Product Description

The Book of Discipline sets forth the plan by which we United Methodists govern ourselves. It reflects our understanding of the Church and of what is expected of its laity and clergy as they seek to be effective witnesses in the world as a part of the whole body of Christ.

The Discipline includes our church Constitution, our history, our doctrinal standards, and our mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ, as well as practical processes through which our congregations connect and support each other to reach the world.

Customer Reviews (7)

The Book ofDisciplinew for Methodist Religon
The book I ordered came within a week and in outstanding condition.

Also the book waas well perserved.


Thank Yo
Wayne Eicher
Columbus, GA 31909

From the Publisher
Several customers have expressed concern over the lack of a fully-linked Table of Contents in the original Kindle edition of the Book of Discipline. We have corrected that oversight, and a few other formatting concerns in the revised edition available now. If you purchased a Kindle version of the Book of Discipline prior to mid-February 2010, please request a refund from Amazon and then purchase the eBook again to receive the updated Kindle version.

We appreciate your interest in the Book of Discipline on Kindle.

Myca Alford
Digital Publishing Manager

Great book.. HORRIBLE Kindle edition
Do not waste your money on this Kindle edition. If you are a Methodist or anyone else who wants to learn more about our faith, you will definitely want to own a copy of the Book of Discipline.However, for a book that is often used as a reference tool (rather than reading it from start to finish), this POORLY designed Kindle edition lacks any sort of navigational aids such as a linked table of contents or index, making it an essentially useless download. Just get the hard copy for now, at least until someone comes out with an electronic edition that is actually USABLE.

2008 United Methodist Book of Discipline
This book was in perfect shape and came in a very short period of time.I was pleased with the personal attention to the customer as the seller inserted a thank you letter, with contact information.

A must have for Christians
This is the most amazing Christian religious doctrinal book that I've ever read. The interpretations on our place in and among society are more wise than anything written since the Bible, in my opinion.

Would that we as a denomination followed this book completely! Still, it's the ultimate in answering the question "what does my faith stand for." That is, if you're a member of the United Methodist Church.
... Read more

Product Description
John Wesley distinguished between essential doctrines on which agreement or consensus is critical and opinions about theology or church practices on which disagreement must be allowed. Though today few people join churches based on doctrinal commitments, once a person has joined a church it becomes important to know the historic teachings of that church's tradition.


In Methodist Doctrine: The Essentials, Ted Campbell outlines historical doctrinal consensus in American Episcopal Methodist Churches in a comparative and ecumenical dialogue with the doctrinal inheritance of other major families of Christian tradition. In this way, the book shows both what Methodist churches historically teach in common with ecumenical Christianity and what is distinctive about the Methodist tradition in its various contemporary forms. Documents examined include The Twenty-Five Articles of Religion, The General Rules, Wesley's Standard Sermons and Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament, The Methodist Social Creed, and the Apostles' Creed. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Used for Course of Study for Local Pastors - Excellent - Easy to Read
I just completed a course in the Course of Study (COS).The COS is required seminary education for people like me who become pastors as a second career or those who do not have an MDiv degree.This book was one of three used for the class, Pastor as Interpreter of Wesleyan Theology.This book has very good information, written in a way that is very easy to comprehend, about Methodism.I believe if read along with Living Our Beliefs: The United Methodist Way by Kenneth L. Carder, also very easy to read, one would know almost everything about the doctrine of today's United Methodist Church.

Easy to Understand
Campbell's discussion of Methodist Doctrine is clear and well presented.He uses non-theological language to teach what could be complicated points.He gives references to support his statements.These could easily used for further reading. This is a good introduction which would make further study much easier.

Fantastic!
Excellent, clear, well-written, comprehensive ... I've run out of adjectives attempting to describe this book.If you're looking for an excellent foundational book on Methodist Doctrine and Theology, go no further than Dr. Ted Campbell's fantastic book, "Methodist Doctrine."I've read a lot of books on the theological standards of the United Methodist Church, but this one really goes a long way toward answering almost any question in a way that is accessable to both pastor and lay person.Buy this book!

Discipline with Less Discourse
It would do this fine little volume an injustice to call it "The Book of Discipline Lite" but it does do a fine job of summarizing the big volume without forcing the uninterested party to plow through material about the United Methodist Church's administrative structure and procedures.

Don't expect a profound philisophical discourse on the similarities between Wesley's concept of "sanctification" and the Eastern Orthodox concept of "Theosis" in this book.But DO expect a nice, clean, concise history of the Methodist denomination, a good explanation of its eccumenicalism, a summary of Wesley's values, and all the promised essentials about what role communion, baptism, and clerical orders play in the modern UMC. The end of the book has a tidy summation of Wesley's "rules" and the general principles of the UMC.

For anyone thinking of joining a Methodist church, seeking information about Methodism, and for those Methodists who want a good, concise reference and explanation, this is THE book.Go hit that "add to my shopping cart" button if you fall into one of these categories!

A GOOD READ!
This book is small and isn't one inch thick! It is concise yet thorough. It is easy to read and has excellent explanations on Methodist doctrine. Highly Recommended!! ... Read more

Product Description
Beginning in 1760, this comprehensive history charts the growth and development of the Methodist and Evangelical United Brethren church family up and through the year 2000. Extraordinarily well-documented study with elaborate notes that will guide the reader to recent and standard literature on the numerous topics, figures, developments, and events covered.  The volume is a companion to and designed to be used with THE METHODIST EXPERIENCE IN AMERICA: A SOURCEBOOK, for which it provides background, context and interpretation.  

Contents include:
Launching the Methodist Movements 1760-1768
Structuring the Immigrant Initiatives 1769-1778
Making Church 1777-1784
Constituting Methodism 1784-1792
Spreaking Scriptural Holiness 1792-1816
Snapshot I- Methodism in 1816: Baltimore 1816
Building for Ministry and Nuture 1816-1850s
Dividing by Mission, Ethnicity, Gender, and Vision 1816-1850s
Dividing over Slavery, Region, Authority, and Race 1830-1860s
Embracing the War Cause(s) 1860-1865
Reconstructing Methodism(s) 1866-1884
Snapshot II- Methodism in 1884: Wilker-Barre, PA 1884
Reshaping the Church for Mission 1884-1939
Taking on the World 1884-1939
Warring for World Order and Against Worldliness Within 1930-1968
Snapshot III- Methodism in 1968: Denver 1968
Merging and Reappraising 1968-1984Holding Fast/Pressing On 1984-2000 ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

nice little book answers alot of Methodist questions
Good to have around for the curious to pick up, find some quesions and answers and ponder.Might even help out in new member classes and for the young Methodists around us.

Good, concise, introductory resource
I picked this book as the basis of a five-week small group study class I led at my Church, the class titled, "Are You Smarter than a 5th-Grade Methodist?"The book was a useful resource.Its brevity is both an attribute and a weakness.Being so concise, it flirts with superficiality.In his effort to strike a peppy jocular tone, author Joyner at times comes off as silly and forced.One could do worse, though, and it is a good introduction on the Methodist Church.

Sunday School Class material
Our UMC Sunday School class purchased copies of this book and are in the process of using it for the basis of our weekly discussions. Class members and teacher are enjoying the study.

Answers to Questions Very Interesting
United Methodist Questions, United Methodist Answers
Very rewarding as I reviewed the questions, then read Bible references, and Answers made clearer. You may skip around and go where your interest leads you.

Joyner hits a "homerun" again!
Joyner hits a homerun again with this Question and Answer style book from a United Methodist perspective.This is a well-balanced, thoughtful, yet very practical exposition of United Methodist beliefs and practices.I have given several of these to churches and individuals who need to be reminded of our United Methodist roots and ethos.A great study book or a primer for Pastor/Parish Relations Committees and church boards.

Gary E. Holdeman, District Superintendent
Enid District, Oklahoma Conference,
The United Methodist Church ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Look Before You Leap
This is a great little book for those thinking about joining the Methodists or for those new to the faith.It was extremely helpful to me in my quest for understanding the basic tenets of the Methodist faith.After being a Baptist for most of my life, I wanted to be sure that the Methodist faith was comparable to my lifelong beliefs.This book provided that information without a great deal of technical jargon as is found in some books regarding Christianity.It was an easy read without the feel of a "textbook."

United Methodist Beliefs
I found this book to be very informative.I am a basic Lay Speaker in the United Methodist Church.I used this book recently to help me write a sermon. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Valid resource - BAD price
This book is essential for United Methodist pastors and staff and worthwhile for anyone who is interested in the liturgy and worship practices of the United Methodist church.This price, however, is extremely high.I'm confused as to why this USED book is selling for $70 when it can be purchased NEW directly from the publisher (www.cokesbury.com) for a mere $27. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Older edition than I wanted
The hymnal was in reasonable condition... but, I was disappointed that it was such an old edition.I take responsibility for not reading the sale infomore carefully, I guess... I wanted a more recent edition of the hymnal, such as for the United Methodist Church... with more current liturgy and music.I will order another edition and keep this one for comparison and historical value.

Incomplete information
I knew I was getting a used hymnal; but some of the pages were missing. ... Read more

Product Description
Where do we go from here? The dynamic history and identity of the United Methodist Church is lost among the pluralistic landscape in America today. As a living organism, the church can expect to evolve alongside and within resident culture. The problem, according to lifelong member and author Kisker, is the United Methodist Church seems to have lost its missional foundation as it climbed to mainline American Protestant church status. Trying to be both mainline and Methodist is a deadly combination. In fact, it's a leading cause for the denomination's spiritual and numerical decline. ""Real Methodism declined because we replaced those peculiarities that made us Methodist with a bland, acceptable, almost civil religion, barely distinguishable from other traditions,"" writes Kisker. ""Like the Israelites under the judges, we wanted to be like other nations. We no longer wanted to be an odd, somewhat disreputable people. And we have begun to reap the consequences."" So...where do go from here? In his passionate yet critical review, Kisker says we must reclaim the rich roots of salvation, disciple-making and witness that made the tradition so strong. In Mainline or Methodist? he reveals what's not working and unveils a vision to renewal that embodies the distinctive Wesleyan tradition of the apostolic and universal Christian faith. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

book:Mainline or Methodist
WOW!If you are tired of all the pomp and circumtstance, tradition and empty actions of basic 'religion' then this book is for you.Tracing the history back to the Wesley era of the beginnings of the Methodist church, the author challenges Christians to return to the basics of evangislism that intentionally searches out the seeking soul instead of staying inside our cozy and complacent institutions. (In my own words "Get out there in your world and make a difference for Christ!"Great book.Be prepared to be thrown outside of the "box".

Discover What Your Methodist Church Should Be Doing
I lead a Covenant Group at my Methodist Church.We have studied numerous books on our founder, John Wesley.This title caught our attention and the book led to many animated conversations within the group.This is a very good book which shows us where we are in our churches and where we should be following the beliefs and practicesour denomination was founded on.Great for a discussion group.John Wesley for the 21st Century

A much needed wake-up call
Scott Kisker has given The United Methodist Church a much needed wake-up call. He reminds us in the first couple of pages of his insightful book that the denomination is 40 years old. I have heard it said by some that it seems that the church is going through something of a "mid-life" crisis not unlike those feelings of fear of inevitable death and wondering what life is all about experienced by men and women sometime after they reach that age. Kisker's book comes a just the right time.

Dr. Kisker (Associate Professor of the History of Christianity and former James C. Logan Associate Professor of Evangelism at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC) looks at The United Methodist Church with the eyes of a historian and the heart of an evangelist. He brings his deep knowledge of church history, theology, and the Wesleyan tradition to the task of examining the condition of the church that has shaped his own life. Dr. Kisker makes the case that much of the UMC's current malaise has its roots in its alignment as one of the "Mainline" denominations.

The chief problem with "Mainline" churches is that they "bless the values of the larger society, and see very little difference between cultivating good citizens and cultivating Christians." Their striving to be "respectable" and to play a role in the dominant culture "establishment" has resulted in adjusting the gospel of Jesus Christ to make it fit into cultural norms rather than challenging those norms. Kisker writes, "When we became "mainline," we stopped being Methodist in all but name." Meaning that, in the name of "respectability," we jettisoned the practices, structures, and theology that formed the heart and soul of Wesleyan Methodism.

In a well written 128 pages Dr. Kisker describes what has been lost and gives practical ideas for restoring a United Methodist:
* Vision
o The distinctive goal of Wesleyan Methodism is holiness of heart and life. In mission of early Methodism was "To reform the nation, especially the church; and to spread Scriptural holiness across the land."
* Message
o The historic Methodist message was salvation by grace through faith. We need to take sin, grace, and salvation seriously once again.
* Method
o Proclaim Christ in all his offices: Prophet, Priest, and King
o Open-air preaching for the 21st century
o Small groups for formation and growth in discipleship
o A Rule of Life that leads the people toward holiness of heart and life (The General Rules)
* Conversation
o Practice true "holy conferencing" in the Wesleyan Spirit. Conferencing must be practiced at all levels of the church, beginning in the home.

Mainline or Methodist: Rediscovering Our Evangelistic Missionis a sobering and hope-filled call to action for the people of The United Methodist Church. Scott Kisker gives some helpful and practical recommendations for a way forward. It's clear that he believes that God will keep God's promises. But the church must cooperate and participate with God's mission for the world.

Recovering our Methodist heritage
After taking Dr. Kisker's Evangelism course at Wesley Theological Seminary I can say without a doubt that he wrote this book, which is not a bad thing.I'm almost finished with it and I see where he is coming from.I, too, am one that thinks about how we can recover our Methodist heritage in a positive way so that we, as the church, can reach out to the unchurched and bring them into our church homes so that their spiritual lives may be enriched and so that they can grow in Jesus Christ.

My one huge complaint about this book is the lack of editing.There are way too many editing mistakes and they are quite glaring. ... Read more

Product Description

An indispensable guide for all United Methodists-especially pastors, lay leaders, church council members, confirmation and new member candidates and their instructors, and seminarians-this book is presented in a practical, down-to-earth manner for easy use by both individuals and classes, clergy and lay. It highlights the functions and connectional relationships within the organization, beginning with the local church and continuing through connectional organs in districts, annual conferences and their agencies, jurisdictional conferences and their agencies, the General Conference, the general agencies of the Church, and the Judicial Council.

Bishop Tuell discusses the Church's unique polity and gives a frank assessment of its strengths and weaknesses. At the same time he paints the image of a worldwide connectional communion that is organized to spread the good news of Jesus Christ and to bear witness to its Wesleyan heritage.

Product Description
Written in a humorous, accessible style, Being United Methodist in the Bible Belt will help any United Methodist youth or adult understand his or her brand of Christianity in light of the understandings of those from the evangelical tradition. With sidebars explaining United Methodist history and polity and questions after each chapter, this book is ideal for Christian education courses for youth and adults, new member classes, as well as personal reading. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Entertaining and Informative
This is a good book for those who want an overview of the Methodist church, its history and its teachings.It is set up in a textbook format for use with youth groups but adults can learn from it as well.It's short enough to finish in a night or two and light and humorous enough for the subject matter to stick with you.It has real world examples making the subject more interesting.

A great intro. to being a Methodist
Regardless of where you may live - this was an easy, informative, and humorous introduction to UMC dogma.I read it in a couple of nights - passed it on to my husband who read it just about straight through, too.I highly recommend this to anyone thinking of becoming Methodist or already is one.

Very Informative
I really enjoyed this book and recommend it to anyone who is interested on the befiefs and history of the United Methodist Church.The author infuses humor throughout this book to keep it interesting and I found this book to be an easy read for the most part (there are some areas where even humor couldn't lighten it up enough).Overall, very worthwhile. ... Read more

Product Description
"Commissioned by the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry for use in United Methodist doctrine/polity/history courses."   This in-depth analysis of the connection between United Methodist polity and theology addresses ways in which historical developments have shaped--and continue to shape--the organization of the church.
This revised edition incorporates the actions of The United Methodist General Conference, 2004. The book discusses continuing reforms of the church's plan for baptism and church membership, as well as the emergence of deacon's orders and other changes to ordained ministry procedures. The text is now cross-referenced to the Book of Discipline, 2004, including the revised order of disciplinary chapters and paragraph numbering. Denominational statistics are updated, along with references to recent works on The United Methodist Church and American religious life. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Great companion to the UMC Discipline
Extremely useful resource for pastors, seminarians.Also for lay leaders mystified by the church's polity and practices.

Primer for the UMC Book of Discipline
This book was helpful while trudging through the UMC Book of Discipline 2000. (The 2004 is now available.)It helped to spot problems, provided some history, and pointed to possible future difficulties.If you must read and understand the UMC Book of Discipline, this book can be a simple way to start.

Its usefulness is limited to UMC clergy and lay leaders.If you need to learn your way around the heirarchy and the bureaucracy, this is a place to start.Another book to consider is "The Organization of the United Methodist Church" by Jack Tuell. ... Read more

Product Description
In seven chapters, Willimon examines United Methodism and the ways it has made and continues to make a difference in his life.In an inspiring and enlightening way, he writes of his pride in being part of a church that has grown from one man's experience to a worldwide movement covering the globe with its message.A learning guide for groups and individuals is included.

Chapter titles:

Product Description
This survey of the Wesleyan movement in the eighteenth century is the story of many people whose lives and thoughts are woven together in the developing theology, organization, and mission of Methodism. Wesley's own pilgrimage of faith is of course central to the emergence of Methodism, but we also see the contributions of many others--friends and critics alike--whose lives and thoughts helped shape the movement. Conflict as well as courage helped forge the distinctive Wesleyan emphases that constituted for them the "scripture way of salvation." We see the evolution of practical ways to nourish "holiness of heart and life" through the development of societies and schools, classes and bands, conferences and clinics, and many other forms of organization and mission that eventually secure Methodism into the social and religious fabric of British society. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Wesley
This was a well-written book that I am priveledged to have been introduced to.It is easy to read and carries one smoothly through the life of John Wesley from the rise of Methodism to the stage set for it's continued success folllwing his death in 1891.For any seminary student it is a must read.For any Methodist it is foundational to who you are as such.To any Christian it will be a blessing.

Methodist History @ Its Best
Professor Richard Heitzenrater's "Wesley and the People Called Methodist" (1995) is destined to be come a Christian classic.This well-informed text (citing 100s of sources by the helpful "scientific notation" sourcing system) tells the story of 18th century Methodism.Throughout Heitzenrater fills-in many blanks not mentioned in other histories.

Heitzenrater provides a multitude of black and white pictures, maps, graphs, and charts to make his careful and convincing points.Beginning his narrative just prior to John Wesley's birth, the author moves to the high points of Wesley's life.We hear about his Oxford University days, his failed mission to Georgia, his Aldersgate conversion experience, the origins of Wesley's field preaching, the organization of the Methodist societies in London and across England, Wesley's concern for the souls and bodies of his people, the establishment of Methodism's first health clinic and school, Wesley's opinion about the ordinations of 1784, recruiting Methodist ministers, and much more.This book offers much to the reader.

The book also documents 18th century English living conditions, mortality rates, population wide ignorance, the English fear of a Franco-type revolution, Anglican unconcern for mass poverty and disease, and royal ignorance, pomp, and avarice.(Wesley remained loyal to his English king to the very end.)Heitzenrater presents the founder of Methodism from Wesley's own hand (he reviews many primary source documents penned by Mr. Wesley).From many of his sermons we learn Wesley's theologies of justification, sanctification and glorification.We are taught that, by the end, the senior English churchman rode over 100,000 miles on horseback through his long career.The book makes one feel as a witness to the English 18th century.

Heitzenrater's novelistic style makes this informative text an easy read.Its six chapters (338 paperback pages) bring 18th century England alive.It is history at its best as Heitzenrater answers many questions about the period.This book is very recommendable.Order your copy soon.

The Historical Roots of the Methodist People
This book has to be on the list of the top twenty-five books on early Methodism and the lives of early Methodist's.However, the book has a particular dryness, and if one get past the dryness of the writing, this book is a must get for anyone wanting to explore the history of early Methodist's.Heitzenrater begins with John Wesley's impact on early Methodist's to the different rises of Methodism, the impact of Calvinism on early 18th century Methodist's, and how Methodism evolved through the development of different societies, classes, camp ground meetings and conferences which helped to secure Methodism into the social and religous fabric of British life.This book is great for anyone wishing to discover the roots of Methodism, becuase of it's rich historical details.Another great addition to the book, which helped to clear up the dryness of the reading, was the authors use of visual aids (great examples), and sidenotes of John Wesley's work.This book is a great historical door to the past, and a must read for anyone wishing to discover more about, "The people called Methodist."

Must Read!
Dr. Heitzenrater has written one of the very best books on the life and ministry of John Wesley and the early Methodists. This book is simply a "MUST READ" for any United Methodist or anyone else, for that matter, who is interested in the teachings and ministry of Wesley and his world-shaking Christian reform movement.Few books are must reads ... this is one of them.

The best single-volume biography of Welsey
Heitzenrater's book is the best single-volume work on Wesley. He has, in an accessible prose, documented Wesley's life and the foundations of the Methodist Movement better than anyone before him. It utilizes the sources that are the foundation of the older biographies, such as Wesley's journal. More importantly, however, it effectively utilizes nontraditional sources for understanding his life. He creatively and effectively uses Wesley's theological writings, the writings of contemporaries, and conference minutes to more fully tell Wesley's story.

Heitzenrater is the Albert C. Outler Chair of Wesleyan Studies at Duke Divinity School. He is widely recognized as the foremost expert on Wesley's life. He is also the current editor of the Works of Wesley; he has taken that role since Outler's death. ... Read more

Product Description
Throughout this book, Scott J. Jones insists that for United Methodists the ultimate goal of doctrine is holiness. Importantly, he clarifies the nature and the specific claims of "official" United Methodist doctrine in a way that moves beyond the current tendency to assume the only alternatives are a rigid dogmatism or an unfettered theological pluralism. In classic Wesleyan form, Jones' driving concern is with recovering the vital role of forming believers in the "mind of Christ, " so that they might live more faithfully in their many settings in our world. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Great for anyone wanting a firmer grasp of UM Doctrine
This book is both comprehensive and concise in explaining United Methodist doctrinal issues.While we did not use it in my Wesleyan theology courses in seminary, I think it would have made a useful addition and I found myself referring to it as I drafted papers for Commissioning as a minister.Yet, I think it is an easy enough read for a layperson who already has some background in UM theology and doctrine. It certainly isn't a "quick reference" but I expect that it would be highly useful for people wanting to go beyond simple excerpts and "soundbite" theology. In sum, it is quite accessible yet with enough depth that even a seminarian or pastor would find it useful.

Extreme
As a lay person I found this book to be an extremely thorough explanation of UMC Doctrine.Now, that may not sound too exciting and the book can be a difficult read at times.However, for anyone seeking an explanation of the postion of the Methodist Church on specific and general issues, this book will make an excellent reference. Dr. Jones has performed the research and has the authority to speak for the church on this topic and does so effectively in this work. ... Read more

Product Description
An ideal study resource for helping adults understand more fully the meaning, theology and practice of the sacraments in The United Methodist Church. ... Read more

Product Description
Includes for each hymn in the Hymnal historical background of text and tune; suggested uses for today;name origin;text/tune changes over the years; commentary on Hymnal treatment; and theological base of texts. ... Read more

Product Description
8 sessions.A concise look at United Methodist history and doctrine. Includes study guide ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

great info
This book was exactly what I was looking for. I found my answers. The book was new and arrived fast.

Excellent Read
Good book for anyone, Christian or not.
Well written theology on the Methodist religion.

When are they gonna show up?
I have read a number of introductions to the Methodist Church/doctrine/history type books, and I really think that "Meet the Methodists" may be the worst one.I didn't find much in it that clearly represented any Methodist beliefs as they are taught by Wesley and the Church.What I did find was a sort of fuzzy Liberal American Protestantism that has little to do with the mainstream of Wesleyanism.You would do much better to read "John Wesley's Message Today" by Lovett Weems Jr. OR "Eight Life-Enriching Practices of United Methodists" by Henry H. Knight IIIOR "A Pocket Story of John Wesley" by Charles A. Sauer (that last one is more like a glorified pamphlet but it is a very good concise introduction to the Wesleyan revival).

You won't meet anyone!
As an active Methodist, a devotee of John Wesley, and a reader of many tomes on this denomination, I found this book poor on almost every score.You won't get to know any great Methodists well from this book.You also won't learn much about Methodist doctrine.

You will get a watered-down, highly liberal slant on what the United Methodist Church is up to today, with a little skewed history tossed in.If that's what you want, order it.If you want to find out about Wesley, order a biography or his own writings instead.If you want to learn about Methodist Doctrine, read the nice little volume of that title by Campbell.

Sharp Little Book
This is an excellent introduction to the history and beliefs of Methodism.For anyone who wants a good introduction to John Wesley and the Methodists, this is it. I've used it to teach new-member classes and have found it to be very helpul! ... Read more

Product Description
. Expresses in simple language what the people of this denomination believe and how they interpret the ageless affirmation of the Bible. Includes study guide, 8 sessions. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Great for Orientation and Foundation
I just finished leading my Sunday School class through the book.The class consists of folks from different denominational backgrounds, many of whom are new to the UMC, and they absolutely loved it.I supplemented the discussion with some material to expound upon Grace [prevenient, justifying, sanctifying], and referred to these concepts throughout, to amplify the book material.This is an excellent book for adult new-member class.

Major United Methodist Beliefs
I have read the original issue of this book and am looking forward to the latest. Every Methodist should have one, and every Methodist should understand it's contents.
Robert Wysor

For Learning or Teaching
This speaks of the roots, sacramental views, and the general theological foundations of the United Methodist Church.While the author does use theological terminology and "church-ese" in the book, everything is pretty well explained.

Stokes suggests it be read individually or in groups and it's great that he includes discussion questions in the back of the book. I actually used this book as a guide to teach my congregation more about what it meant to be a United Methodist Church.

This book can easily be adapted for lecture-style teaching and the questions included by the author made for good discussion in small-group and large-group settings.I even had youth asking questions and having discussion with each other and adults about topics throughout this book.

It's a good read for anyone who wants to learn about or have a clearer understanding of the United Methodist Church and its beliefs.

A must read for all United Methodist
Gave me a greater understanding in worship and gave me a renewed sense ofvitality in my worship experience. Well written and easy to understand ... Read more

Product Description
The Discipline is the book of law of The United Methodist Church. It is the product of 200 years of the General Conferences of the denominations that now form The United Methodist Church. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Reference book
I needed this reference book to review the legality of a transaction that was taken in 1997. I had requested, but, had not received answers. Thankfully, I was able to find the book through Amazon at an affordable price. My questions were answered. Customer service was excellent. Thanks. ... Read more

Product Description

Following Jesus is hard to do – but even harder if we take ourselves too seriously. The Unofficial United Methodist Handbook is the indispensable companion for anyone trying to live a committed Christian life, with a healthy dose of humor. Timeless biblical truths stand alongside everyday life situations that everyone meets, with step-by-step instructions that make the going easy:

• How to Stay Alert in Church
• How to Identify an Angel (with diagram)
• How to Survive for One Hour in an Un-Air-Conditioned Church
• How to Share Your Faith with Someone
• How to Identify and Avoid Evil
• How to Survive an Old Testament Plague
• How to Memorize a Bible Verse
• Common Christian Symbols and What They Mean
• What Is Unique about The United Methodist Church and Its History

…plus dozens of other illustrations, maps, diagrams, and essential tips!

Customer Reviews (2)

Ho-hum Humor to be left on the shelf
If you read the review of this book in the UM Reporter, you were mislead.Not worth the purchase price. A ho-hum view of United Methodist insiders.We are a lot funnier than this!

Do It Yourself Methodism
This is an excellent opportunity to learn the basics about the United Methodist Church.If you have ever felt that you would be embarrassed by participating in the church because you did not know its traditions, this book is for you. ... Read more