Newark United Methodist Church - Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions about Methodism

What is a Methodist? “A Methodist is… one who loves the Lord God with all his heart, with all his soul, with all his mind, and with all his strength.” –John Wesley

Methodism is the name given to a group of Protestant churches that arose from the 18th-century Wesleyan movement in England led by John and Charles Wesley and George Whitefield. Although centered in the British Isles and North America, Methodism has spread worldwide. The total world community is estimated at more than 38 million; the largest single group is the United Methodist Church in the United States, with about 10 million members.

The origins of Methodism are inseparable from the careers of the Wesley brothers. In 1738, influenced by the Moravians, they organized small "societies" within the Church of England for religious sharing, Bible study, prayer, and preaching. Doctrine was based on an Arminian interpretation of the Thirty-Nine Articles but emphasized personal experience of conversion, assurance, and sanctification. The Wesleys and their associate Whitefield traveled widely, preaching to large and enthusiastic crowds of working people. The movement spread through most of England. A striking growth took place in Ireland, and to a lesser extent in Wales and Scotland. To preserve personal fellowship, "bands" and "class meetings" were formed, and the whole was brought together (1744) by John Wesley in the British Conference. Read More

How do I find out more on Methodist beliefs and principles? Visit the United Methodist Church website for a more detailed overview of United Methodist beliefs.

Where can I go to learn more about the history and organization of the United Methodist Church? Visit the United Methodist Church website.

What does the cross and flame symbol mean? The history and significance of the Cross and Flame emblem are as rich and diverse as The United Methodist Church. The mark was developed after the union of the Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren Church in 1968.

The symbol relates the United Methodist church to God through Christ (cross) and the Holy Spirit (flame). The flame is a reminder of Pentecost when witnesses were unified by the power of the Holy Spirit and saw "tongues, as of fire" (Acts 2:3). The two tongues of a single flame may also be understood to represent the union of two denominations (The Evangelical United Brethren Church and The Methodist Church). Read More

What is Baptism in the United Methodist Church? Baptism is a sacrament. In this sacrament, God uses water as means of divine grace. Baptism is administered by the church as the Body of Christ. It is the act of God through the grace of Jesus Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit. Entrance into the church is acknowledged in Baptism. Baptism is followed by nurture and the awareness of the baptized of Christ’s claim upon their lives. For persons baptized as children, this claim is ratified in confirmation, where the pledges of Baptism are accepted. Read More

Do I have to be baptized again if I come from another church? No. Baptism is a sacrament of God’s grace, a covenant God has initiated and should not be repeated. The United Methodist Church recognizes the baptism of other Christian denominations. The Book of Discipline states: "A member in good standing in any Christian denomination who has been baptized and who desires to unite with The United Methodist Church may be received as either a baptized or a professing member by a proper certificate of transfer from that person’s former church, or by a declaration of Christian faith, and upon affirming willingness to be loyal to The United Methodist Church.”

How do I have family members baptized? Baptisms can be performed at any service, including SonSpirit. To schedule a baptism, please call the Senior Pastor at 302-368-8774.

Where can I get more information about confirmation? At baptism, God says “yes” to the child. At confirmation, the child says “yes” to God. For more information, contact Mary Haggard, director of youth and education ministries, at (302) 368-8774.