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 (3)

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.

joyful to use
We use the hymnal frequently in our Sunday School Class.The words to hymns are great read out loud, there are also prayers and responsive readings which are very useful

An important compendium
Most of the pieces in this book a pretty hard to dance to, but the lyrics are good. ... Read more

Product Description
Written in a humorous, accessible style, this book is an easy-to-understand guide to the kinds of theological questions that many Methodist youth and others are asking today. "Being Methodist in the Bible Belt" will help any Methodist youth, parent, or educator better understand their unique brand of Christianity in light of the understandings of those from the evangelical tradition. With helpful sidebars explaining Methodist history and polity and questions after each chapter for reflection and action, this book is ideal for Christian education courses for youth and adults, new member classes in Methodist churches, as well as personal reading. This is an ideal book for adolescents and young adults and those who nurture them. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

What They Said...
I had this book on my (very crowded) shelf of books that explain United Methodism and Wesleyanism for years until I read it just a few weeks ago.Wow.For a readable introduction to our tribe, it does not get better than this.Is Joyner a little campy in his illustrations?Perhaps - but then, that may be just his style as a preacher coming through, because even the silly illustrations contain truth.I now have it loaned out to a seeker coming from a de-churched background of various denominations, and she is finding it very helpful.Perhaps you, or someone you know, will, too.

Belton Joyner Knows Methodism
I am a life-long Methodist,a seminary graduate, and thought I knew a little about Methodism.Belton's book opened my eyes and mind to a better understanding of just who we are, who we claim to be, and why we are who we are. I have had the opportunity to take two classes with Belton Joyner at Duke Divinity School and he is just as engaging and well versed on Methodism in real life as he is on the written page.This book is a must read for anyone who "thinks" they know Methodism and would really like to have a quick crash-course to reaffirm those beliefs.

Being Methodist in the Bible belt
funny ,easyto read, information priceless to a long time Methodist
like me, I learned a lot from reading this book, it is a reference
for me, I'd like to thank the author for writing it

WONDERFUL
This book is a great read and VERY pertinent.It really makes you think and Belton had lots of great ideas.VERY FUNNY.

Funny without being irreverent
I bought this book shortly after joining a United Methodist church.As a former southern baptist, I found this book very helpful in discerning the differences between the denominations.I've since recommended this book to several friends and family members. ... Read more

Product Description
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

Customer Reviews (5)

Mildly Amusing
Although Robert Martin Walker tries to tear a page from Jeff Foxworthy's famous "You Might Be A Redneck If..." routine, the results are hardly in Foxworthy's laugh-out-loud league.

The problem, really, is that individual churches within the United Methodist Church tend to be extremely diverse in tone and emphasis.Depending on the church, you might find yourself in a hysterically conservative, wildly liberal, or casually moderate congregation.Consequently, it is extremely difficult to find one-liners of the "You Might Be..." variety that will resonate with United Methodists across the board.

For myself, as a member of the United Methodist Church I found this small, short book harmless but only mildly amusing at best.If you actually want an idea of the humor you might encounter at a United Methodist Church, you'd really do better to drop in on a UMC pot-luck dinner.

GFT, Amazon Reviewer

are you talking about me?
I found this book to be amusing, but a number of the jokes about Methodists could easily be applied to many of the mainline Christian denominations.Ah, well, Methodists have never been known for being very funny.

an overpriced pamphlet
I grew up in the Methodist Church, and my parents are life-long devout Methodists. We often joke about "methodizing" and Methodist ways -- so natually, I thought this would be a funny treat for my Mom. I was disappointed -- the book is full of one-liners, most of which present the Methodist church as a liberal, female-friendly, ecumenical organization. Granted, the church has (thank goodness) become must more open-minded over the years, but not to the extent this booklet implies. I could relate only to one or two of the jokes, and even they were lame. I didn't find any of them laugh-out-loud funny. No doubt, the Methodist Church is large and congregations and practices vary from church to church. I'm sure that there are a handful of Methodists out there who might find this funny. However, even though I have attended several Methodist churches over the years, I didn't particularly relate to this, nor did I find it funny. I wouldn't recommend purchasing this little cheaply-produced booklet (which looks like a freebie you could pick up the on the shelves in the narthex, right next to the Upper Rooms -- and it's not even blessed with a nice paper cover or any four-color illustrations) unless having something titled says "You Might Be a Methodist If . . . " is, in & of itself, amusing to you.

Very funny -- but not long enough!
Great one liners. Leaves you wishing the book was longer with more punch lines!

So true!
A clever and fun look at our denomination--every page hit home.As a life-long United Methodist and a PK, I could readily identify with each amusing observation. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Theologically conservative take
A theologically conservative understanding of Methodism and its expression in the latest United Methodist hymnal. ... Read more

Product Description

A very handy handbook that provides amazingly essential information and practical tips every pastor needs to know, delivered with brevity and a good sense of humor.

Be prepared to laugh as you try to keep hold of the reins--like the circuit rider of yesteryear. The Unofficial United Methodist Handbook for Pastors gives serious information and practical tips to uplift your spirit and warm your heart. Like The Unofficial United Methodist Handbook for the well-informed churchgoer, this handbook for pastors illustrates timeless biblical truths in everyday living, making life easier--and much more entertaining. This book captures all the essential information every pastor needs close at hand to prevail in any circumstance, and have a good and well-needed chuckle along the way:

· How to Support and Empower the Church Council without Becoming a Dictator or a Wallflower
· How to Know if You’re Called to Be a Pastor
· Ten Things You Should Never Say to a Church Member
· How to Recover from Christmas and Easter Overload
· How to Preach a Stewardship Sermon without Sounding Like You Are Begging for a Raise
· How to Keep Both Your Job and Your Family
· How to Use Your Family Members as Sermon Illustrations without Alienating Them or Boring the Congregation
· How to Retire from Ministry Gracefully
· What is unique about United Methodist Ministry
…plus dozens of other illustrations, maps, diagrams, and essential tips! This unique and incredibly handy resource is perfect for United Methodist ministers and all who help lead congregations.

Customer Reviews (2)

For the UM Pastor and those considering ministry
This book is an easy read and occasional humor makes it enjoyable.Accurately self described as "seriously funny, seriously United Methodist."It is in outline form with practical advise.I will admit that a fair portion of the advise should be somewhat familiar to someone who has been involved with the church especially the UM church for a while.However, sometimes we pastors need to be reminded about the state of things, how they work and what is truly important.In the six months since I bought this book, I have scanned through it three times to remind me what I should and should not be doing.This book is a simple reference to ministry in the United Methodist Church.

Clergy from other denominations can look beyond some of the denominational information and will find plenty of useful information on the church and ministry.

Note: As a UM pastor in a large conference I take exception to advice on keeping the bishop informed about how things are going.In large conferences the district superintendent is the bishop's representative, but doesn't mention this until later in point 8.This is my only minor issue with this book.

Not what it was cracked up to be
I had read a review of this book and the Unofficial UM Handbook in the UM Reporter which made both seem like great purchases with a lot of greatUM humor.The book is ho-hum and not worth the purchase. ... Read more

Product Description

This basic, fully illustrated manual for congregational leaders explains how to prepare the sanctuary and its furnishings for the celebration of worship and sacraments throughout the Christian year. This practical, informative guide is an indispensable companion for worship committees, altar guilds, or individuals whose responsible for these vital tasks in their church. 

United Methodist Altars includes: care, cleaning, and storage instructions for all vestments and appointments; a calendar of the Christian year, with appropriate colors for each season; responsibilities and suggested organizational structure for the altar guild; an explanation of the history and meaning of worship furnishings; preparation instructions for the various United Methodist services; and, a glossary. 

Product Description
This convenient volume offers a panoramic view of the forces and personalities that shaped The United Methodist Church in the United States.Three noted United Methodist historians provide laypersons with a brief history of The United Methodist Church.They skillfully trace the church's origins, beginning with a look at the renewal movement that led to the early denominations within Wesleyanism.They continue through the Second Great Awakening, the periods of slavery and the Civil War, the mergers and unions of the twentieth century, the causes championed by United Methodism, and more. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Interesting if you are a United Methodist
Interesting slice of our history as United Methodists grew up with the country.Helpful to know where we came from to see where we need to go.

Good general guide
this is a useful and concise history of the methodist church in america.covers all major topics in enough detail to be meaningful and yet brief enough to be a quick read.great if you don't have a lot of time, or even if you do. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

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

Product Description
Yoke of Obedience ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

super service
The response to my order was quick, and I got the book in 3 days at a low cost.

Great! ... Read more

Product Description
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

Product Description
This resource is a summary study of the eight life-enriching practices that are part of the series--prayer, Bible study, evangelism, community, worship and the sacraments, outreach, justice and others.Questions for discussion are included with each chapter. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

How it should be
Henry Knight III, writes as a United Methodist, by that I mean he uses "Methodistese" but then he should as he is writing, primarily, to United Methodists.What is extremely good about Knight's work is its devotional aspect. He is essentially calling a wandering constituency back to it roots.He speaks of things Methodists used to believe and practice and urges them to return to those.Anyone reading, and putting into practice what they have read, Knight's book will be helped in their journey toward a "conformity into the image of Christ (1John 3:2)."Especially United Methodists

A Wonderful Overview
This book offers a wonderful overview for those new to the United Methodist denomination, or for veteran Methodists who want a better understanding of what beliefs distinguish the church, or simply to grow in their faith. Well-written, detailed but not ponderous, and with questions after each chapter, it would make an excellent text for focus in small group discussion. Enjoy, and keep the faith! ... Read more