Methodist vs. Presbyterian — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 22, 2023
Methodist is originates from John Wesley emphasizing personal holiness. Presbyterian is based on Calvinist traditions with a specific governance system. Both are Protestant, but differ in doctrine and church structure.
Difference Between Methodist and Presbyterian
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Methodist denominations trace their roots to John Wesley, an Anglican priest who emphasized personal holiness and evangelism. The Methodist movement emphasizes the role of individual experience in the process of salvation. On the other hand, Presbyterian denominations derive their beliefs and practices from John Calvin, focusing heavily on predestination and the sovereignty of God.
Church governance is a significant distinguishing factor. Methodists typically have bishops overseeing multiple churches, emphasizing a connectional system. In contrast, Presbyterian churches adhere to a representative form of governance with elders and deacons, ensuring congregational autonomy.
While both Methodist and Presbyterian churches value Scripture, their interpretation and emphasis might differ. Methodists often prioritize Wesley's Quadrilateral, which involves Scripture, tradition, reason, and experience. Presbyterians, in their theology, lean towards the five points of Calvinism, stressing God's role in salvation.
Both denominations, being Protestant, believe in the central importance of Christ and Scripture. Yet, their histories, theological emphases, and governance structures highlight the differences that have shaped their respective identities.
Comparison Chart
Origin
John Wesley
John Calvin
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Theological Emphasis
Personal holiness and evangelism
Predestination and sovereignty of God
Governance
Bishops overseeing multiple churches
Representative governance with elders and deacons
Interpretation Framework
Wesley's Quadrilateral (Scripture, tradition, reason, experience)
Five points of Calvinism
Worship Style
Often more emotive and revivalist
Typically more liturgical and structured
Compare with Definitions
Methodist
A follower of the teachings of John Wesley.
She became a Methodist after attending a revival meeting.
Presbyterian
A member of a Protestant denomination focusing on predestination.
The Presbyterian doctrine resonated with her understanding of God's sovereignty.
Methodist
A member of a Protestant denomination emphasizing personal holiness.
The Methodist church down the street is known for its community outreach.
Presbyterian
A Christian emphasizing the sovereignty of God in salvation.
The Presbyterian pastor spoke on God's role in choosing the elect.
Methodist
A Christian emphasizing the role of individual experience in salvation.
As a Methodist, he often shared his personal testimony.
Presbyterian
A believer aligned with the five points of Calvinism.
His Presbyterian beliefs were rooted in the teachings of John Calvin.
Methodist
A believer prioritizing Wesley's Quadrilateral in theological matters.
The Methodist minister referenced tradition and reason in his sermon.
Presbyterian
A follower of the Reformed traditions of John Calvin.
He joined the Presbyterian church due to its emphasis on Scripture.
Methodist
Part of a church with a connectional governance system.
The Methodist conference gathered annually to discuss church matters.
Presbyterian
Part of a church with a representative governance structure.
She was elected as an elder in her local Presbyterian congregation.
Methodist
A member of an evangelical Protestant church founded on the principles of John and Charles Wesley in England in the early 1700s and characterized by active concern with social welfare and public morals.
Presbyterian
Of or relating to ecclesiastical government by presbyters.
Methodist
Methodist One who emphasizes or insists on systematic procedure.
Presbyterian
Presbyterian Of or relating to a Presbyterian Church.
Methodist
One who follows a method.
Presbyterian
A member or an adherent of a Presbyterian Church.
Methodist
(history of science) One who limits the domain of science to that which can be investigated using the scientific method.
Presbyterian
Of or pertaining to a presbyter, or to ecclesiastical government by presbyters; relating to those who uphold church government by presbyters; also, to the doctrine, discipline, and worship of a communion so governed.
Methodist
Alternative form of Methodist.
Presbyterian
Of or pertaining to a presbyter, or to ecclesiastical government by presbyters; relating to those who uphold church government by presbyters; also, to the doctrine, discipline, and worship of a communion so governed.
Methodist
One who observes method.
Presbyterian
One who maintains the validity of ordination and government by presbyters; a member of the Presbyterian church.
Methodist
One of an ancient school of physicians who rejected observation and founded their practice on reasoning and theory.
Presbyterian
A follower of Calvinism as taught in the Presbyterian Church
Methodist
One of a sect of Christians, the outgrowth of a small association called the "Holy Club," formed at Oxford University, a. d. 1729, of which the most conspicuous members were John Wesley and his brother Charles Wesley; - originally so called from the methodical strictness of members of the club in all religious duties.
Methodist
A person of strict piety; one who lives in the exact observance of religious duties; - sometimes so called in contempt or ridicule.
Methodist
Of or pertaining to the sect of Methodists; as, Methodist hymns; a Methodist elder.
Methodist
A follower of Wesleyanism as practiced by the Methodist Church
Methodist
Of or pertaining to or characteristic of the branch of Protestantism adhering to the views of Wesley;
Methodist theology
Common Curiosities
Do Methodists have bishops?
Yes, Methodists have bishops who oversee multiple churches within a connectional system.
From whom do Methodists derive their teachings?
Methodists derive their teachings primarily from John Wesley.
How is Presbyterian church governance structured?
Presbyterian churches use a representative form of governance with elders and deacons.
What are the five points of Calvinism?
The five points of Calvinism, emphasized by Presbyterians, cover total depravity, unconditional election, limited atonement, irresistible grace, and perseverance of the saints.
How do Methodist worship services typically feel?
Methodist worship services can often be emotive and revivalist in nature.
Are there multiple Methodist and Presbyterian denominations?
Yes, there are various denominations and offshoots within both the Methodist and Presbyterian traditions.
Are Presbyterian services more structured?
Yes, Presbyterian services are typically more liturgical and structured.
How do Presbyterians view God's role in salvation?
Presbyterians believe in the sovereignty of God in salvation, emphasizing predestination.
What theological stance is central to Presbyterian beliefs?
Presbyterians emphasize predestination and the sovereignty of God, rooted in Calvinist traditions.
Is personal experience important in Methodist theology?
Yes, personal experience plays a significant role in Methodist understanding of salvation.
Do both denominations belong to the Protestant tradition?
Yes, both Methodist and Presbyterian denominations are part of the Protestant tradition.
What is Wesley's Quadrilateral?
For Methodists, Wesley's Quadrilateral comprises Scripture, tradition, reason, and experience as sources of theological understanding.
How do Presbyterians view the authority of Scripture?
Presbyterians hold Scripture in high regard, seeing it as the ultimate authority in matters of faith and practice.
How do Methodists view salvation?
Methodists emphasize individual experience and personal holiness in the process of salvation.
Which denomination has a connectional system?
The Methodist denomination emphasizes a connectional system in church governance.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
