Methodist History

In this unique introduction to the hidden life in Christ, James Bryan Smith walks listeners through a thirty-day immersion in Colossians 3:1-17. Each of the thirty short chapters of this book bring out the main truth of just one word or phrase of this rich passage. You'll also find a very simple daily practice to take up, reflection questions, and a guide for five weeks of group discussion.

Modern, inclusive services of Morning, Evening and Night Prayer, of Holy Communion, Baptism, Naming, Confirmation and Marriage. Prayers for the terminally ill and dying. Prayers for house blessings. Also Diaconal, Priestly and Episcopal ordination and consecration services. Also the Catechism and the 39 Articles. The first safe book of common prayer that is guaranteed to be loving, inclusive, unprejudiced, non-discriminatory, non-sexist, non-racist, non-violent, not homophobic, enlightened, peaceful, modern, uplifting, and challenging.

A rich articulation of John Wesley's theology that is appreciative of the old and mindful of the new, faithful to the past, and attentive to the present. This work carefully displays John Wesley's 18th century theology in its own distinct historical and social location, but then transitions to the 21st century through the introduction of contemporary issues.

American Methodism Revised and Updated begins with the explosion of evangelical Pietism and revolutionary Methodism, the First Great Awakening, as an independent nation was formed. It then highlights key nineteenth century themes and Methodist contributions, such as spreading scriptural holiness through missions and literature, planting tens of thousands of Sunday schools and churches by Circuit Riders, the pivotal Methodist schism between abolitionists and enslavers, the innovative building of schools and hospitals into the next century, and the revivalism of the Second Great Awakening.

ONE OF THE NEW YORK TIMES’ TEN BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR A sweeping history of one of the nation’s most important African American churches and a profound story of courage and grace amid the fight for racial justice—from Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist Kevin Sack “A masterpiece...

The definitive history of the Wesleyan movement in the United States. An expansive, substantive history of the Wesleyan tradition in the United States, Doctrine, Spirit, and Discipline offers a broad survey of the Methodist movement as it developed and spread throughout America, from the...

Sometimes in life when a person needs some help, it may be for a minor issue we feel a friend or a family member can handle, or a major problem requiring the help of a higher power. Whatever the life challenges, God can address them all. When we turn to God for help or guidance, we need to know what to say and how to say it. In this book of Daily Prayers, you will find a prayer solution to your problem. Prayers provided, including prayers for such things as protection, healing, repentance, and guidance. It will open your mind to receive God’s intervention and have a glorious victory ...

"This book thrilled my soul and reinvigorated my hope." — Amazon reviewer “Christians aren’t perfect, just forgiven.” John Wesley doesn’t agree. In this classic sermon, the father of Methodism and grandfather of the Salvation Army and the Pentecostal movement shows that using a proper Biblical definition, Christians not only can become perfect in this life — God commands us to! Seeking perfection was an integral part of the explosive growth of Methodism for 100 years, even as it led to the persecution of those who practiced it. As many of the denominations descended from Wesley ...

A clear, engaging introduction to John Wesley’s life, theology, and the movement that still transforms lives around the world. *** John Wesley never meant to start a new denomination. Yet his preaching, writing, and organizing transformed the religious life of Britain and America—and shaped the faith of millions around the world. In All the Good You Can Do: An Introduction to John Wesley and the Wesleyan Vision, journalist and historian Jim Stovall introduces readers to Wesley’s world and explains why his message still matters today. With clarity, warmth, and historical depth, Stovall...

In the post-9/11 world, it is not difficult to see how important religion remains in America and around the globe. An older generation of scholars expected that America and the rest of the Western world was headed inexorably toward secularization and the end of religion. America is undoubtedly...

There’s more to salvation than punching your ticket for heaven. John Wesley taught that full salvation means becoming completely holy in heart and life. This focus on personal holiness was one of the defining characteristics of the Wesleyan revival. The many Methodist and Wesleyan denominations, the Pentecostal and holiness movements, and the Salvation Army all trace their lineage back to these teachings. Wesley’s followers believed what he taught fiercely, lived it out faithfully, and witnessed to it boldly, to the point that they were often violently persecuted. Today, millions of ...

“An excellent small group study.” – Rev. Travis Knoll In a time of upheaval in the largest denomination of the Methodist movement, this classic explanation and defense of Methodist Christianity by its founder is required reading. Pastor David Wentz has updated Wesley’s 18th-century language, deleted references to no-longer-relevant theological disputes, and added an introduction that sets the work in context. The result is a clear, easy to read text that is enjoyable and understandable for modern readers of all levels of theological interest and expertise. This short book is ideal ...

Discover the Church That Changed History Dive into the extraordinary story of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church—a cornerstone of faith, freedom, and social justice. This beginner’s guide is your key to understanding a denomination that shaped history, empowered communities, and inspired generations. Experience a Remarkable Journey: Follow the AME Zion Church from its humble beginnings to its pivotal role in abolition, civil rights, and education. Learn how faith and resilience transformed a people and a nation. Uncover the Heroes of the Freedom Church: Meet the towering ...

FAIRACRES PUBLICATIONS 146 Despite the distance separating eighteenth-century Welsh Methodism from nineteenth-century French Catholicism, Ann Griffiths in Wales and the Carmelite Elizabeth of the Trinity in France are as one in the passionate intensity of their prayer and in their theological perception of God the Holy Trinity as the supreme reality. The author examines common themes in the writings of the two women. Arthur MacDonald Allchin (1930-2010), best known as Donald Allchin, was ordained priest in 1957 and later became a Canon of Canterbury Cathedral. He first gained recognition as...

What if the Christian life is meant to go further—far beyond forgiveness, beyond routine belief, beyond the quiet frustration of repeated struggle? Most believers sense it. There is more. More depth. More clarity. More transformation. Yet few know where to find it—or how to experience it in a way that lasts. Holiness Movement for Beginners takes you inside one of the most powerful and life-changing streams in Christian history—a movement built on a bold claim: you don’t have to remain the same. Inside this compelling guide, you will uncover: The true meaning of entire sanctification...

The “catholic spirit” has held us together through many divisive issues. “Through many dangers, toils, and snares, we have already come.” In this current context, it seems appropriate to renew laity and clergy acquaintance with “the way it was,” as we seek our “way forward.” Our hope is to fulfill Mr. Wesley’s admonition that “though we may not think alike, we can love alike.” This is not an attempt to “white-wash” the many splendored story, nor to deny the vision, energy, and spirituality of our leaders and “foot soldiers.” This version of The Methodist Story ...

Black American Faith: Exploring the AME Zion Church and Moorish Science Temple Unlock the rich tapestry of Black American spiritual history with this compelling 2-in-1 volume. Black American Faith brings together two profound journeys of faith and empowerment, offering an accessible and inspiring look at the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church and the Moorish Science Temple of America. Discover a Legacy of Freedom and Faith Dive into the remarkable story of the AME Zion Church, the "Freedom Church," which stood at the heart of abolitionist movements and civil rights struggles. Explore ...

Catherine Perronet’s world is shaken when she learns Charles Wesley is engaged to marry another. After all, Catherine’s initials were on the list John Wesley gave to his brother listing acceptable matrimonial candidates. And that’s not all that’s wrong in Catherine’s world. As teacher at a Methodist Society school in London, she sees her brother beaten while preaching in the open air, her favorite pupil forced to leave school because of his family’s poverty, and a prisoner receive his death sentence in Newgate Prison. Catherine undertakes the joys and hardships of a circuit-ride...

Pastor Mike Mather arrived in Indianapolis thinking that he was going to serve the poor. But after his church’s community lost nine young men to violence in a few short months, Mather came to see that the poor didn’t need his help - he needed theirs. This is the story of how one church found abundance in a community of material poverty. Viewing people - not programs, finances, or service models - as their most valuable resource moved church members beyond their own walls and out into the streets, where they discovered folks rich in strength, talents, determination, and love.

Can real Christians disagree? What should that look like? To whom can we safely say, “Give me your hand?” These are not new questions. Almost three hundred years ago, John Wesley, father of Methodism and grandfather of the Pentecostal movement and the Salvation Army, gave an answer that is sorely needed today: Christians should join hands in love and service, even if they don’t agree on every point or do everything the same way. Wesley explained exactly what he meant in this sermon from 1740. In particular, he lays out — in a series of questions that many modern Christians might ...