About
two years ago, I was approached by one of the coordinators of our denomination’s
“Course of Study” school (which trains local pastors for ministry in the United
Methodist Church) to write a book on the history, theology, and practices of
United Methodist Christianity. I’m excited to say that that book -- Christianity
the Wesleyan Way: Principles and Practices
for Life and Ministry -- has now been published and is
available for purchase!
Even
though it was originally written to be used as a text for the “Course of Study”
students of United Methodism, I believe its content will be beneficial and
accessible for anyone interested in learning about the unique and fascinating beliefs
and practices of Wesleyan/Methodist Christianity.
The book's description at Amazon.com says that…
“This
book walks readers through the heart of the history, theology, and practices of
early Methodists by using select primary source material and instructive
diagrams. In addition Germano summarizes the spiritual, historical, and
sociological context of Wesley's England in order to help readers understand
primary themes of Wesleyan theology and practice. At the end of each chapter,
discussion questions and set-off key principles highlight core concepts and
make the content easy to embrace and comprehend.”
Cokesbury.com
(the publishing arm of the United Methodist Church) describes it as…
An
overview of the life and theology of John Wesley and the distinctives of
Methodism with application for ministry.
What
does it mean to be and live as a Methodist? What is unique about a Wesleyan way
of believing and practicing Christianity? And what can the life and ministry of
John Wesley teach us about living a faithful Christian life?
Using
selected primary source material, interpretive discussion, and instructive
diagrams, Germano walks readers through the heart of the history, theology, and
practices of the ministry of John Wesley and the early Methodists. He then
suggests some practical implications for how this faith can be lived out in our
world and undergird church ministry. The author summarizes the spiritual,
historical, and sociological context of Wesley’s England, in order to help
readers understand the primary themes of Wesleyan theology and practice.
End-of-chapter discussion questions and at-a-glance boxes make the content easy
to comprehend while at the same time introducing and highlighting core
concepts.”
Among
other things, the book unpacks nine complete sermons written by John Wesley as
a way to introduce major Wesleyan themes, concepts, and practices, along with twenty-five
illustrations and discussion questions at the end of each chapter to make those concepts
more accessible. The overall layout of the book is as follows:
Part
One: Introduction to Early Methodism
Chapter
1. The Spiritual Context of Wesley’s England
Chapter
2. The Life and Legacy of John Wesley and the Early Methodists
Part
Two: The Christian Life and Wesley’s “Way of Salvation” (Via Salutis)
Chapter
3. Turning to God: The Work of Prevenient Grace
Chapter
4. Becoming a Christian: The Work of Justifying Grace
Chapter
5. Growing in Salvation: The Work of Sanctifying Grace
Part
Three: The Means of Grace and the Sacraments
Chapter
6. The Means of Grace
Chapter
7. The Sacraments: Christian Baptism;
and The Lord’s Supper
Part
Four: Toward a Uniquely Wesleyan Paradigm of Ministry
Chapter
8. Characteristics of a Wesleyan Life and Ministry
(the
unique shape of Wesleyan Theology and of Wesleyan Practice)
Chapter
9. Conclusion
Appendix:
The Cultural Context of Wesley’s England and Early Methodism’s Response
A
big “thank you” to B.N. and my Course of Study students through the years, all of
whom encouraged me to write this book, my proofreaders T.G. and H.K., along
with my publisher K.A., editor J.R. and the General Board of Higher Education
and Ministry’s Foundery Books for all their support and help in making this book
possible!
I
pray that it will be a great benefit to all who have a passion for learning and
practicing the uniqueness of Wesleyan Christianity in today’s multi-religious
world.
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