Baptist Pastor Considering Switch to Methodism

[Chickenman1]

I have been a Baptist Pastor for 23 years. I left a church nearly 2 years ago but while I was at that church I went through a divorce ( about 17 years ago) the people wanted me to stay so I did but now that I have moved on I feel like the divorce is affecting my opportunities to preach and pastor in the Baptist church. I haven't filled a pulpit in over 8 months so I am guessing that could be a major contributor . I am seriously considering switching to the Methodist church because they are more forgiving towards divorced clergy. I am ready to make the switch now but my wife is hesitant. She grew up Baptist as I did and she is not wanting to leave the current church we attend. She has come to the point where she said she would go to a Methodist Church but she would always be Baptist. I at least viewed that with optimism. I have preached in Methodist Churches and have felt welcome and well received. I have some Methodist Preachers who are an encouragement to me and have encouraged me to make the jump. Anybody have any advice for me? I could really use some prayer about now!!!

 

[Tree of Life]

Are you prepared to baptize infants? Do you have your MDiv?

 

[Chickenman1]

Are you prepared to baptize infants? Do you have your MDiv?

I am about a third of the way through my MDIV coursework. As far as Baptizing infants the way my Methodist preacher friends explain that to me is that the infant is being consecrated to God and that the parents are committing to raise the child up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. I think I can agree with that.

 

[Tigger45]

Isn't there more liberal minded Baptists like the American baptist that your wife might be more comfortable with?

 

[Chickenman1]

Isn't there more liberal minded Baptists like the American baptist that your wife might be more comfortable with?

Nope . None of those where I live. Ultimately I don't think it will be a problem with her. The unfamiliar is what is scary for her. I have familiarity with Methodism. I graduated from a Methodist College and took some religion courses taught by Methodist Theologians.

 

[Tigger45]

Once she meets some nice people and even make some friends that will really work to your favor.

 

[AlexDTX]

She has come to the point where she said she would go to a Methodist Church but she would always be Baptist.

I have attended Baptist congregations for many years, but I remain Pentecostal. If your wife can be happy with that, then I see no problem working for the Methodists.

 

[Chickenman1]

I actually saw yesterday Where the UMC will pay for your MDIV if you commit to pastoring in the UMC for four years after you get your degree. I would be very interested in that!!!

 

[Chickenman1]

I have attended Baptist congregations for many years, but I remain Pentecostal. If your wife can be happy with that, then I see no problem working for the Methodists.

What would Methodist congregations think if I switched to Methodism and she stayed Baptist? From a Baptist perspective I would see that they might not like that too well.

 

[Tigger45]

What would Methodist congregations think if I switched to Methodism and she stayed Baptist? From a Baptist perspective I would see that they might not like that too well.

I go to a Lutheran church (LCMC) and our senior pastor just got remarried to a lady who is very active in her Methodist church. She drops by our services once in a while to show support for her husband which she has been well received at our congregation but when she chooses to attend her original congregation we all understand she had built a life for herself already and we respect that.

 

[Chickenman1]

I go to a Lutheran church (LCMC) and our senior pastor just got remarried to a lady who is very active in her Methodist church. She drops by our services once in a while to show support for her husband which she has been well received at our congregation but when she chooses to attend her original congregation we all understand she had built a life for herself already and we respect that.

That sounds fair enough. I will have to become aware the Methodists will be more allowing and open than what I am used to.

 

[Albion]

If I were in your position, Chickenman, I'd be cautious about switching to the Methodist church. That's because the theology is substantially different, even though the people and style are as you said--friendly, not legalistic and all the rest. Are there not other denominations that are more similar to the Baptists that you could look into...and also perhaps put your wife more at ease, too?

 

[Chickenman1]

If I were in your position, Chickenman, I'd be cautious about switching to the Methodist church. That's because the theology is substantially different, even though the people and style are as you said--friendly, not legalistic and all the rest. Are there not other denominations that are more similar to the Baptists that you could look into...and also perhaps put your wife more at ease, too?

Not really. In North Mississippi Baptist and Methodist are pretty much the only games in town.

 

[Albion]

Not really. In North Mississippi Baptist and Methodist are pretty much the only games in town.

Well, if your choices are limited, then they are. But what a shift you'll have to make in all that you believe in order to pull this off....

Will it give you any pause to baptize the infants of your congregants, to conduct the Lord's Supper as not just a memorial, to preach salvation by works as well as faith, to be under the administration of a regional bishop who might move you to another community if he sees fit

...all of that and more?

 

[Chickenman1]

Well, if your choices are limited, then they are. But what a shift you'll have to make in all that you believe in order to pull this off....

Will it give you any pause to baptize the infants of your congregants, to conduct the Lord's Supper as not just a memorial, to preach salvation by works as well as faith, to be under the administration of a regional bishop who might move you to another community if he sees fit

...all of that and more?

I have several friends who have done it and are very happy. Maybe I should start a thread and get some information pro and con on the issue.

 

[AlexDTX]

What would Methodist congregations think if I switched to Methodism and she stayed Baptist? From a Baptist perspective I would see that they might not like that too well.

I don't think anyone really cares. If they do, you don't need their friendship anyway.

 

[Albion]

I think it does matter if he's not welcomed by a new congregation; but I agree with you that this is business of the wife remaining Baptist is not likely to ruffle the feathers of very many congregants.

 

[bekkilyn]

Not really. In North Mississippi Baptist and Methodist are pretty much the only games in town.

Note that if you are Methodist clergy, you would need to agree to go wherever you are appointed to go, and may not be able to remain in your local area. You are considered a transient in your congregation, and only there until your next appointment. That's another aspect you and your wife would need to be in agreement about.

 

[Chickenman1]

Note that if you are Methodist clergy, you would need to agree to go wherever you are appointed to go, and may not be able to remain in your local area. You are considered a transient in your congregation, and only there until your next appointment. That's another aspect you and your wife would need to be in agreement about.

That would take some getting used to but if I am correct you are transferred within the district and that is not too bad.

 

[circuitrider]

Chickenman1, I'm a United Methodist pastor (Elder in full connection) who used to be Baptist clergy. I'd be happy to answer any questions I can about the differences and what that switch is like.

As to our note about baptism, we do as United Methodist believe baptism is a sacrament and a grace filled act of God on the person being baptized. It is more than a dedication or consecration.