (2 John 9; Acts 2:42).

6. Methodist doctrine provides for a "preparatory membership roll" which includes "baptized" children and others who have enrolled in "confirmation preparation." The New Testament church had no such provisions.

7. Methodist doctrine teaches that baptism is not essential to one's salvation. Bible doctrine places baptism between a lost soul and salvation (Mark. 16:16). remission of sins (Acts 2:38), washing away of sins (Acts 22:16), getting into Christ (Gal. 3:27), getting into the death of Christ (Rom. 6:3).

8. Methodist doctrine leads one to rest his case on his "feelings," "experiences," "conscience," “satisfaction of heart," and human wisdom. According to Bible doctrine one must walk by faith (2 Cor 5:7; Gal. 5:6; Rom. 1: 16-17), and this faith must come as a result of hearing and accepting God's word (Rom. 10:17; Acts 15:7).