Customer Reviews (1)

Excellent Book for Small Groups
Recently republished, this is an excellent book for small group discussion.It restates and reinforces many of the concepts and issues for long-time Methodists, and is an excellent introduction for new members. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Something really basic
I'm actually a Catholic, but I've been interested in finding out why the Methodist methods (try saying that 5 times really fast!) are different from ours, but yet, in some ways they're just like our ways of doing things. Unfortunately, when I saw this article of reading I thought it would be longer than what it actually is...cause it looked like a book from what was being shown on the site. But actually, it isn't really a book, it's like a pamphlet. So i was disappointed in that i spent that much money on something that looked like I could've gotten from a church.But, it was pretty informative.There's probably better forms of information, more in depth forms of information about this branch of religion out there that's more lengthy. But, if you just want a basic idea of the practices Methodists partake in, then this is worth getting I suppose.

CLEAR, CONCISE, AND INFORMATIVE
Thomas S. McAnally has written a brief, clear-cut booklet that quickly and succintly explains the nuts and bolts of Methodism. Admittedly, it is not a book of deep theological inquiry, but it was never intended to be. Rather, it answers many common questions important either to new Methodists or non-Methodists taking a first look at the Church. For those who need more, a list of suggested books for further research is included. McAnally's book is a great key to unlocking the fruits behind the door of the reader's local United Methodist Church. Recommended.

Needs a little more substance.
As a current Methodist wanting to learn more about my religion, I was hoping for a little more detail.This book is a little too basic although it might be a good first reading for a person who is considering joining the Methodist religion.On the plus side, the information is clearly presented and is easy to read. ... Read more

Book Description
This completely updated reference book provides basic bibliographies for students of the Methodist movement and Wesleyan heritage. It identifies standard texts with emphasis on the best modern critical interpretations. ... Read more

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

Customer Reviews (1)

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 (1)

Don't forget the subtitle!
The United Methodist Hymnal is, in my opinion, one of the best worship resources you can own.It contains hundreds and hundreds of hymns, far more than many other hymnals that I own or have used.But this is more than a Hymnal: it contains Prayers, liturgies, Scripture selections (including 100 of the Psalms) affirmations of Faith and Creeds and so much more.The subtitle is "The Book of United Methodist Worship" and that is exactly what this is: a very useful worship book.You will find it useful not only in public worship but in private prayer and devotion as well.The indexes are very useful as well - you can look up songs, hymns, prayers, and chants, by title, or by subject, by tune name, or even by scripture references.The prayers and liturgies reflect some of the best of English language and are very much in keeping with the "Common Prayer Book" tradition of the Anglican Church out of which the Methodist movement was born.The collection of hymns is wonderful!There are so many and they are fairly diverse: traditional hymns; modern ecumincal ('catholic') hymns; some 'ethnic' hymns; and more good ole' evangeical 'revival' hymns than you can shake a stick at.Of course all of the hymns, prayers, Creeds and liturgies are thick with theology and are useful for anyone who wants to get a feel for Christianity as it is practiced by Methodists as well.This is a wonderful resource for public and private worship and I can't say enough about it!Every Methodist ought to have one - right next to his Bible. ... Read more

Book 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

Customer Reviews (2)

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

Customer Reviews (6)

A Most Excellent Hymnal
This is easily one of the best hymnals that I own.It has a few attributes that make it such a solid book:

1) It is extremely comprehensive, containing the "old standards" (such as "Praise to the Lord"), newer hymns and songs (like "Let There Be Peace on Earth"), ecumenical hymns, and even Taize chants (such as "Eat This Bread" and, I believe, "Jesus, Remember Me")!
2) The service outlines in the front are unparalleled.They go into incredible detail about the elements of the service, going so far as to including multiple service music selections.
3) The layout is aesthetically pleasing.It's very hard to pinpoint exactly why the pages are so nice to look at, but the layout and print really come together.

If you are a musician or parishoner of any denomination, this book is a must.

Best Hymnal / Prayerbook out
This hymnal contains roughly 679 hymns proper, organized theologically rather then by season (there is a section called "Particular Times of Worship" for seasonal hymns and carols).They include old favorites like "O, For A Thousand Tongues To Sing", and newer songs like "Come Sunday",and translations of patristic and medieval hymns. Collects, canticles, and bits of sacred poetry are scattered throughout the hymnal alongside hymns expressing similar sentiments- the Psalter contains only the Psalms.

In addition, the Hymmnal contains the United Methodist liturgies for the usual morning service, Baptism, Communion(with musical settings), marriages, and funerals. There are also orders for weekday Morning and Evening Prayer and Praise, which is as far as I know unprecedented in Methodism.

One slight deficiency- the UM Hymnal contains no church calendar or lectionary at all. This is unfortunate, especially as the Hymnal is otherwise so complete.

A lot of thought went into this
This is one of the best hymnals available, if you can get past the inclusive language. Its wide range of selections and worship resources will appeal to all Christians.

Other uses
I used the hymnal often in my sunday school class as a source of prayers to share in unison reading.Since we weren't singers we also read the text of hymns.The variety of sources in one volume was very useful.My class was elderly women and none objected to the new Hymnal.Despite its inclusion of "new" material I don't feel it will outdate as quickly as many of the faddish hymnals of the 70's

A Review of the Responsive Readings
The responsive readings in this hymnal are from the book of Psalms.In the 1960's version, responsive readings came from both the old and new testiments.This is how many people learned the Bible.I would like tosee a return to a mix of responsive readings. The songs in the hynmalhave been updated and the prayers included with the hymns are great. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A great primer of Wesleyan theology
I just finished "Basic United Methodist Beliefs: An Evangelical View".It is not so much about the UMC as a primer on John Wesley.It is a compilation of essays from "Good News" and also containsWesley's "The Character of a Methodist" in updated language.Itis really good!It is set up with a study guide at teh end of each chapterthat would make this a great book for Sunday school or in introduction toMethodism class. ... 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

Customer Reviews (1)

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

Customer Reviews (1)

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