Thursday, April 2, 2020

Brian's Book Now Available!


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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