United Methodist Beliefs

United Methodist Beliefs PDF

Author: William H. Willimon

Publisher: Westminster John Knox Press

Published: 2007-04-19

Total Pages: 153

ISBN-13: 161164061X

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This brief introduction spells out the major beliefs of the United Methodist Church in a clear, nontechnical style. William Willimon, the beloved United Methodist author, preacher, teacher, and bishop, discusses the great theological themes that United Methodists share in common with all Christians as well as the particular accents and emphases that characterize United Methodist understandings of Christian doctrines. In his engaging style, Willimon opens the door for further study, challenging the reader to move toward a continuing reflection on their faith. This guide will be of great value to those who are beginning their study of United Methodist beliefs as well as those who have long been in the church and want a helpful way to refresh their understandings of the distinctiveness of United Methodist doctrine.

Key United Methodist Beliefs

Key United Methodist Beliefs PDF

Author: William J. Abraham

Publisher: Abingdon Press

Published: 2013-03-01

Total Pages: 173

ISBN-13: 1426771223

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Deepen your faith and enrich your life through this study of core Methodist beliefs. Written by popular seminary teachers, this book will connect you to the life and ministry of John Wesley, demonstrating relevance for the lives of Christians today as it offers an introductory examination of each. In easy-to-understand language, each chapter is divided into five sections: 1. A Wesleyan Faith: an account of the basic ideas under discussion, understood in light of some of John Wesley’s insights; 2. A Lived Faith: discussion of the practical, everyday implications for Christian living; 3. A Deeper Faith: gets into some of the more difficult ideas of Christian thinking; 4. The Catechism: shorthand way of learning the basics of Wesleyan Christianity; and 5. In Your Own Words: reflection questions that will help you take the name of Jesus with you.

Major United Methodist Beliefs

Major United Methodist Beliefs PDF

Author: Mack B. Stokes

Publisher:

Published: 1998

Total Pages: 160

ISBN-13: 9780687082124

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Expresses in simple language what the people of this denomination believe and how they interpret the ageless affirmation of the Bible. Includes study guide, 8 sessions.

The Method of Our Mission

The Method of Our Mission PDF

Author: Prof. Laceye C. Warner

Publisher: Abingdon Press

Published: 2014-07-15

Total Pages: 244

ISBN-13: 1426767188

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Theology shapes who we are and how we organize to transform the world. Especially written for required United Methodist classes, this accessible book uses a Wesleyan theological frame—connection—to help readers understand United Methodism’s polity and organization as the interrelationship of our beliefs, mission, and practice. The book is organized into four parts—United Methodist beliefs, mission, practice, and organization. Polity and organization are primary embodiments of The United Methodist Church. Functional in nature, these aspects of the denomination facilitate our mission to make disciples for the transformation of the world. This book connects denominational governance and organization to our beliefs as well as our mission. A clear understanding of our identity—as Methodists with Wesleyan roots in connection—and our purpose—to make disciples for the transformation of the world—can help students of United Methodism navigate this treacherous landscape as present and future leaders. Warner also addresses the estrangement between theology and institutional structures and practice by framing governance practices and organizational structure within a Wesleyan theology of connection. This approach will assist current and future denominational leaders in understanding their practices of administration and participation in polity as a theological endeavor and key component of their ministries. This textbook has been updated with changes from the 2016 General Conference.

Methodist Doctrine

Methodist Doctrine PDF

Author: Dr. Ted A. Campbell

Publisher: Abingdon Press

Published: 2011-10-01

Total Pages: 149

ISBN-13: 1426753470

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In this concise, accessible book, Dr. Ted Campbell provides a brief summary of the major doctrines shared in the Wesley family of denominations. Writing in concise and straightforward language, Campbell organizes the material into systematic categories: doctrine of revelation, doctrine of God, doctrine of Christ, doctrine of the Spirit, doctrine of humanity, doctrine of "the way of salvation" (conversion/justification/sanctification), doctrine of the church and means of grace, and doctrine of thing to come. He also supplies substantial buy simplified updated references in the margins of the book that allow for easy identification of his sources. John Wesley distinguished between essential doctrines on which agreement or consensus is critical and opinions about theology or church practices on which disagreement must be allowed. Though today few people join churches based on doctrinal commitments, once a person has joined a church it becomes important to know the teachings of that church's tradition. In Methodist Doctrine: The Essentials, Ted Campbell outlines historical doctrinal consensus in American Episcopal Methodist Churches in a comparative and ecumenical dialogue with the doctrinal inheritance of other major families of Christian tradition. In this way, the book shows both what Methodist churches historically teach in common with ecumenical Christianity and what is distinctive about the Methodist tradition in its various contemporary forms. For more information, please see the author's website: http://tedcampbell.com/methodist-doctrine/

This We Believe

This We Believe PDF

Author: William H. Willimon

Publisher: Abingdon Press

Published: 2010

Total Pages: 157

ISBN-13: 1426706898

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Deepen your understanding of Methodism's core beliefs.

The Great Spiritual Migration

The Great Spiritual Migration PDF

Author: Brian D. Mclaren

Publisher: Convergent Books

Published: 2016-09-20

Total Pages: 288

ISBN-13: 160142793X

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The Christian story, from Genesis until now, is fundamentally about people on the move—outgrowing old, broken religious systems and embracing new, more redemptive ways of life. It’s time to move again. Brian McLaren, a leading voice in contemporary religion, argues that— notwithstanding the dire headlines about the demise of faith and drop in church attendance—Christian faith is not dying. Rather, it is embarking on a once-in-an-era spiritual shift. For millions, the journey has already begun. Drawing from his work as global activist, pastor, and public theologian, McLaren challenges readers to stop worrying, waiting, and indulging in nostalgia, and instead, to embrace the powerful new understandings that are reshaping the church. In The Great Spiritual Migration, he explores three profound shifts that define the change: ∙ Spiritually, growing numbers of Christians are moving away from defining themselves by lists of beliefs and toward a way of life defined by love ∙ Theologically, believers are increasingly rejecting the image of God as a violent Supreme Being and embracing the image of God as the renewing Spirit at work in our world for the common good ∙ Missionally, the faithful are identifying less with organized religion and more with organizing religion—spiritual activists dedicated to healing the planet, building peace, overcoming poverty and injustice, and collaborating with other faiths to ensure a better future for all of us With his trademark brilliance and compassion, McLaren invites readers to seize the moment and set out on the most significant spiritual pilgrimage of our time: to help Christianity become more Christian.

Social Principles of The United Methodist Church 2017-2020

Social Principles of The United Methodist Church 2017-2020 PDF

Author:

Publisher: United Methodist Publishing House

Published: 2017-05-11

Total Pages: 69

ISBN-13: 1501835785

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This 64-page booklet is a tool designed to help individuals and small groups study The Social Principles of The United Methodist Church. It contains the official text of The Social Principles from The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church 2016 along with exercises for individuals or small groups, a topical index, and Social Creed. The Social Principles of The United Methodist Church are the product of over one hundred years of legislative decisions made by lay and clergy members of The United Methodist Church and its predecessor denominations. The Social Principles are prayerful and thoughtful efforts on the part of many General Conferences to speak to complex and controversial issues in the global community. Studying The Social Principles provides opportunities to examine your own theology and ethics and to practice discipleship.