We explain the difference between Methodist and Presbyterian with a table. The main belief that forms the basis of Christianity is the concept that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior. Although it is evident that the different Christian religions follow their own style, they have a common ground as mentioned above.
Although these variations in the alternative divisions of Christianity are enough to make a difference between totally different types of Christian religions. The Presbyterians and the Methodists are two of those Christian religions with marked variations from each other.
The difference between Methodist and Presbyterian beliefs is that Methodists reject the Calvinist belief of predestination, while Presbyterians settle for it. In addition, the Methodist is based on the old order of the government of the bishops and the Presbyterians have a distinctive style of leadership by the elders.
Methodist vs Presbyterian Comparison Table (in tabular form)
Presbyterian Methodist Comparison Parameter
| Source | Methodism was created by brothers Wesley Charles and John in 1739 in England. | John Knox founded the Presbyterian Church in Scotland in 1560. |
| Definition | The main belief of Methodism is that men can ask the goodness of God to rescue themselves even if they have fallen. | The main belief of the Presbyterian Church is that men immensely need the goodness of God for their salvation and that they cannot obtain God for themselves. |
| Salvation | According to the Methodists, any individual who believes in God can obtain salvation. | According to the Presbyterian, God has already chosen the individuals that he needs to save, that is, once God has chosen an individual, he is continually saved. |
| Worship guide | The Methodist Church’s worship guide is ‘The Worship Directory’ | The Presbyterian Church’s guide to worship is ‘The Book of Discipline |
| Local structure | The local structure of the Methodist church is run by an administrative council under a pastor, who works under the final guidance of a bishop. | Local Presbyterian churches generally have the right to ask one pastor to go and “call” another to lead the church. |
What is Methodist?
The Methodist church originally originated in 1739 in England. A spiritual worker named John Wesley broke away from the Anglican Church, the Church of England to join his own religious belief known as Wesleyism.
Methodists are involved with “actions that are not belief or faith,” which means that the Methodist religion recognizes the great works of individuals as a mark of their religion.
Individuals cannot say that they are right or that they are good humans if they are not doing good work from the point of view of the Methodist religion. The Methodist Church’s worship guide is ‘The Worship Directory’
Another facet of church governance that helps differentiate Methodist churches from others is the election of pastors for their churches. The work of the Methodist church is carried out where its pastors are sent to each place where the church is established at the choice of the Methodist bishops who command the required changes.
Methodism also approves of criminalization (death penalty) only in situations where society experiences the most serious crimes and can only administer it in accordance with the law.
Methodists view homosexuality as a sin without exception.
What is Presbyterian?
John Knox, who was originally a Catholic priest, supported the Presbyterian Church in 1560. The Presbyterian faith has its origins in Calvinism.
John used various church doctrines to create the main Presbyterian beliefs. He found religion in Scotland.
The Presbyterian religion believes that only the grace of God helps in salvation. God selects previously lonely individuals who can receive grace and visit heaven.
According to the Presbyterian, God has already chosen the individuals that he needs to save, that is, once God has chosen an individual, he is continually saved. The Presbyterian Church’s guide to worship is ‘The Book of Discipline
Another aspect of church governance that helps differentiate Presbyterian churches from others is the election of pastors for their churches. The Presbyterian religion hires, or “calls,” its own pastors to carry out and lead the religious community.
The Presbyterian Church unconditionally and actively resists capital punishment (death penalty). Presbyterians regard homosexuality as a sin. Despite this, they believe that it is a complicated subject that is problematic to assess without further examination.
Main differences between Methodist and Presbyterian
- Methodism was created by brothers Wesley Charles and John in 1739 in England, while John Knox founded the Presbyterian Church in Scotland in 1560.
- The main belief of Methodism is that men can ask for the goodness of God to rescue the elves even though they have fallen, while the main belief of the Presbyterian Church is that men immensely need the goodness of God for their salvation and that they cannot obtain God for themselves.
- According to the Methodists, each individual who believes in God can obtain salvation, while according to the Presbyterians, God has already chosen the individuals that he needs to save, that is, once God has chosen an individual, he is continuously saved.
- The Methodist Church’s worship guide is ‘The Worship Directory’, while the Presbyterian Church’s worship guide is ‘The Book of Discipline
- The local Methodist church structure is run by an administrative council under a pastor, who works under the ultimate guidance of a bishop, while local Presbyterian churches generally have the right to ask a pastor to go and “call” another to lead the church.
Final Thought
Both the Methodist and the Presbyterian originally began as movements of the Protestant movement and later branched out from it.
Both were found in European nations, namely England and Scotland. They are also one of the most popular Christian followers in the United States.
Both religions have substantial differences and similarities in terms of their religious teachings, practices, and governance.
