Longing for Spring: A New Vision for Wesleyan Community

by Elaine A. Heath, Scott T Kisker

Delving into the widespread, contemporary longing for a more serious and communal experience of Christianity, this book provides important theoretical underpinnings and casts a vision for a new monasticism within the Wesleyan tradition. Elaine Heath and Scott Kisker call for the planting of neo-monastic churches which embody the Wesleyan vision of holiness in postmodern contexts. This book also points toward some vital shifts that are necessary in theological education in order to equip pastors to lead such communities. Longing for Spring helps Wesleyans of all stripes understand the theory and praxis necessary for planting neo-monastic communities as a new model of the church that is particularly important in the postmodern context. The authors write in an engaging, conversational style that is conversant with postmodern culture, yet thoroughly informed by critical research. Heath and Kisker boldly challenge the imagination of the church, both within and beyond Wesleyan traditions, to consider the possibility of revitalizing the church through the new monasticism. ""Welcome to the world of New Methodism, exciting evidence of the work of the Holy Spirit in the church today. New Methodism comes to us with contributions from the New Monasticism, John Wesley, Jonathan Wilson-Hargrove, and an emerging generation who are leading us to a fresh appreciation of what God intends the church to be. This is a wonderful book that quickly gives the theological rationale for a reformed church and then gives practical advice on how to grow to be a new church. This is exciting!"" --Will Willimon Bishop, The North Alabama Conference of the United Methodist Church ""Longing for Spring connects United Methodism with a historical and theological approach that is very accessible, not to mention inspirational. I read it on an airplane and people around me wondered what I was reading because the authors' writing is so delightful at times that I was laughing out loud! I can't wait to make my first appointment of a clergy to a monastic community."" --Sally Dyck Resident Bishop of Minnesota, The United Methodist Church ""Elaine and Scott are the best of guides for hungry Methodists. Their description of Wesleyan renewal is inviting. Their prescription for transformation is possible. I will be using this book in my class, our neighborhood and our congregation. What a blessing!"" --Amy Laura Hall Duke University Elaine A. Heath is the McCreless Assistant Professor of Evangelism at Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University. She is the author of Out of the Night (2008). Scott Kisker is the James Cecil Logan Associate Professor of Evangelism and Wesley Studies at Wesley Theological Seminary, and is the author of Foundation for Revival (2007).

Genres: Nonfiction

118 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Methodist/Wesleyan view for how Community is part of our growth and faith. And I love the author <3

[Sam McBratney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliantly simple yet profound read for anyone interested in Wesleyan theology and missional religious communities.

[Rachel Hafler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliant introduction to new monastic, missional communities. The church needs more of this. I do wish that this book was longer/went a little deeper.

[John Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leave it to Dr. Kisker to try and develop an argument for and a means of reviving the Church, particularly the United Methodist Church. There's not much to say about this book other than that it is quite good, easy and fun to read. It takes readers through a vital history of Christianity, since the Reformation and Methodism in particular, to see what has been at the heart of reviving the Church throughout history, and then uses that to look forward to how to bring about a revival through new monasticism and new Methodism.

Anyone concerned with the current state of the Church, and their own faith even, would do well to read this book.

[David Campton · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short look at new monasticism from a United Methodist Perspective. It's not a critical analysis either of historic or current "monastic" movements, more a document of record, and whilst there are a good range of other books and resources cited within it, the earlier reflections are probably more useful to those outside of both the USA and UMC. But saying that its a short read and may prompt useful thinking outside of that context.

[Michele Zuniga]

This is a hopeful view of the future of Christianity and the possibility of the New Monasticism with a Wesleyan twist, a benefit in the training of our pastors and lay leaders and an anchor for our congregations. And these seminary professors are doinng the real life experiments to lead the way.

[Catherine Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

EXCELLENT book for those looking for a new way to be the church that is rooted in Wesleyan theology.