Living the Wesleyan Way
An Introduction to the United Methodist Church that covers church history, Methodist doctrine, spiritual gifts, and United Methodist structure and governance.
Living the Wesleyan Way: An Introduction to the United Methodist Church is a comprehensive guide to the history, theology, and practices of the United Methodist Church (UMC). Written by Jeremy W. Scott, this book is an invaluable resource for UMC pastors and church leaders. The book covers the UMC's journey from its early origins to its present-day form, and includes chapters on church government and doctrine.
The book explores the UMC's "connectional" nature, explaining how local churches are linked together in a network with a shared purpose, governance, and responsibility. It details the different levels of this connection, from the local church to the General Conference, the highest legislative body of the UMC. It also explains the appointive system, a unique feature of the UMC where a bishop, in consultation with others, assigns pastors to local churches to ensure equitable distribution of pastoral leadership.
Readers will also gain a deeper understanding of key theological concepts, such as John Wesley's "three types of grace":
Prevenient Grace: God's presence in our lives from birth, which awakens us to a sense of God's existence and gives us the capacity to respond to God's call.
Justifying Grace: The conscious response to God's invitation, where we accept forgiveness and love through Jesus Christ.
Sanctifying Grace: The ongoing process of becoming more like Christ through the Holy Spirit's transformative work.
In addition, the book discusses the importance of the "means of grace"—practices such as prayer, searching the Scriptures, and Holy Communion—that serve as channels for God's grace. It also provides an in-depth look at the structure of local church organization and the various lay leadership roles within the UMC.
Living the Wesleyan Way offers a unique blend of historical context, theological reflection, and practical guidance. It is designed to equip leaders to better understand the UMC's identity, navigate its challenges, and inspire their congregations to live out their faith in a constantly changing world. The book concludes with a personal discipleship guide, encouraging readers to reflect on their own spiritual journey and chart a course for intentional growth.
Enjoy these free resources for leading a four week new member or Methodism 101 class with Living the Wesleyan Way.