Your Faith, Your Life: An Invitation to the Episcopal Church, Revised Edition

by Jenifer Gamber, Bill Lewellis

A comprehensive and readable guide to The Episcopal Church for adults at every stage of faith.This newly revised edition reflects the life of today’s Episcopal Church, incorporating recent developments in theology, worship, and public witness. It addresses changes and initiatives such as marriage equality, the full inclusion of LGBTQ+ persons, the former Presiding Bishop Michael Curry’s call to join the Jesus Movement, and the Church’s renewed emphasis on living faith beyond the walls of the sanctuary. Expanded reflection questions follow each chapter, and a newly added Leader Guide makes this edition especially well-suited for adult formation classes and group study.Written in clear, welcoming language, Your Faith, Your Life guides readers through the heart of Episcopal belief and practice, exploring the rhythms and meaning of worship, the shape of Anglican theology, the sacraments, the organization of the Church, and the ways Episcopalians engage with Scripture, prayer, and daily life. Along the way, it provides the vocabulary and context needed to understand not only what Episcopalians believe, but how those beliefs are lived out in community and service.Designed for newcomers, adult formation groups, and lifelong Episcopalians alike, this book invites thoughtful reflection on faith as a living, evolving journey. It creates space for questions, growth, and transformation―making it an essential resource for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of The Episcopal Church and their place within it.

Genres: Religion

256 pages, Paperback

Published November 17, 2017

Reviews

[Elle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was assigned this book prior to my reception into the Episcopal church on the 27th. In some aspects, this is an outstanding introduction to the Episcopal faith. My main complaint is that the tone was patronizing and the metaphors overly simplistic. However, there are multiple teenagers in my class also being confirmed, so it is possible that this is the correct tone for a more universal invitation to the church. Still, I think even these very young men are above the tone of the book. If the editors or writers are perusing GoodReads, I would recommend future editions adopt a slightly more sophisticated tone. This seemed to be unnecessarily childish in places for what is actually a pretty adult decision in life.

Anyone unsure of what distinguishes the Episcopal church from other Protestant denominations, Catholicism, and indeed other parts of the Anglican communion would do well to skim this. There are also some general recommendations for faith practices I found pleasant, if—again—a little simplistic.

To be clear, I don’t see any of this as analogous to the Church itself. The content is great—it’s the tone I somewhat disliked and it did the one thing it was supposed to do—confirm for me that I am in the right church. I love my church so much and I am deeply in love with the mission of the Episcopalian Church.

[David Lantz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was by the same author who wrote the Youth Ministry book I use. Her writing is really well done, very broken down into easy concepts that anyone can understand. A very good introduction to Episcopalian theology and beliefs. Very pleased with this book.

[Craig · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative Read

Great read if you are wanting to learn more about the Episcopal Church and beliefs. The author goes in some detail regarding their worship and sacraments.

[Jean Marie Angelo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our parish used this book in a series of workshops congregants for confirmation or for being received. I feel in neither category, but learned so much. This is a very readable and accessibility book about faith, the Anglican Communion, and the Episcopal Church. I am certain I will reference it over and over again.

[Lisa M. Ventre · Rating 3 out of 5]

Almost to in depth. This book requires some research into the scriptures being referenced.
It is very thought provoking and therefore not a quick read.