Methodist Church

The Book of Worship which is sequential to the Bicentennial Hymnal is an historical document for the African Methodist Episcopal Church, especially since it is the first such compendium developed. It comes at a unique, as well as a critical, period in the life of our church. It is critical in that there appears to be an assault on what has been essential form in Methodist worship. It is unique because African Methodism faces the third century as a “Liberating and Reconciling People”; and, therefore, must be open to explore new styles without dismantling all that is old. The work ...

“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 ...

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.

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.

Jesus provided his disciples teachings for how to follow Torah, God's word; he told them parables to help them discern questions of ethics and of human nature; he offered them beatitudes for comfort and encouragement. But sometimes Jesus spoke words that followers then and now have found difficult. In The Difficult Words of Jesus, Amy-Jill Levine shows how these difficult teachings would have sounded to the people who first heard them, how have they been understood over time, and how we might interpret them in the context of the Gospel of love and reconciliation.

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...

What’s gone wrong in a perfectly good faith-filled, well-intentioned, settled-in congregation that’s instead become plateaued or even started into decline? Maybe like yours, or a church that you know.Perhaps it’s happened gradually as the church has become comfortable and complacent over time. Or, maybe the rapidly changing factors of our current community and world environment have resulted in us church-goers hanging on even more tightly to each other, our facility and our budget to just survive? “What’s gone wrong?” we wonder. A better question might be to ask, “What is ...

Rediscover the power of personal spiritual nurture in the AME Church tradition. This manual explores the vital role of Class Leaders in fostering individual and communal spiritual growth. Grounded in historical Methodist practice and adapted for today’s church, it offers practical guidance on conducting class meetings, providing pastoral care, and nurturing discipleship. Learn how Class Leaders serve as a crucial link between members and church leadership, ensuring every soul is cared for and accountable. Whether you’re a new Class Leader or looking to revitalize this system in your ...

Discover the profound spiritual calling of church care. This manual illuminates the vital role Stewards play in nurturing the financial, spiritual, and communal health of the AME Church. Grounded in biblical wisdom and rich tradition, it offers practical guidance for modern Stewards to serve with integrity, compassion, and vision. An essential resource for those entrusted with the sacred duty of managing God's resources for His people. Learn how to balance fiscal responsibility with spiritual leadership, ensuring your church thrives in its mission. Whether you're a new Steward or a seasoned...

Embrace your vital role in supporting the AME Church’s mission through faithful asset management. This comprehensive guide illuminates the multifaceted responsibilities of church Trustees, from understanding the “IN TRUST” relationship with the broader AME Church to navigating legal and ethical challenges. Learn how to effectively oversee church property, handle financial matters, and work collaboratively with other church bodies. Whether you’re a new Trustee or a seasoned leader, this manual offers invaluable insights on decision-making, policy development, and long-term planning. ...

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 ...

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...

Are you wrestling with the contradictions between Methodist tradition and the plain words of Scripture? Have you been taught that salvation is a lifelong process of works, yet the Bible speaks of a finished work and a righteousness received by faith alone? KJV vs. John Wesley: A Scriptural Refutation of Methodism, the Nazarenes, and the Salvation Army is not another book of human opinion. It is a theological workshop and a master architect's toolkit designed to dismantle the unstable structures of man-made doctrine and reconstruct your understanding of salvation upon the unshakeable bedrock...

It was John Wesley who coined the phrase “agree to disagree” in a memorial sermon at the death of George Whitefield in 1770. Since that time, Wesley’s theological descendants have often seemed to disagree more than agree. Nevertheless, author Kevin Slimp believes most United Methodists aren’t as disagreeable as they might seem at first glance. In What’s Next: Twenty-Two United Methodist Leaders Discuss the Future of the Church, Slimp continues the conversation he initiated in his 2019 best-selling book, Where Do We Go From Here? Honest Responses From Twenty-Four United Methodist ...

This book fundamentally changes the game for the Church of the Nazarene. A growing number of people are calling for fresh conversations about sexuality and gender. And many want fundamental change. This book gives voice to those people. There are strong reasons the Church of the Nazarene should become fully LGBTQ+ affirming. The writers of these essays – whether queer or straight – lay out those reasons, share their experiences, and explain why change is needed. Love rests at the heart of the denomination’s view of God. And yet its statement about human sexuality does not support the ...

“I’ve come to understand the cumulative dialogue of my work as a kind of cartography of wisdom about our emerging world. This book is a map in words to important territory we all are on now together.” Over the thirteen years that Krista Tippett has hosted her award-winning and nationally...

This meditation is directed toward those who are marginalized in our society. The Spirit has a word for those who feel they are on edge or outside the chosen ones. Many are suffering paranoia. I will focus on those who were discriminated against as outsiders and undesirables. We will look at those who were blessed in the presence of their undesirable situations by G.O.D. We often see the ones we see as undesirable as those that G.O.D. has chosen, and we see them in reverse order. According to Isaiah 55:8, My (G.O.D.'S) thoughts are not your thoughts, and your ways are not MY ways, says the ...

Following the February 2019 session of The United Methodist General Conference, many United Methodists returned to their Sunday School classes, worship services and small groups, asking the same question: “Where do we go from here?” In Where Do We Go From Here?: Honest Responses From Twenty-Four United Methodist Leaders, four bishops, several pastors, laypersons, campus ministers, students, general board directors and others share their honest responses to the question, “Where do we go from here?”Voices from the traditional, centrist and progressive viewpoints share their thoughts ...

Great leaders are constantly growing. If a leader is not continuously growing and learning, she/he will soon become irrelevant and no longer be fully equipped to lead. During my more than a decade of coaching leaders, I (Kay) have found an inordinate number of church leaders who lack self-awareness and, as a result, seem un-coachable. Leaders must be willing to be fully self-aware of who they are, who they aren’t, and be willing to continuously self-evaluate as they continuously grow and evolve as a person, a follower of Christ, and a leader. I have run across leaders who have come to the...

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...