The Orders of Ministry in the United Methodist Church
The Orders of Ministry in the United Methodist Church

Author: John E. Harnish

Publisher:

Published: 2000

Total Pages: 212

ISBN-13:

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This volume is a collection of essays by leading United Methodist scholars about the implications of the revised orders of ministry in The United Methodist Church. Eagerness to effectively communicate the gospel has driven an approach to ministry that is fundamentally pragmatic and functional. In approaching the question of the role of ordained ministry within the overall calling of the people of God, Methodists have traditionally asked "What works?" and then gone on to reflect theologically on the approach they are considering. In 1996, UM General Conference enacted sweeping changes regarding the offices of deacon and elder. The decisions of General Conference have raised a number of questions that we are just now beginning to explore. This book addresses major recent changes within the denomination and explores these changes from a historical, theological, and practical point of view. It helps readers understand the dynamics of and the reasons for the new order of ministry and helps them understand the implications of the changes for the denomination and for individuals.

Ordained Ministry in the United Methodist Church
Ordained Ministry in the United Methodist Church

Author: William B. Lawrence

Publisher: United Methodist General Board of Higher Education

Published: 2011

Total Pages: 143

ISBN-13: 9780938162698

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In Ordained Ministry in The United Methodist Church, author William B. Lawrence gives us a gift in this history of ordination in the Methodist tradition. From our beginnings, ordination has always been about the community. The community confirms one's call, helps him/her make decisions about preparation for ministry, and shares in the supervision and ongoing evaluation of the ordained. Ordination is a communal affirmation for the common good. Dr. Lawrence challenges us to look outside the church to the needs of the whole world as we make decisions about who will be ordained and how they will live out ordination.

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

Author: Thomas E. Frank

Publisher: Abingdon Press

Published: 2006-04-01

Total Pages: 364

ISBN-13: 1426763573

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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.

Advancing the Mission
Advancing the Mission

Author: Margaret Ann Crain

Publisher: Foundery Books

Published: 2021-03

Total Pages: 182

ISBN-13: 9781953052049

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Crain contends that the order of deacon clarifies that service and transformation of the world is at the center of the church's purpose and that leaders should be ordained to lead that work. This puts deacons at the leading edge of the church's mission of making disciples for the transformation of the world. It also shows how the Church can attract future leaders who have a vocation of ministry but who may not see themselves necessarily ministering in local churches. Using qualitative research and interviewing key people, Crain candidly addresses issues that are raised by the office of deacon as she recounts the history and "so what" of this office of clergy. She couches her discussion in the broader conversation concerning the failure of Christianity to adequately respond to social injustice and inequality worldwide. The year 2021 marks the 25th anniversary of the institution of the order of Deacon by The United Methodist Church. This milestone offers the opportunity for the Church to reflect on the ministry of deacons as the author takes readers behind the curtain to learn how, in 1996, the decision to create the order of deacon came to be-a decision that is still controversial. UM deacons, around the world, still struggle with sexism and patriarchal assumptions that hamper the ministries and security of deacons, and they spend too much energy justifying their existence and explaining who they are and what they do.

Our Membership Vows in the United Methodist Church
Our Membership Vows in the United Methodist Church

Author: Mark Stamm

Publisher: Upper Room Books

Published: 2015-05-04

Total Pages: 34

ISBN-13: 0881777706

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A resource for both newcomers to the United Methodist Church and those who have been members for decades, Our Membership Vows is a wonderful reflection on the vows each member takes upon joining the church. Members make covenant to uphold the vows, and each one is discussed in this easy-to-read booklet. A great gift idea for churches to give to new members.

The Christian as Minister
The Christian as Minister

Author: Meg Lassiat

Publisher: United Methodist General Board of Higher Education

Published: 2013-09-30

Total Pages: 104

ISBN-13: 9780938162636

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This book is a compilation of information about the call to ministry and the avenues The United Methodist Church offers to embody that call. It is based in the concept of servant ministry and servant leadership presented by the Council of Bishops.

Revised Services for the Ordering of Ministry in The United Methodist Church (1998 Provisional Texts)
Revised Services for the Ordering of Ministry in The United Methodist Church (1998 Provisional Texts)

Author:

Publisher:

Published: 1998

Total Pages: 77

ISBN-13:

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"The 1998 General Conference of the United Methodist Church adopted several changes related to the ordering of ministry that require adaptation of the church's offical services published in the United Methodist Book of Worship. In addition, because some candidates for consecration or ordination are currently in processes that will be phased out, there is need for a period of transition in moving from the provisions of the 1992 Book of Discipline to the provisions of the 1996 Book of Discipline. Recognizing the necessity of providing liturgical texts appropriate to this period of transition the 1996 General Conference directed the General Board of Discipleship in consultation witht the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry and with the Council of Bishops to make appropriate revisions of the church's orders of consecration and ordination." -- From Introduction.