Differences: traditional worship and Wesleyan worship

[SeekerOfChrist94]

On my local UMC's website, they have a three different service times. The first and third are traditional, and the second is Wesleyan. What are the differences between the two?

 

[Qyöt27]

I'm assuming they're using 'Wesleyan' to mean either 'Contemporary' or (IMO, more likely, but I could be wrong) 'Chapel/Casual'. It may depend on whether the service is held in the Sanctuary or in the Fellowship Hall (if one exists). Because otherwise, I have no idea.

A Chapel (or Casual) service is basically a stripped-down Traditional service. Lacks the choir, the pastor may wear a regular suit instead of vestments, and the order of worship may be abridged a little to compensate for the lowered level of formality. It's still a lot more formal than a Contemporary service would be, though. The method of taking Communion might also change - at the Traditional, we grew up always using the rails, whereas in the Casual or Contemporary services it would usually be done by intinction or passed around the pews.

Contemporary services typically use a praise band, incorporate different musical arrangements, and if they're held somewhere other than the Sanctuary, may be more akin to a coffee shop atmosphere.

 

[JCFantasy23]

I've never heard of it being called "Wesleyan" before, wonder if that's common? I know around here none of the Methodist churches say that. could be an area difference.

Thanks for the explanations, Qyot

 

[circuitrider]

I've never heard of worship being called "Wesleyan" either. I supposed they could be using the service of worship as created by John Wesley for early Methodists but I doubt that. Such a service would be very old style high church.

 

[Soma Seer]

On my local UMC's website, they have a three different service times. The first and third are traditional, and the second is Wesleyan. What are the differences between the two?

My suggestion is to ask what the difference(s) is/are. If you'd feel less comfortable about making a phone call, hopefully, there's an e-mail address--preferably one that goes directly to the minister.

If you do find out what that particular parish means by a "Wesleyan" form of worship, please, let us know; even I, a non-Methodist, am curious to know.

Good luck!

SS

 

[Maid Marie]

Like others, I have never heard of "Wesleyan" service

 

[SeekerOfChrist94]

Huh, that's strange. I'll call them and ask them to explain it to me. I'll update this thread after I call them.

 

[GregoryofNyssa]

Lifelong United Methodist and attended a Wesleyan university (Southern Wesleyan Univ. Central, SC) and I have never seen this term used in either the UMC or Wesleyan Churches that I am familiar with.

 

[GraceSeeker]

Ditto to what pretty much everyone has said above.....
I've never heard the term "Wesleyan" worship.
Maybe they are trying to emulate the form of the early Methodists under Wesley?
Maybe they've created their own unique format or pattern and given it that label?
Maybe they are trying to highlight the Wesleyan means of grace more explicitly?
Whatever it is they mean by it will be news to me, so please be sure to return and share with us. Thanks!!