Being United Methodist: What It Means Why It Matters

by J. Ellsworth Kalas

In Being United Methodist , popular and well-loved author J. Ellsworth Kalas uses his approachable style to address a topic that sometimes seems complicated even to those who have reflected upon it for years.

In this book, Kalas explores questions such as Who are these people called United Methodists? Where have they come from, and where are they going? And how is it that so few of them really know what it means to be a United Methodist? What makes them tick, and in a spasmodically changing world, what keeps them ticking?

Genres: Religion, Theology

171 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2012

About the author

J. Ellsworth Kalas has been part of the faculty of Asbury Theological Seminary since 1993, after thirty-eight years as a United Methodist pastor and five years in evangelism with the World Methodist Council. He has been a presenter on DISCIPLE videos and is the author of more than thirty books, including the popular Back Side series as well as the Christian Believer study.

Reviews

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this readable book about the origins of Methodism. Even better, I learned a lot!

[Diane Danielson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very readable. Consise. I enjoyed it.

[Greg D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written by a Methodist minister of 50 years. Kalas provides a historical perspective of the Methodist Church, with its genesis in England and its beginnings in America. Then proceeds to give a synopsis of what the Methodist church believes, it's values, mission, and culture. He then closes with what I believe to be a very humble opinion about the current state of the United Methodist Church and where he thinks it may be headed. The one trait that stands out to me the most throughout this book is its humility. Kalas doesn't pretend to have all the answers. This isn't a glorification of the UMC. He tells it like it is, both the good and the bad. And, that is what I like most about this book and perhaps what is the character of the UMC.

I highly recommend this book to those who are first beginning to look into the United Methodist Church, and for seasoned parishioners of the UMC who simply want to know more about it.

[Michael Picot · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was born and raised Lutheran, married a Baptist, in a Methodist church by a Baptist Minister. My wife and I have been members of Lutheran and Episcopal churches throughout most of our life together and our daughter was baptized Lutheran. However, there are not that many Lutheran churches in Alabama, especially with good-sized youth groups. So, we have recently joined a United Methodist church and so far we love it. I wanted to read more about the Methodist church and have previously read another book by Kalas and liked it, so decided to read this one. I really enjoyed reading this book. There is a ton of information in here that I never knew about the Wesley brothers and the Methodist church. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn about the Methodist church, or just broaden their knowledge of the history of the Christian church in general.

[Janice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative. So many people today that do go to church, have no idea what they believe.

This book, delves into the history of Methodism, and the brothers that started it. It looks at the core beliefs and how those came to be. And many other aspects of the denomination of Methodism.

I recommend it highly to all!

[Judith Donohue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good primer for new Methodists.

[Carrol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Should be read by every United Methodist - Dr. Kalas is a good author and does a very nice job of explaining the history of Methodism and it's core values...

[Bob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderfully written primer by a great UM preacher and pastor. Would love to have had more material on where the UMC goes from here, however.

[Dennis Ticen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Should be required reading for every United Methodist, especially those who are in "new member" classes. Would work well as a follow-up study to Adam Hamilton's book "Revival."