Issue of membership doctrine in Methodism

Methodist practice is governed according to the Book of Discipline, "the book of law of The United Methodist Church," which is subject to modification and clarification during the course of the General Conference held quadrennially. Discipline is one of the key elements which makes the Methodist Church distinctive among other Protestant churches. Preparation classes have been used frequently during the history of the Methodist Church to instruct prospective members ("catechumens" as Wesley preferred to call them) in the responsibilities church membership demands. According to Hoyles, the c

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ives of Christians often lies at the root of unchristian and unreligious attitudes which infect the church. In his era, this was characterized by the realization that "almost everybody dances or plays cards or goes to the movies or all three together." The problem is not one of deciding whether certain standards should be forsaken, or new ones enacted; rather, the issue with which the church must grapple is how the traditional standards of Christian discipline can be made meaningful within the context of the present situation. Active, growing congregations have begun to realize that wonderful things begin to happen when God is turned loose within their communities! Small towns and big cities are being awakened by communities of faith which are dynamically presenting and sharing the redemptive presence of Christ in the lives of their members, individually, and the church, collectively. Park Avenue UMC in Minneapolis is a perfect example of a local church which is making an impact in the lives of inner-city residents. By providing "viable role models and trained adults," the church has been highly successful in creating "long-term relationships within a framework of warmth, trust, and careful definition." The congrega
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Approximate Word count = 1856
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page)

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