On-line course gives insight into denominational beliefs

  • Shelly Webb
  • August 28, 2011
  • 292
                        
Summary--- Millersburg United Methodist is using technology in a positive way to offer insight about what their denomination believes. The church has a free online course to help interested individuals decide whether or not their beliefs coincide with the church doctrine. Story--- Have you ever wanted to visit a church or wondered what doctrine or beliefs a specific denomination holds too? What do they teach about baptism? What are their beliefs surrounding communion? How do they believe salvation is imparted? What is their vision for the church? Years ago there was only one way to find the answers to these questions; you visited the church. While doing this you could ask for some literature on the church doctrine or inquire about a printed statement of faith. You might request a meeting with the pastor or board of deacons to learn more about where the church stood on various issues. Well, today things are different. Thanks to technology more and more church are listing their doctrinal beliefs and other information online through church websites and the United Methodist denomination has even gone a step further. United Methodism 101 is an actual online course available through the United Methodist Communications. The course is offered nationwide and is a great way for individuals and families to delve deeper into what the church believes before stepping foot into the door. Pastor Tom Jones of the local Millersburg United Methodist church says the purpose of the course to teach individuals about the United Methodist denomination and their present day vision for the world. “The purpose of this course is to take participants on a basic journey through The United Methodist Church,” he shared. “By participating, individuals have an opportunity to learn more about The United Methodist Church and how it fits into the modern world. There is so much that can be shared and learned about our denomination and we hope people will use the course as a springboard to delve into each of the areas more deeply.” Some questions the United Methodist officials heard that prompted them to create the online course included: What kinds of people make up The United Methodist Church? Why the name "Methodist”? And are they really "United”? Who speaks on behalf of The United Methodist Church? Who gets to decide the official beliefs for The United Methodist Church? Can I disagree with the church on an issue like war or abortion? Why is The United Methodist Church involved in political issues? And, how do United Methodists view things like communion and baptism? Taking the course is free and gives individuals a good background and simple synopsis of what the United Methodists denomination encompasses. “The course is organized for busy people who want a quick overview,” Jones said. “Links to additional resources are provided for further and more in-depth studies. Each of the five modules should take 20-30 minutes to complete, and interactive exercises are presented throughout.” The five modules of the study include: Introduction and Overview; History; Theology and Beliefs; Organization and Governance and Present and Future Challenges of the church. These topics are not only interesting but are also relevant for today’s Christians. Jones believes it is a good idea for people to understand the basic tenets of any church they are interested in being a part of or joining. “I can't imagine why anyone would 'join a church' without first taking some time to learn a little bit about just what it is they are joining,” he said. Jones said that occasionally he comes across individuals that have learned about his church from their website and that it’s important for churches to be visible or available on the web because many people are ‘searching’ before visiting a church. “In today's world, of computers and smart phones, I believe a presence on the web is important,” Jones said. “At the same time, it is important that churches make sure their web-sites are regularly updated. A 'long outdated' web site doesn't give a very good image of a church.” Even beyond learning about a specific denomination, Jones thinks that it is more important to learn about being a follower of Christ and understanding exactly what that entails. “First and foremost, I believe it is of the utmost importance that folks know and understand what is entailed in being a 'Christian',” he said. “It is more than just trying to 'be a good person'. A Christian, by biblical definition, is a 'follower of Christ'. To be a Christian means not only believing in Jesus Christ as God's own Son, and as our Savior, Lord and Redeemer. A Christian is one who has accepted God's gracious gift of salvation on the merits of Christ alone. We don't 'earn' it and we can't make ourselves 'good enough' to deserve it. It is all based on grace - 'While we were yet sinners Christ died for us...' If a 'Christian' chooses to identify himself with 'the people called Methodists' then it would be helpful if that individual has some idea what it means to be a Methodist. But first and foremost, I am called to 'make disciples of Christ for the transformation of the world'. That is primary. I just happen to seek this goal out of my background and beliefs as a United Methodist.” Anyone interested in learning more about the United Methodist may visit the church website and take a look at the course United Methodism 101. The church website is www.millersburgumc.org .


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