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Life Together In The United Methodist Connection
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Book Synopsis Life Together in the United Methodist Connection by : Beth Galbreath
Download or read book Life Together in the United Methodist Connection written by Beth Galbreath and published by Upper Room Books. This book was released on 2014 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Life Together in the United Methodist Connection is an advanced course in Lay Servant Ministries that gives participants an overview of the structure and organization of The United Methodist Church. The course is arranged in five two-hour sessions with short devotionals at the beginning of each session intended to ground class instruction and discussion in scripture. Life Together in the United Methodist Connection is required for Lay Servants who wish to become certified Lay Speakers and an excellent resource for any small group desiring a greater understanding of how United Methodists related to one another both at home and around the world. Download a free Leader's Guide here for participants who are using the Frank book. Download a free Leader's Guide here for participants who are using the Warner book.
Book Synopsis The Method of Our Mission by : Prof. Laceye C. Warner
Download or read book The Method of Our Mission written by Prof. Laceye C. Warner and published by Abingdon Press. This book was released on 2014-07-15 with total page 244 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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.
Book Synopsis Living Faithfully by : Dave Barnhart
Download or read book Living Faithfully written by Dave Barnhart and published by Abingdon Press. This book was released on 2017-08-15 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: There is deep disagreement about what The United Methodist Church should teach about homosexuality, same gender marriage, and the ordination of LGBTQ persons. In 2019, a special session of General Conference will be held to consider these issues and how they will be addressed by The United Methodist Church in the future. Living Faithfully is designed to help you understand the shape of this debate and what it means for the present and the future. Each chapter includes background on the Bible, Christian theology, history, stories from diverse viewpoints, and United Methodist structure and practice to guide reflection and conversation. You’ll also find definitions of key terms and information about upcoming events. The four chapters are: 1. Is the Practice of Homosexuality Incompatible with Christian Teaching? 2. Is Same-gender Marriage Compatible with Christian Teaching? 3. Is Ordaining Practicing Homosexuals Compatible with Christian Teaching? 4. Where Are We Now? This four-week study will help you understand and grapple with various views about the ministry and teaching of The United Methodist Church around issues of human sexuality. It will lead you to have honest, well-informed, and grace-filled conversations with others about these matters and the calls for change. And it will help you discern, in prayer and conversation, how you can respond faithfully in love of God and neighbor. A Leader Guide is included with lesson plans to help facilitate a four-session small group study. From the Faultlines collection, resources intended to inform conversations around human sexuality and the church.
Book Synopsis Polity, Practice, and the Mission of The United Methodist Church by : Thomas E. Frank
Download or read book Polity, Practice, and the Mission of The United Methodist Church written by Thomas E. Frank and published by Abingdon Press. This book was released on 2006-04-01 with total page 364 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "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.
Book Synopsis The United Methodist Member's Handbook by : United Methodist Church (U.S.)
Download or read book The United Methodist Member's Handbook written by United Methodist Church (U.S.) and published by . This book was released on 1997 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Koehler engages and guides inquirers and church members in the meaning of membership in The United Methodist Church. For both clergy and laity.
Book Synopsis Holy Work with Children by : Tanya Marie Eustace Campen
Download or read book Holy Work with Children written by Tanya Marie Eustace Campen and published by Wipf and Stock Publishers. This book was released on 2021-06-29 with total page 130 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Children are theologians with the ability to recognize and respond to God's presence in their lives. Listening to the stories of children helps us to understand how children make meaning out of God's presence and reveals tools that children use as they claim their faith. With this knowledge, adults can then better promote and encourage children's spiritual growth. Offering a theology of childhood, Holy Work with Children values the child's role in the Body of Christ and God's transformative work. Dr. Campen invites readers to consider: -How does listening to children teach us about God and faith formation? -What wisdom and insight do children offer to all of us by how they seek understanding of God and God's presence in their lives? -How can we guide and support the children in our communities in this work? Drawing on direct research with children as they think theologically, this book extends both theological and educational research. Holy Work with Children offers practical examples for how congregational leaders, parents, and those who journey with children can encourage and guide them as they make theological meaning and discover ways to respond to God's grace and love making a difference in their communities and the world.
Book Synopsis Living Our Beliefs by : Kenneth L. Carder
Download or read book Living Our Beliefs written by Kenneth L. Carder and published by Upper Room Books. This book was released on 2009-10-01 with total page 144 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: You can believe anything and be a Methodist, just so long as you're sincere. Such a misperception has deep historical and cultural roots. Explore a basic explanation of the beliefs and practices of the United Methodist Church as defined in Part II of The Book of Discipline. Uncover a deeper understanding and experience of Christian faith as you embrace the United Methodist way. "Beliefs are to be lived; doctrine is to be practiced," writes Carder in this updated edition of his 1996 bestseller. "The authenticity of beliefs lie in their ability to shape people and communities into the image of Christ and to promote holiness and happiness. …The important test of the validity of doctrines and beliefs for United Methodists is the kind of character they produce in individuals and communities and the actions they inspire in the world." Living Our Beliefs is essential reading for new members, confirmation classes and small group studies. As one reviewer says, "Bishop Carder invites us to both understand and live our beliefs. With deep understanding of Wesley's teaching, he inspires us to practice what we preach. That is the United Methodist way." The Leader's Guide for this course, Living Our United Methodist Beliefs, by George Hovaness Donigan may be purchased here.
Book Synopsis Worship Together in Your Church as in Heaven by : Josh Davis
Download or read book Worship Together in Your Church as in Heaven written by Josh Davis and published by Abingdon Press. This book was released on 2015-04-21 with total page 195 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Worship Together in Your Church as in Heaven is a practical and foundational resource for pastors and worship leaders of all kinds. It addresses an urgent need in the church today: as our communities become increasingly diverse, how can we offer worship that is authentic and engaging for all of God’s people, including longtime church members? The authors offer an empathetic, step-by-step approach, providing readers with knowledge, skills, and strategies to successfully introduce inclusive, multicultural worship in any setting. Davis and Lerner are expert practitioners and pioneers who invite us to break new ground with them, making worship that more closely reflects God’s kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. “Multicultural is more than a buzzword. It is God’s desire for the church. Davis and Lerner’s practical approach shows us how to truly reflect God’s multicultural kingdom in worship.”—Rosario Picardo, Executive Pastor of New Church Development, Ginghamsburg Church, Tipp City, OH “This is an essential and practical guide that every worship leader, pastor, and church leader needs to read, learn, digest, and practice.” —James R. Hart, President, Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies, Orange Park, FL “Lerner and Davis’s superb book is a practical resource for connection and community-building in any environment.” —Lance Winkler, Director of Contemporary Worship, The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, Leawood, KS “Worship Together in Your Church as in Heaven offers a wealth of good theology, encouraging case studies, life-tested models, and strategies for developing multicultural worship in all kinds of communities. We’ve been waiting a long time for this book!” —Robin P. Harris, President, International Council of Ethnodoxologists; Director, Center for Excellence in World Arts “Worship Together in Your Church as in Heaven will help you identify the critical questions, take intentional steps, and promote a spirit of inclusion in your church. Your worship will reflect God’s love for all people, not just one kind of people, in an increasingly diverse society.” —Mark DeYmaz, Lead Pastor, Mosaic Church of Central Arkansas; author of Leading a Healthy Multi-Ethnic Church
Book Synopsis Holding Up Your Corner by : F. Willis Johnson
Download or read book Holding Up Your Corner written by F. Willis Johnson and published by Abingdon Press. This book was released on 2017-01-03 with total page 92 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Holding Up Your Corner: Talking About Race in Your Community, equips pastors to respond with confidence when crises occur, lower their own inhibitions about addressing this topic, and reclaim their authority as prophetic witnesses and leaders in order to transform their communities Pastors and other church leaders see, to varying degrees, racially rooted injustice in their communities. Most of them understand an imperative, as part of their calling from God, to lead their congregations to address and reverse this injustice. For instance, preachers want to be preaching prophetically on this topic. But the problems seem irreversible, intractable, overwhelming, and pastors often feel their individual efforts will be futile. Additionally, they realize that there is a lot of risk involved, including the possibility that their actions may offend and even push some members away from the church. They do not know what to do or how to begin. And so, even during times of crisis, pastors and other church leaders typically do less than they know they could and should. This book provides practical, foundational guidance, showing pastors how to live into their calling to address injustice, and how to lead others to do the same. Holding Up Your Corner prompts readers to observe, identify and name the complex causes of violence and hatred in the reader’s particular community, including racial prejudice, entrenched poverty and exploitation, segregation, the loss of local education and employment, the ravages of addiction, and so on. The book walks the church leader through a self-directed process of determining what role to play in the leader’s particular location. Readers will learn to use testimony and other narrative devices, proclamation, guided group conversations, and other tactics in order to achieve the following: Open eyes to the realities in the reader’s community—where God’s reign/kingdom is not yet overcoming selfishness, injustice, inequality, or the forces of evil. Own the calling and responsibility we have as Christians, and learn how to advocate hope for God’s kingdom in the reader’s community. Organize interventions and activate mission teams to address the specific injustices in the reader’s community. What Does ‘Holding Up Your Corner’ Mean? The phrase ‘holding up your corner’ is derived from a biblical story (Mark 2: 1 – 5) about four people who take action in order to help another person—literally delivering that person to Christ. For us, ‘holding up your corner’ has meaning in two aspects of our lives today: First, it refers to our physical and social locations, the places where we live and work, and the communities of which we’re a part. These are the places where our assumptions, attitudes, and beliefs have influence on the people around us. When we feel empowered to speak out about the injustice or inequity in our community, we are holding up our corner. Second, the phrase refers to our actions, the ways we step up to meet a particular problem of injustice or inequity, and proactively do something about it. When we put ourselves—literally—next to persons who are suffering, and enter into their situation in order to bring hope and healing to the person and the situation, we are holding up our corner, just like the four people who held up the corner of the hurting man’s mat.
Book Synopsis Key United Methodist Beliefs by : William J. Abraham
Download or read book Key United Methodist Beliefs written by William J. Abraham and published by Abingdon Press. This book was released on 2013 with total page 173 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Deepen your understanding of core Methodist beliefs.
Book Synopsis Social Principles of The United Methodist Church 2017-2020 by :
Download or read book Social Principles of The United Methodist Church 2017-2020 written by and published by United Methodist Publishing House. This book was released on 2017-05-11 with total page 69 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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.
Book Synopsis The Class Meeting by : Kevin M. Watson
Download or read book The Class Meeting written by Kevin M. Watson and published by . This book was released on 2013-11-15 with total page 153 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Book Synopsis The Unofficial United Methodist Handbook by : F. Belton Joyner (Jr.)
Download or read book The Unofficial United Methodist Handbook written by F. Belton Joyner (Jr.) and published by Abingdon Press. This book was released on 2007 with total page 226 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Following Jesus is hard to do - but even harder if we take ourselves too seriously. The Unofficial United Methodist Handbook is the indispensable companion for anyone trying to live a committed Christian life, with a healthy dose of humor. Timeless biblical truths stand alongside everyday life situations that everyone meets, with step-by-step instructions that make the going easy: How to Stay Alert in Church How to Identify an Angel (with diagram) How to Survive for One Hour in an Un-Air-Conditioned Church How to Share Your Faith with Someone How to Identify and Avoid Evil How to Survive an Old Testament Plague How to Memorize a Bible Verse Common Christian Symbols and What They Mean What Is Unique about The United Methodist Church and Its History ...plus dozens of other illustrations, maps, diagrams, and essential tips! This unique and incredibly handy resource is perfect for United Methodist youth, adults, students, families, and all those interested in learning about life in the church.
Book Synopsis Faith Working through Love by : Council of Bishops of the Umc
Download or read book Faith Working through Love written by Council of Bishops of the Umc and published by Kingswood Books. This book was released on 2022-05-10 with total page 176 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: “For in Christ Jesus . . . the only thing that counts is faith working through love.” —Galatians 5:6, NRSV Faith Working Through Love invites us to revisit and reclaim essential Christian beliefs and practices as United Methodists. In an easy to follow question and answer format, the study recaps basic teachings and practices of Christian faith and underscores the core convictions of United Methodists. ~~~ Why Read This Book? People are struggling to cope with everyday life and our societies are divided and broken. Some wonder if lifting up the core doctrines of Christian faith divide us and cause further disagreements. But to the contrary, it is in times of uncertainty that we yearn to find our spiritual bearings by recalling our history and enduring teachings. This book helps us know who God is, what God is doing in the world, and how God includes us in making the world more loving and just. The Methodist tradition springs from forbears in the faith who prayed, learned, and served their neighbors together to increase their knowledge of God and actively shared God’s love in word and deed in all the places they lived, struggled, and loved. The teachings you’ll encounter in these pages are already making a difference in the lives of United Methodists around the world. We pray that through study and conversation with others, you too will encounter the Spirit of God who heals, strengthens, empowers, and transforms us. The questions and answers offered in this volume will challenge and embolden you as you grow in grace and love and to serve Christ. Faith Working Through Love bids you to take up the contents of this volume and read it, discuss it, and reflect upon it; and may God use it to bless you and to make you a blessing in the world. —David N. Field, Ecumenical Staff Officer for Faith and Order Faith Working Through Love has been crafted as a foundational United Methodist teaching resource by the Committee on Faith and Order of The United Methodist Church and received and commended to the church by the United Methodist Council of Bishops.
Book Synopsis Our Membership Vows in The United Methodist Church by : Mark Stamm
Download or read book Our Membership Vows in The United Methodist Church written by Mark Stamm and published by Upper Room Books. This book was released on 2015-05-04 with total page 48 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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.
Download or read book Head Scratchers written by Talbot Davis and published by Abingdon Press. This book was released on 2015-05-19 with total page 111 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Sometimes Jesus says things that make you scratch your head. Much of what Jesus has to say is uplifting or inspiring. But let’s face it: Sometimes Jesus says things that are confusing, perplexing, or even offensive. In Head Scratchers, Talbot Davis leads you to understand some of these difficult words. In each chapter, he examines a different statement or brief teaching from Jesus, using the provided biblical and other background to help illuminate the passage in question. Davis not only guides you to understand the passage, but shows you what it means to take it to heart and embrace a new way of life as a result. Starting with a passage we struggle with, Davis opens it to reveal a challenging, hopeful word that will bring the gospel’s transformative power into your life. Discussion questions at the end of each chapter are designed to help leaders of small groups. Also available when purchasing the book is access to a free video trailer and an audio recording of the author's sermons as another way to experience the weekly message.
Book Synopsis Being United Methodist Christians by : Andy Langford
Download or read book Being United Methodist Christians written by Andy Langford and published by Abingdon Press. This book was released on 2023-09-21 with total page 102 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Learn what it means to be a United Methodist Christian. How may we describe United Methodists? Where do we come from? What do we believe? How do United Methodists act? What are our distinctive characteristics? What is required to be a member of our denomination? How do we grow as disciples of Jesus Christ within this great communion? In this resource, we offer answers to these questions and others in broad strokes as we describe our United Methodist Church. We will introduce you to how United Methodists live and think as followers of Jesus Christ. The United Methodist Church possesses the characteristics of many other Christian traditions but has its own distinctive profile. Our denomination combines knowledge and vital piety, believing that serious theological reflection and spiritual practices are both part of the Christian life. United Methodists link personal and social holiness, expecting high personal integrity and deep concern for social justice. We are both evangelical and sacramental, showing concern for people who have not yet accepted Jesus Christ as Savior and honoring the transforming power of Baptism and Holy Communion. We welcome people with many different theological perspectives. Finally, United Methodists are both local and connectional, expressing our faith in local congregations, regional associations, and global missions, so that we might do more together than any of us could do separately. This book will help readers: · hear and claim for themselves the story of God’s love, God’s redemption, and God’s ongoing presence and power through Jesus Christ. · explore and claim for themselves the unique beliefs and emphases of United Methodist Christians. · identify ways to live day by day as United Methodist Christians as individuals and in community with other Christians. We invite you to claim for yourself the continuing story of God’s mighty acts of creation, redemption, and power through Jesus Christ within our great denomination. As you begin or continue to see yourself within this living, dynamic part of the universal body of Jesus Christ, we invite you to live, be, and grow as a United Methodist Christian. The book includes reflection questions. Supplementary resources include a downloadable Sermon, Worship, and Study Series outline.
