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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:

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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.

Customer Reviews (1)

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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Sanctuaries that once were filled with 300 people of all ages now have 30 in worship attendance. The youngest attending may be sixtysomething. The non-denominational church meeting across town in former commercial property is growing as fast as they can add folding chairs. Some of your own members may be a part of that group. Things have changed. But opportunities abound for the United Methodist Church and other mainline denominations. 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. ... 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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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

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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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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

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This volume is a collection of essays by leading United Methodist scholars about the implications of the revised orders of ministry in The United Methodist Church.

Eagerness to effectively communicate the gospel has driven an approach to ministry that is fundamentally pragmatic and functional. In approaching the question of the role of ordained ministry within the overall calling of the people of God, Methodists have traditionally asked "What works?" and then gone on to reflect theologically on the approach they are considering. In 1996, UM General Conference enacted sweeping changes regarding the offices of deacon and elder. The decisions of General Conference have raised a number of questions that we are just now beginning to explore.

This book addresses major recent changes within the denomination and explores these changes from a historical, theological, and practical point of view.  It helps readers understand the dynamics of and the reasons for the new order of ministry and helps them understand the implications of the changes for the denomination and for individuals.

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. 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

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In thirteen previously published essays, especially revised and updated for this volume, United Methodist historian Russell Richey explores various dimensions of the history, theology, and practice of connectionalism in American Methodism. ... Read more

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The book has two basic objectives and is accordingly organized into two main parts. Part I describes and analyzes the various ways in which the Wesleys' concept of "the religion of the heart" (that is, the affective dimension of Christian faith) has been understood and embodied in the Methodist tradition. The six historical essays of this section show that although heart religion has been a central feature of the Wesleyan movement as a whole, disagreements over how it should be expressed and fostered have caused or contributed to some of the schisms within that movement. Part II seeks to retrieveand rehabilitate the original Wesleyan concept of heart religion and to demonstrate its relevance for the contemporary church. The five constructive essays of this section show how "vital piety" can be fostered in local Methodist and Holiness congregations today, but also how aberrant forms of this, such as anti-intellectualism, fanatical emotionalism, and maudlin sentimentality, can be avoided. Special attention is given to the role of heart religion in worship, preaching, pastoral care, educational ministry, and programs for spiritual and moral formation ... Read more

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Do we act, live and breathe our faith? What do United Methodists believe? Do people notice a difference in the way United Methodists practice faith in the Church and world? A Year with John Wesley and Our Methodist Values is an engaging and provocative study of the practices of discipleship that are of ""the Methodist way."" Brief scholarly reflections on Wesleyan themes are followed by short essays making recurring Wesley tenets timely and relevant to today's world. Covering an aspect of distinctly Wesleyan theology a month, the collection of essays contained in this book provide an in-depth yet easily approachable 12-month survey of the Methodist tradition for clergy and laity alike. ""A Year with John Wesley reveals and makes plain the essence of John Wesley's life and witness,"" writes one reviewer. ""A Methodist way of living becomes accessible through these great themes expressed in contemporary language and situations. Those who read and reflect upon these pages will gain understanding of United Methodist theology, polity and practice, but even more significantly, they will learn what it means to walk with Christ in our contemporary world. ... Read more

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Timely Wesleyan Thoughts
This little book is divided into monthly themes and is very informative as to the Wesleyan perspective on topics such as grace, Christian commitment, sin, and eternal life. The articles are brief and leave you wanting more! ... Read more

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8 sessions.This study helps adults understand better the goals and beliefs of the United Methodist Church.This study book includes leader helps, ideal for classes that prefer shared leadership. ... Read more

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In the early part of the twentieth century, Methodists were seen by many Americans as the most powerful Christian group in the country. Ulysses S. Grant is rumored to have said that during his presidency there were three major political parties in the U.S., if you counted the Methodists.

The Methodist Unification focuses on the efforts among the Southern and Northern Methodist churches to create a unified national Methodist church, and how their plan for unification came to institutionalize racism and segregation in unprecedented ways. How did these Methodists conceive of what they had just formed as "united" when members in the church body were racially divided?

Moving the history of racial segregation among Christians beyond a simplistic narrative of racism, Morris L. Davis shows that Methodists in the early twentieth century — including high-profile African American clergy — were very much against racial equality, believing that mixing the races would lead to interracial marriages and threaten the social order of American society.

The Methodist Unification illuminates the religious culture of Methodism, Methodists' self-identification as the primary carriers of "American Christian Civilization," and their influence on the crystallization of whiteness during the Jim Crow Era as a legal category and cultural symbol.

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This book offers a comprehensive examination of Methodist practice, tracing its evolution from the earliest days up to the present. Using liturgical texts as well as written accounts in popular and private sources, Karen Westerfield Tucker investigates the various rites and seasons of worship in Methodism and examines them in relation to American society. ... Read more

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Hitherto, the language of the Methodist revival has received only moderate, and mainly descriptive, attention. This study moves beyond description and approaches the phenomenon from a "discourse" angle. A corpus-based investigation of the workings of Methodism in its many different discourse aspects highlights how and why Methodism in its early Wesleyan stage was remarkably efficient in providing a multi-modal message which answered the needs and aspirations of the underprivileged. A critical assessment shows that there is little reason to indict the Wesleyans with any manipulative intent. Wesley's discourse did, however, contain some elements which were misunderstood and misapplied when later Methodism lost its Wesleyan touch; but the Methodist revival as a whole cannot be indicted with deliberate manipulation of the working masses. ... Read more

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Wesley's Discourse Revisited
Hitherto, the language of the Methodist revival has received only moderate, and mainly descriptive, attention. Van Noppen's study moves beyond description to approach the phenomenon from a «critical» angle, thus allowing the reader to assess the indictments which have branded Methodist discourse as manipulative.
Critics have stereotyped Methodism as an oppressive, reactionary discourse forced upon illiterate audiences by insidious rhetorical devices. The guiding hypothesis which underlies such analyses seems to be that the success of Methodism, if any, was not a natural and voluntary response to a religious appeal, but the effect of a deliberate, manipulative process which cynically sought to trick people into a belief system which conditioned their world-view and behaviour patterns, allegedly on behalf of industrial interests which required an obedient and submissive work force.
The investigation of the workings of Methodist discourse in its many textualised and non-textualised aspects allows one to understand the widespread popular impact of the movement in both linguistic and extralinguistic terms. The discourse analysis which constitutes the bulk of this study shows that Methodism in its early Wesleyan stage was remarkably efficient in providing a multi-modal discourse which managed to reach the working classes and to answer their needs and aspirations. The widespread popular response to the message in certain areas may be explained in terms of natural audience motivation, and there is little if any ground, notwithstanding Wesley's particular use of language and his explicitly conservative attitude, to hypothesize a deliberate manipulative socio-political intent on the part of the Wesleyans.
Van Noppen's critical analysis shows that Wesley's discourse did, however, contain the seeds of a work ethic which lay the message open to misunderstanding and misuse in post-Wesleyan Methodism. Under the influence of increasing embourgeoisement and denominational self-interest, some branches of later Methodism progressively abandoned the Wesleyan perspective, and may be suspected of sustaining capitalist interests in some parts of their discourse; but the Methodist revival as a whole cannot be indicted with intentional manipulation of the working masses. ... Read more

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Traces the development of Methodism as a pillar of black and white communities in America. ... Read more