United Methodist Doctrine
United Methodist Doctrine

Author: Scott J. Jones

Publisher: Abingdon Press

Published: 2002

Total Pages: 313

ISBN-13: 068703485X

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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.

Reckoning Methodism
Reckoning Methodism

Author: Darryl W. Stephens

Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers

Published: 2024-03-29

Total Pages: 293

ISBN-13: 1666775630

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Reckoning Methodism addresses the brokenness of The United Methodist Church (UMC) in the United States. Homosexuality is but one of several fault lines with decades-long histories in this predominantly White denomination. Demographic shifts, racism, and imperialism are heavily implicated in the current state of division. What, then, is the true nature and mission of this church? The UMC is the public church divided. Distinct missional theologies arise from competing commitments and priorities. When Methodist programmatic initiatives—such as vital congregations, environmental witness, and volunteers in mission—fail to account for these differences, denominational unity is weakened. Constructively, this book seeks historical clarity, collective repentance, charismatic learning, and institutional courage as United Methodists reckon with inherited animosities and divisions. This book provides no answers or programmatic fixes. Rather, it provides possibilities for repairing past harms as United Methodists seek ways to continue living out their Wesleyan faith. Reckoning with the public church divided, we glimpse the nature and mission of the church—not only as it has been but also as it could be. Podcast interview with GCAH

Doctrine, Spirit, and Discipline
Doctrine, Spirit, and Discipline

Author: Kevin M. Watson

Publisher: Zondervan Academic

Published: 2024-06-25

Total Pages: 512

ISBN-13: 0310097770

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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 colonial era to the present day. It also provides an theological appraisal of these developments in light of John Wesley's foundational vision. Beginning with Wesley himself, Watson describes the distinctiveness of the tradition at the outset. Then, as history unfolds, he identifies the common set of beliefs and practices which have unified a diverse group of people across the centuries, providing them a common identity through a number of divisions and mergers. In the midst of the sweeping changes happening in Methodism and the pan-Wesleyan movement today, Watson shows that the heart of the Wesleyan theological tradition is both more expansive and substantive than any singular denominational identity. "A fresh, panoramic overview of the history of the Methodist movement. . . Promises to be a standard textbook on the history of Methodism for years to come." —TIMOTHY C. TENNENT, Asbury Theological Seminary

The Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church 2012
The Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church 2012

Author: Discipline Codification Commission

Publisher: AuthorHouse

Published: 2014-12-11

Total Pages: 368

ISBN-13: 1496957040

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The Doctrine and Discipline of the AME Zion Church 2012 is the Book of Discipline for this 218-year-old denomination. Based upon the original tenets of Wesleyan theology and doctrine and under girded by its founders of African birth, the churchs mission is to promote freedom and liberty to the lost and disenfranchised.

Polity, Practice, and the Mission of The United Methodist Church
Polity, Practice, and the Mission of The United Methodist Church

Author: Thomas Edward Frank

Publisher: Abingdon Press

Published: 2006

Total Pages: 364

ISBN-13: 0687335310

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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.