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This book explores Methodist episcopacy in the U.S. and reviews notions of and expectations about episcopal leadership held by United Methodists today. After a careful historical study, Richey and Frank give helpful perspectives on a current proposal to the 2004 General Conference by the Council of Bishops to elect a bishop who will serve a four-year term as the Council's president. More generally and for the longer term, this book examines the need for organizational change and theological reflection on the office of bishop, while reviewing the implications of such reorganization of the Council of Bishops including the election process. By examining what Methodists have meant by the words "itinerant general superintendent," the authors discuss the polity of the Church and explore the constraints, concern, and possibilities for episcopal leadership. ... Read more

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Commissioned by the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry for use in United Methodist doctrine/polity/history courses.

From a Sunday school teacher's account of a typical Sunday morning to letters from presidents, from architects' opinions for and against the Akron Plan to impassioned speeches demanding full rights for African Americans, women, homosexuals, and laity in the Church, this riveting collection of documents will interest scholars, clergy, and laity alike. This Sourcebook, part of the two-volume set The Methodist Experience in America, contains documents from between 1760 and 1998 pertaining to the movements constitutive of American United Methodism. The editors identify over two hundred documents by date, primary agent, and central theme or important action. The documents are organized on a strictly chronological basis, by the date of the significant action in the excerpt. Charts, graphs, timelines, and graphics are also included. The Sourcebook has been constructed to be used with the Narrative volume in which the interpretation of individual documents, discussions of context, details about events and individuals, and treatment of the larger developments can be found.

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Finally, a decent anthology of Methodist writings.
Richey, Rowe, and Schmidt are the preeminent authorities on the history of Methodism in the U.S. Richey is Dean of Candler School of Theology, Emory University (largest Methodist seminary in the country), Schmidt is a Professor of Church History at Illif School of Theology (She is preeminent scholar of women in the Methodist tradition), and Kenneth Rowe is Professor of Church History at Drew University and one of the heads of the Methodist Archives. This work represents, for them, a solid collection of primary source material for students of the denomination.

There choices in material ranges from the familar to the obscure,from the colonial to the contemporary, and pays attention to the voice of women, African-Americans, and Native Americans--all of whom are significant voices in the history of American Methodism.

The book is chronologically arranged with an excellent index and solid explanations prefacing each document. The work also contains an excellent timeline of American Methodism.

I would conclude by stating, that this volume is best single volume collection of documents from the Methodism that I have ever seen. It is a far cry from the fairly weak and dated collection put together by Norwood some years ago. It will, thus, be an invaluable addition to the library of students and scholars of Methodism. Its greatest area of usefulness, however, will be in the Methodist history courses necessary for ordination in the UMC Church. This volume will go a long way to aid instructors of those courses in teaching the subject.

This volume is the second volume of 2. The first volume (which will carry the same title) will be a survey text on the history of American Methodism. The work has been in development for some years and many, such as myself, anxiously await its release. ... Read more

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This volume in the United Methodist Studies series challenges United Methodists to engage in life-transforming practices. The author explains a theme and underscores major emphases within the United Methodist denomination. This adult study is divided into four sections with suggestions for group discussion, and can be completed in 4 to 8 sessions. No leader’s guide is needed.The sections are:1 - Living from the Heart - This chapter examines the essence of prayer and devotional life for United Methodists: holiness of heart and life. The chapter is divided into two sections to enable this examination: Cimmunion (heart) and Compassion (life).2 - Read and Pray Daily - Exploring these two central disciplines in Christian formation and the Wesleyan Tradition guides readers into practical expressions of what it means to read devotionally (lection divina) and pray continually (the life of prayer).3 - Get Connected! - The idea of "connectionalism" is a significant part of our tradition. This chapter examines this idea from two vantage points of classic formation principles and the concrete structures Wesley used in early-Methodism, which still contain implications for today.4 - Go On! - The cultivation of prayer and devotional life in United Methodism is not about "attainment" but rather about "journey." This chapter examines the pilgrimage motif through the two lenses of the biblical doctrine of Christian perfection, and the practical development of that message through an action/reflection model of Christian formation. ... Read more

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7 MYTHS OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH looks at the attitudes and assumptions that keep the church from fulfilling its call to build discipleship-making faith communities. The myths challenge leaders to create environments of grace for people disconnected from the local church.

"When we face our current reality, we'll be able to move forward to recover more movement than institution, more grace than despair, more courage than fear and more life than death," writes Miller. "I invite you to join in a conversation about the future of the church. ...Change will not happen until we are willing to share our hearts and listen with compassion to the deep-seated hopes and fears that we live with every day."

Miller includes writings from pastors who are making a difference for God in their communities. The essays break down the myths, present the realities and celebrate the vision of those who are revitalizing congregations and building new ones.

Contributors include: Duane Anders, Daniel Chang, Bau Dang, Joe Daniels, Dottie Escobedo-Frank, Rob Huckaby, Linda McCoy, Rudy Rasmus, Vance Ross and David Simpson.

Join these effective, progressive church leaders as they explore the compelling need to connect with the world as it is. As in times past, the church will "co-create with the culture to bring the message of Christ to the world," fulfilling the Gospel call.

For 7 Myths extras a Powerpoint series, blogs and more go to the book's webpage. ... Read more

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churchlady1
Excellent publication.The title is misleading.Nice to know we Methodists can get our publications and products at Amazon ... Read more

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Populist Saints warmly tells the story of B. T. and Ellen Roberts’s lives, recounting their critique of powerful elites and illuminating the "crisis of Methodism" that gave rise to the Free Methodist Church. Benjamin Titus Roberts (1823–1893), best known for founding the Free Methodist Church, was also an outspoken voice for such reform causes as the abolition of slavery, women in ministry, and farmers’ rights — so much so that he played a role in the rise of the Populist Movement. Ellen Stowe Roberts (1825–1908), scion of a prominent Methodist family, shared her husband’s passion for holiness, for speaking good news to the poor, and for urban ministry.

Howard Snyder’s detailed biography views key nineteenth-century currents and events through the lives of these two extraordinary figures, who taught a "holy populism" of simplicity, justice for the common people, and radical discipleship. ... Read more

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Excellent historical perspective, both sacred and secular
Kimbrough provides an excellent glimpse into 19th century Indiana and the early history of the Tarkington family.In addition, he offers detailed insight into the chronology of the evolution of Methodism.If you'relooking for a strict biography of Joseph Tarkington only, this is not theread for you, but if you're looking for a good understanding of theMethodist religion, you'll find it here. ... Read more

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Explore a basic explanation of the beliefs and practices of The United Methodist Church as defined in Part
II of The Book of Discipline. Uncover a deeper understanding and experience of Christian faith as you
embrace the United Methodist way. ... Read more

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What to know about United Methodism
I have read many books of this type, but this is the number one choice for me. The information is well presented, beautifully written,and succinct. I highly recommend it to any Christian, United Methodist or not. ... Read more

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Wesley and Methodist Studies (WMS) publishes peer-reviewed scholarly essays that examine the life and work of John and Charles Wesley, their contemporaries (proponents or opponents) in the eighteenth-century Evangelical Revival, their historical and theological antecedents, their successors in the Wesleyan tradition, and studies of the Wesleyan and Evangelical traditions today. Its primary historical scope is the eighteenth century to the present; however, WMS will publish essays that explore the historical and theological antecedents of the Wesleys (including work on Samuel and Susanna Wesley), Methodism, and the Evangelical Revival. WMS is a collaborative project of the Manchester Wesley Research Centre and The Oxford Centre for Methodism and Church History, Oxford Brookes University and is published annually by Didsbury Press. ... Read more

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A Collection of Hymns for the Use of the People Called Methodist, first published in 1780, was the definitive collection of hymns to appear during the lifetime of John Wesley. As the culmination of a lengthy process of preparing a 'general hymn-book,' he selected the 525 hymns presented here from more than fifty hymnbooks published during the preceding forty-three years.It was very distinctly Methodist in character.The arrangement of the hymns was carefully designed to reflect the Wesleyan concept of the way of salvation and the pattern of Christian experience. ... Read more

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Greatest Hymnal Since the Psalter
Wesley's "Collection of Hymns for the Use of the People Called Methodists" is easily one of the greatest hymn books of all time.Along with the King James Bible and the Book of Common Prayer, it is one of the glories of the English-speaking church.A simple glance at the table of contents shows the sensitivity which went into the hymn book, as the section titles present a virtual spiritual biography: it begins with hymns "Exhorting Sinners to Return to God", then describes the "Pleasantness of Religion", and its corollary, the four last things (death, judgment, hell heaven), then hymns of repentence and "for mourners convinced of sin", as well as hymns for backsliders.Finally, we come to hymns for believers, in their various struggles and joys: fighting, praying, watching, working, suffering, seeking full redemption, saved, and at last, interceding for the world.Although not included in the first edition, modern editions carry an additional "supplement" of psalms and hymns of praise.The hymns themselves include some of the best-loved hymns of the church, from hymn 1, "O for a thousand tongues to sing / My great redeemer's praise" to "Hark the herald angels sing", "Love divine, all loves excelling", and "When I survey the wondrous cross".But it also includes a number of gems that haven't made it into many modern hymn books.A few random examples: "Extended on a cursed tree / Besmeared with dust and sweat and blood / See there, the king of glory see / Sinks and expires the Son of God" (hymn 23), "Shepherd of souls, with pitying eyes / The thousands of our Israel see / To Thee in their behalf we cry / Ourselves but newly found in thee" (hymn 82), "O that I could revere / My much-offended God! / O that I could but stand in fear / Of thy afflicting rod! / If mercy cannot draw, / Thou by thy threatenings move, / And keep an abject soul in awe, / That will not yield to love" (hymn 103).Nearly every one of the 1026 hymns in the collection has something to offer, and taken in their order, they form a full body of practical divinity.The only problem I have with the book is its sometimes militant Arminianism, but Calvinists have never had problems using most of the hymns (sometimes with minor changes).Franz Hildebrandt's edition is a scholarly edition, not suited for the pew, but a valuable work for anyone wishing to study these hymns.It includes sidenotes indicating scriptural, patristic, and literary allusions in the hymns, and has an illuminating introduction.Unfortunately, the book is text-only, and doesn't include any of the great tunes in the Handel tradition which complement these hymns so well. ... Read more

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A Living Legacy
Bishop Walls' book, The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church: Reality of the Black Church, is the perennial guide and standard for church history. In this book, Walls presents a comprehensive and detailed history of the A.M.E. Zion Church from its founding to the late 20th century. It is thoroughly researched and cited, satisfying the academic as well as the parishioner. Aside from its historical value, Walls' writing style is engaging and captivating, drawing the reader into the past as if experiencing the present. Though not explicit nor intended, this book serves as a living legacy that challenges and inspires dedicated churchmen. This is a must-own book for every minister, religion student and A.M.E. Zion Church member. ... Read more

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English-born Francis Asbury was one of the most important religious leaders in American history. Asbury single-handedly guided the creation of the American Methodist church, which became the largest Protestant denomination in nineteenth-century America, and laid the foundation of the Holiness and Pentecostal movements that flourish today. John Wigger has written the definitive biography of Asbury and, by extension, a revealing interpretation of the early years of the Methodist movement in America. Asbury emerges here as not merely an influential religious leader, but a fascinating character, who lived an extraordinary life. His cultural sensitivity was matched only by his ability to organize. His life of prayer and voluntary poverty were legendary, as was his generosity to the poor. He had a remarkable ability to connect with ordinary people, and he met with thousands of them as he crisscrossed the nation, riding more than one hundred and thirty thousand miles between his arrival in America in 1771 and his death in 1816. Indeed Wigger notes that Asbury was more recognized face-to-face than any other American of his day, including Thomas Jefferson and George Washington. ... Read more

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Maser and Simpson provide a compilation of informative and amusing anecdotes that reflect the lives of early Methodists, providing little known facts and true stories about familiar Methodist leaders as well as about those sitting in Methodist pews. If Saddlebags Could Talk is an excellent resource for all ministers, Sunday School teachers, libraries, and Methodist lay persons. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Great History and easy to read
Dr. Robert Drew Simpson was our minister in New Jersey for 25 years and all his wit and warmth comes through in this terrific collection of Methodist antecdotes from the early years of Methodism in America.We find this a great addition to the confirmation curriculum since it deftly brings a human face to Methodist history.

"The Wild and the Wesleyan"
At last, here is a book that presents the quirky and all-too-human side ofMethodist history.You'll meet a wide array of ministerial giants -- fromFrancis Asbury, the tireless itinerant bishop roundly acknowledged to bethe father of American Methodism...to "Crazy" Dow, an evangelistwith as many idiosyncracies as a "Northern Exposure" character. This is not dry historical reading by any stretch.A must-read for anystudent of Methodism or mainstream religion in general, this is a colorfulwindow into one of the most influential religious organizations in theworld. ... Read more

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2010–2011 United Methodist Music and Worship Planner

Customer Reviews (2)

must have for music directors.
I'm a music director at a methodist church and I wouldn't go one week without this resource-- as a supplement to other resources, it's great.Not much on its own-- but keeps planning time reasonable, especially picking weekly hymns and getting ideas for choral anthems.A great place to start each week and being able to see all the scripture on one page is really helpful.

excellent resource
What a great product!And a great price!I use this publication to prepare sermons and find it so very helpful.I received it so quickly that all I can say is..wow~Thanks ... Read more

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With the decision to provide of a scholarly edition of the Works of John Wesley in the 1950s, Methodist Studies emerged as a fresh academic venture. Building on the foundation laid by Frank Baker, Albert Outler, and other pioneers of the discipline, this handbook provides an overview of the best current scholarship in the field. The forty-two included essays are representative of the voices of a new generation of international scholars, summarising and expanding on topical research, and considering where their work may lead Methodist Studies in the future.

Thematically ordered, the handbook provides new insights into the founders, history, structures, and theology of Methodism, and into ongoing developments in the practice and experience of the contemporary movement. Key themes explored include worship forms, mission, ecumenism, and engagement with contemporary ethical and political debate. ... Read more

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This book takes us beyond the usual writings about religious ministry. It invites us iinto closed communities, some more closed than others, and allows us to observe the day-to-day crisis ministries in which the chaplains are engaged. We visit battlefields, prisons, hospitals, hospice settings, college campuses, veterans' centers, and retirement facilities.The writer draws some interesting conclusions about the uniqueness of the chaplaincy and what the greater church can learn from this growing model. ... Read more

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replacement or additional leader's guide for video kit that contains one copy  ... Read more