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Being United Methodist Christians: Living a Life of Grace and Hope
Learn what it means to be a United Methodist Christian.
How may we describe United Methodists? Where do we come from? What do we believe? How do United Methodists act? What are our distinctive characteristics? What is required to be a member of our denomination? How do we grow as disciples of Jesus Christ within this great communion?
In this resource, we offer answers to these questions and others in broad strokes as we describe our United Methodist Church. We will introduce you to how United Methodists live and think as followers of Jesus Christ.
The United Methodist Church possesses the characteristics of many other Christian traditions but has its own distinctive profile. Our denomination combines knowledge and vital piety, believing that serious theological reflection and spiritual practices are both part of the Christian life. United Methodists link personal and social holiness, expecting high personal integrity and deep concern for social justice. We are both evangelical and sacramental, showing concern for people who have not yet accepted Jesus Christ as Savior and honoring the transforming power of Baptism and Holy Communion. We welcome people with many different theological perspectives. Finally, United Methodists are both local and connectional, expressing our faith in local congregations, regional associations, and global missions, so that we might do more together than any of us could do separately.
This book will help
· hear and claim for themselves the story of God’s love, God’s redemption, and God’s ongoing presence and power through Jesus Christ.
· explore and claim for themselves the unique beliefs and emphases of United Methodist Christians.
· identify ways to live day by day as United Methodist Christians as individuals and in community with other Christians.
We invite you to claim for yourself the continuing story of God’s mighty acts of creation, redemption, and power through Jesus Christ within our great denomination. As you begin or continue to see yourself within this living, dynamic part of the universal body of Jesus Christ, we invite you to live, be, and grow as a United Methodist Christian.
The book includes reflection questions. Supplementary resources include a downloadable Sermon, Worship, and Study Series outline.
How may we describe United Methodists? Where do we come from? What do we believe? How do United Methodists act? What are our distinctive characteristics? What is required to be a member of our denomination? How do we grow as disciples of Jesus Christ within this great communion?
In this resource, we offer answers to these questions and others in broad strokes as we describe our United Methodist Church. We will introduce you to how United Methodists live and think as followers of Jesus Christ.
The United Methodist Church possesses the characteristics of many other Christian traditions but has its own distinctive profile. Our denomination combines knowledge and vital piety, believing that serious theological reflection and spiritual practices are both part of the Christian life. United Methodists link personal and social holiness, expecting high personal integrity and deep concern for social justice. We are both evangelical and sacramental, showing concern for people who have not yet accepted Jesus Christ as Savior and honoring the transforming power of Baptism and Holy Communion. We welcome people with many different theological perspectives. Finally, United Methodists are both local and connectional, expressing our faith in local congregations, regional associations, and global missions, so that we might do more together than any of us could do separately.
This book will help
· hear and claim for themselves the story of God’s love, God’s redemption, and God’s ongoing presence and power through Jesus Christ.
· explore and claim for themselves the unique beliefs and emphases of United Methodist Christians.
· identify ways to live day by day as United Methodist Christians as individuals and in community with other Christians.
We invite you to claim for yourself the continuing story of God’s mighty acts of creation, redemption, and power through Jesus Christ within our great denomination. As you begin or continue to see yourself within this living, dynamic part of the universal body of Jesus Christ, we invite you to live, be, and grow as a United Methodist Christian.
The book includes reflection questions. Supplementary resources include a downloadable Sermon, Worship, and Study Series outline.
128 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 21, 2023
18 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
February 5, 2024
Wonderful introduction to the United Methodist church. I was able to use the videos on Amplify Media for a group study, but it would be a good study without the video. It is also written so you could use it for a youth class or confirmation class.
November 3, 2023
very good for those new to, or considering becoming part of the UMC
Outstanding book. Easily readable and does a wonderful job explaining what being a United Methodist is all about. Highly recommend.
Outstanding book. Easily readable and does a wonderful job explaining what being a United Methodist is all about. Highly recommend.
October 7, 2023
Up to date discussion Methodist past and present
As an Anglican and former Baptist, I see a lot in common with Methodist Christians, especially their emphasis on spiritual practices and understanding of baptism, which I share. I have been an associate member of several Methodist churches, and led a book discussions on prayer by Richard Foster. I would encourage others to take the discussion as a starting point however, and share the meaning of the book with other Methodists. For example, doing no harm for me includes vegetarianism. Methodists would be the last Christians to have a problem with each person being led toward their own interpretations, but not all churches may be inclusive initially and you could be an example. Some Asians would feel more welcome with a vegetarian option when serving food. When it comes to being inclusive, it takes intention. But each denomination has essentials, and this is where Methodists assert their distinctive history, not only as Protestants, but as a reform movement within Anglicanism.
As an Anglican and former Baptist, I see a lot in common with Methodist Christians, especially their emphasis on spiritual practices and understanding of baptism, which I share. I have been an associate member of several Methodist churches, and led a book discussions on prayer by Richard Foster. I would encourage others to take the discussion as a starting point however, and share the meaning of the book with other Methodists. For example, doing no harm for me includes vegetarianism. Methodists would be the last Christians to have a problem with each person being led toward their own interpretations, but not all churches may be inclusive initially and you could be an example. Some Asians would feel more welcome with a vegetarian option when serving food. When it comes to being inclusive, it takes intention. But each denomination has essentials, and this is where Methodists assert their distinctive history, not only as Protestants, but as a reform movement within Anglicanism.
January 25, 2024
This book is a great introduction to United Methodist beliefs and polity. I would recommend it to someone who has no knowledge of our doctrine or structure, but it may be surface level for anyone who has a working knowledge of the UMC.
April 9, 2024
Very accessible read for lifelong United Methodists or people just walking into the denomination. This book is very recent and does a great job of explaining the current place and theology of the denomination, as well as its history.
January 30, 2024
Great primer for people wanting to join a united methodist church. Timely.
June 17, 2024
A great primer. Yes, it's sort of a defense of the denomination but it does try to give an honest look while also keeping our sights on the future in hope.
July 15, 2024
Good summary of the UMC - a little repetitious for long time Methodist but a good intro for newcomers.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews