This manual provides the membership secretary, church staff, and ministry teams with the information and instructions they need to maintain membership records and nurture individuals through their faith journey. The manual includes a sample of each record sheet and complete instructions on completing each record.

John Wesley promoted the ministry of women in early Methodism. Amazing women like Phoebe Palmer, Catherine Booth, and Frances Willard—founding figures in the holiness movement, the Salvation Army, and the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union—claimed biblical precedent for their groundbreaking ministries. They withstood the onslaught of criticism and hostility from those who thought they had stepped out of their proper sphere. Methodists have championed the cause of women and developed biblical, spiritual, and practical arguments for their ministry for two and a half centuries. More than fifty documents from the history of Methodism chronicle the tortuous journey leading to biblical equality in this family of churches. At a time when the ministry of women is under serious attack in a number of quarters, yet again, we all have much to learn from the witness of Wesleyan Christians who argued for women’s ministry. This story illustrates how faithful women, when they knew they had the Lord’s approval, stood “like the beaten anvil to the stroke.” Courage. Defiance. Perseverance. Faithfulness. These qualities define the Methodist defense of women in ministry.

Revised and updated, this popular book shows pastors and worship leaders the basics of United Methodist worship. In this straightforward and updated commentary, Hoyt Hickman explains the basic pattern of United Methodist worship within the broader context of Christian worship. Drawing upon five basic principles, the author explains the formative nature of worship and how it can revitalize persons' lives. These principles are: God's Word is primary; active congregational participation is crucial; spontaneity and order are both important; worship should be relevant and inclusive; and worship is communion. This revision will highlight the African-American contribution to UM worship, discuss at greater length what the various worship styles mean for us today, say more about the formative nature of worship, and include updated resources including the Abingdon Worship Annual, the Abingdon Preaching Annual, and WorshipConnection. Explains basic resources for planning and leading worship. Gives the basic pattern of UM worship and its origins. Gives practical suggestions how to renew and revitalize worship. Helps pastors be effective leaders in planning and revitalizing worship. Helps pastors understand and communicate the uniqueness of UM worship. Helps pastors lead their congregation into a deeper and richer experience of God through worship.

Available in January 2009 Why keep membership records? Unlike many revival leaders, John Wesley established and sustained communities of Christians that were strong enough to grow through the centuries and develop into The United Methodist Church. He understood salvation as a process that requires community, ongoing support and nurture, and accountability in Christian living. Concern for souls, individually and collectively, motivated the careful record keeping that became characteristic of the faith communities now constituting The United Methodist Church. ( Adapted from United Methodist Membership Records Manual, published by The United Methodist Publishing House .) This manual provides the membership secretary, church staff, and ministry teams with the information and instructions they need to maintain membership records and nurture individuals through their faith journey. The record system also helps staff prepare the connectional reports that help us study how our denomination is changing so that we can encourage the ministry of each congregation. The manual includes a sample of each record sheet and complete instructions on completing each record. New Improved CDROM ! The CD-ROM has been revised to improve functionaltiy. Now you can save membership forms such as the Permanent Church Register or the Record of Faith Journey, even rename them, and add additional data as you receive it. On the CD-ROM you will find templates for each type of record sheet (Baptism, Marriage, Permanent Church Register, Constituency, etc.) as well as 8-1/2 x 11 certificates for baptism, confirmation, and professing membership in English, Spanish, and Korean. For a permanent record, print your completed records on acid-free paper, punched to fit the membership record binder (0687084121, package of 50 sheets).

This basic, fully illustrated manual for congregational leaders explains how to prepare the sanctuary and its furnishings for the celebration of worship and sacraments throughout the Christian year. This practical, informative guide is an indispensable companion for worship committees, altar guilds, or individuals whose responsible for these vital tasks in their church. United Methodist Altars includes: care, cleaning, and storage instructions for all vestments and appointments; a calendar of the Christian year, with appropriate colors for each season; responsibilities and suggested organizational structure for the altar guild; an explanation of the history and meaning of worship furnishings; preparation instructions for the various United Methodist services; and, a glossary.

Mark Shaw offers ideas from the most significant Christian leaders of the last five hundred years, including Martin Luther, John Calvin, Jonathan Edwards, William Carey, John Wesley, Richard Baxter and Dietrich Bonhoeffer.

Where do we go from here? The dynamic history and identity of the United Methodist Church is lost among the pluralistic landscape in America today. As a living organism, the church can expect to evolve with the culture that surrounds it. The problem, according to lifelong member and author Scott Kisker, is that the United Methodist Church seems to have lost its missional foundation as it climbed to mainline American Protestant church status. Trying to be both mainline and Methodist is a deadly combination. In fact, it's a leading cause for the denomination's spiritual and numerical decline, Kisker asserts. "Real Methodism declined because we replaced those peculiarities that made us Methodist with a bland, acceptable, almost civil religion, barely distinguishable from other traditions," writes Kisker. "Like the Israelites under the judges, we wanted to be like other nations. We no longer wanted to be an odd, somewhat disreputable people. And we have begun to reap the consequences." So...where do we go from here? In his passionate yet critical review, Kisker says we must reclaim the rich roots of salvation, disciple-making, and witness that made the tradition so strong. In Mainline or Methodist? he reveals what's not working and unveils a vision for renewal that embodies the distinctive Wesleyan tradition of the apostolic and universal Christian faith.