Difference Between Methodist vs Baptist
Though both religions are Christian and feature baptism as a staple part of their framework, how it is included and some of their individual beliefs and practices are incredibly different, thus leading to two very different belief processes.
Today we’re going to fully outline the difference between methodist and baptist so that you’ve got a full understanding of how the two operate and what those who follow either religion believe in. Simply read on for everything you need to know for total transparency.
Definition of Methodist
A Methodist is: “A person who is a member of the Methodist religion, the largest of all the Christian denominations.”
As you’ll soon discover, it’s the “all-access” thought process behind baptism that makes the Methodist religion completely distinguishable from the practices and thought processes held by a Baptist.
Firstly, not only can anyone of any age get baptised if they are a Methodist, but it’s the means by which a baptism can take place that are also massively expanded here. This can occur via immersion, casting or dusting. In other words, it’s a total free for all.
This leads to a much more open structure when compared to Baptism. This is also true of several other areas including communions, which are open to all, and even the means by which a Methodist practices Christianity. Methodists aren’t rooted in fundamental beliefs, but Baptists are.
Though they’re both Christian religions, a great deal of the methodist vs baptist comparison lies in one being rigid in structure and the other being far more adaptable. Let’s analyze the structure of Baptism now for a clearer understanding.
Definition of Baptist
A Baptist is: “An individual belonging to the Baptist religion, one of the largest Christian denominations.”
The above definition itself doesn’t serve to clear up any confusion for those who have been asking the all important question, what is the difference between a methodist and baptist as they are both denominations of Christianity.
However, whereas the Methodist religion is entirely open to not only the means by which one can be baptised but also the age range for performing the ritual, Baptist baptisms can only occur via immersion and only for an adult.
Methodist communions are also open to all, whereas this is not the case for a Baptist gathering, which is closed. Pastors are also male only in the Baptist structure whereas they can be a male or female in the Methodist framework.
This makes for a far more rigid structure for one when compared to the other religion, one that also roots its belief in fundamental Christian practices and outlooks whereas Methodists have a far more free form and nonfundamental approach in contrast.
To help create a clearer difference between the two, we’ll outline a quick reference table in the next section to make comparisons easier at a quick glance.
Main Differences Between Methodist vs Baptist
In the table below, you’ll find the key differences between methodist vs baptist accessibly laid out for quick review purposes any time you find yourself confused about this subject in the future.
| Basis of Comparison | Methodist | Baptist |
| Belief type | Nonfundamental | Fundamental |
| Baptism process | Multiple processes used | Only the immersion process used |
| Pastor gender | Male or female | Male only |
| Communion type | Open | Closed |
| Baptism age | Any age | Adults only |
| Baptism method | Via immersion, spilling, and sprinkling | Via immersion |
| Pastor gender | Any gender allowed | Only a male |
| Pastor selection | Selected by bishops | Selected by the congregation |
On the whole, the fundamental differences separating the two religions are on clear display when casting a quick glance over the table in this section. Should you need a quick refresher, these are the main points to remember.
Difference Between Methodist and Baptist: Conclusion
We hope that you now feel totally confident about the primary differences between these two religions now that you’ve seen their key separation points. If you get stuck, just remember that you can easily sum them up based on the baptism process and how it’s performed.
Methodists have an open structure whereas Baptists have a very strict structure. Remembering this one key area alone will allow you to easily split the two going forward.
