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Required Reading
If you want to understand the racism which divided and continues to divide people of this nation even in their churches, then you need to read this book. Written by a man who was close to Dr. Martin Luther King and deeplyinvolved in the struggle against racism, this book tells the fascinatinghistory of the Black Church formed within the Methodist Church and its roletoday. ... Read more

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The author believes that United Methodists are sometimes reluctant to bring up the subject of religion with their friends and next-door neighbors. They doubt that their acquaintances would be interested and feel it would be inappropriate to inquire about their personal faith. They know, however, that they should witness to United Methodist beliefs. How do United Methodists share their faith?

Discussing evangelistic practices that are unique to United Methodists, Rodney E. Wilmoth suggests ways in which Unite Methodists can become more comfortable about sharing their faith. ... Read more

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In volume offers insight and guidance regarding this new ministerial order both to those who are called into the diaconate, and those among whom they will minister.The book begins by locating the office of deacon within the larger United Methodist understanding the ministry of all God's people and of ordained ministers.Drawing on the stories of those whom God has called and ordained to the ministry of deacon, the authors portray the crucial link between the worship of the church and service to the world that is central to the office of deacon.The book concludes with answers to common questions asked by deacons and the churches in which their ministry takes place: Who pays for insurance? What about pensions? What responsibilities do deacons have to the congregations that hire them, and what to the conferences of which they are members? ... Read more

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

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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

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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

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"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

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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

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These new essays summarize the latestresearch by highly respected United Methodist scholars, exploring the distinctive doctrines and discipline of the denomination. Essays include An Untapped Inheritance: American Methodism and Wesley's Practical Theology; The Scripture Way of Salvation: Narrative Spirituality and Biblical Praxis in Early Methodism; Theology, Religious Activity, and Structures of the Lives of Ordinary People; The Doors of Opportunity: Methodist Theological Education, 1866­1925; What Makes "United Methodist Theology" Methodist?; The Church as a Community of Moral Discourse; and Exploring Both the Middle and the Margins: Locating Methodism within American Religious History. ... Read more

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Gay Exclusion from the Methodist Church in the era of gay marriage
Amanda Udis-Kessler's excellent book Queer Inclusion in the United Methodist Church, is ground-breaking in studying the exclusion of gay Methodists from the life of their church, reaffirmed at their 2000 quadrennial conference.The author, an advocate of gay inclusion, is nevertheless so successful in her interviews and observations that the reader comes away understanding that not every exclusionist is hate-filled,and that both the inclusionsists and the exclusionists have talked past each other in the attempt to affirm their own positions.The book is beautifully and lucidly written; it offers sophisticated sociological theorizing and humane observation; and it cries out for a sequel, focused on the way that churches are changing to adapt to state-by-state legalization of gay marriage.

The United Methodist Church IS America
This is a sociologist's book, and it uses sophisticated, lucidly expounded sociological analysis.But it is a book of interest not only for sociologists, rather for multiple wider readerships: gays and lesbians affronted by conflict over their roles in churches, Christians anguished about doctrinal and ecclesiological irresolution over sexual orientation, non-Christians struggling to understand why these issues are spell-binding, conflict-ridden and enervating even in communities ostensibly framed by notions of charity or liberty.

As Udis-Kessler points out, the United Methodist Church *is* America--that is, its debate over queer inclusion both reflects and shapes a national discussion.So far, things have not gone especially well in this discussion from anyone's point of view within the UMC.But Udis-Kessler's book is nonetheless hopeful.If we all understood the issues with the depth she achieves, we might be able to recognize non-faith-grounded reprobation and discrimination as disrupting clear-headed and heartfelt progress toward unity in both churches and secular society.

Social science helping churches
As an Episcopalian wounded by five years of intra-denominational strife and heartache, I found this book directly helpful.Udis-Kessler weeds out tares of secular and institutional exclusivism from the Methodists' theological struggle.If American Christians might all do that, we could lead this country at least to justice--even if not as far as the holiness to which the Methodists aspire--instead of following non-believers' patterns of oppression. ... Read more

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Good for Beginners
This text is a good book for the novice United Methodist or new students to religious studies.The book is comprised of thought from four leading writers.

Gonzalez's opening chapter on Bible studying in the Early Church is well prepared and clearly instructive.Witherington offers, his usual, astute and well-researched analysis of the Wesley's and Asbury's (one wonders if his Watson analysis is necessary) use and study of Scripture.

Tilson's chapter 3 keeps this book from gaining the 5th star.His "contemporary approach" is too cerebral.Even as a fellow U Methodist theological thinker, who has a love for theological argument, I found myself wondering away from his run-on sentences and slow train-of-thought.

Felton's concluding chapter brings the reader back on task.She provides a realistic look at contemporary Methodism and its application of Scripture.She also reminds one of Methodism's rich heritage of biblical study and interpretation.

All-in-all I'm grateful for my daughter's gifting me this book.It is a welcomed addition to my Wesleyan library and very recommendable. ... Read more

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An introduction to the journey of faith as traveled by United Methodists - and a survey of their history, beliefs, mission, and church organization. Chester E. Custer interprets the basic theological beliefs and membership vows, with special attention to their implications for an active ministry of the laity in congregations, communities, and the world.Required text for Lay Speakers Interpret to Others Our United Methodist Heritage: Advanced Course.See also A Pocket Story of John Wesley. ... Read more

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United Methodist Primer
Excellent source for those wanting to investigate the beliefs of the Methodist faith.Both easy to read and understand. ... Read more

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This book illustrates the characteristic contribution of Methodism to ecumenical dialogue--the combination of doctrinal responsibility, spiritual engagement, missionary orientation, and the glorification of the Trinitarian God--and ends with a plea that in the face of contemporary challenges, Methodists will be Wesleyan enough to keep walking with historic Christianity.  The book includes dialogue between Methodism and Roman Catholicism, Lutheranism, the Reformed Church, Orthodoxy, ecumenism, and several multilateral movements.

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The bases for ecumencal dialogue, points of disagreement
This book is phenominal!Wainwright explains the critical, current discussion points between Methodists an nearly every major Christian group: including Roman Catholics, Orthodox, Anglicans, and the rest of themain-line protestant tradition.This is actually a great book onsystematic theology, at least from a Wesleyan prespective.Wainwrightclearly outlines the bases for future ecumenical dialogue and identifiesthe points where disagreement and tension are likely to persist. The bookis fair and fascinating. ... Read more