Multiplying Methodism makes the case for renewed and bold witness for the faith. Now is the time to reclaim the theological roots and practices to fuel Methodist revival. The United Methodist Church is fracturing under the weight of long-term dysfunction and disparate theologies. Now is a season of discernment and difficult decision-making for local churches and pastors. It is also a season of energy, hope, and renewed evangelical vision in the Global Methodist Church movement.
Authors Jeff Greenway and Mike Lowry are both veteran leaders within the United Methodist Church and founding leaders of the new church movement. They know the struggle people and churches face in making their decisions. In Multiplying Methodism, they share why it’s time to leave the UMC and pioneer the new Global Methodist Church. They invite you to join the journey to share the Gospel with the world and worship passionately, love extravagantly, and witness boldly.
While both authors are learned gentleman, I give the book 5 stars because it is well organized and written. I do however, believe both have drunk from the Global Methodist Church Kool-aid. The United Methodist Church is under siege by those who have forgotten Jesus' important message. Love God and love one another. The GMC movement is simply a money and power grab by one time segregationist (Wesleyan Covenant) leaders. I find it interesting that both authors quoted Scripture at their convenience to prove their point. If you like exclusion rather than inclusion of fellow Christians... If you like for someone else to tell you how to think, act, keep a running log against you of your moral and religious beliefs (as long as you agree with the powerful and rich rulers... errrr leaders) then the GMC is for you. This type of mind speak by this group has deeply divided our church. Those sheep who follow... WATCH OUT... Because you too may someday be deemed unworthy to continue to worship with the Global Methodist Church. You too will then be excluded and discarded onto the streets with those who believe in a loving and caring God... One who believes in a persons worth... And not just their monetary worth to the GMC. Q3
This was not the book I thought it would be. I'm very disappointed on how they misrepresented the United Methodist Church. It seems that their mode of recruiting is to tear down the other denominations. It's very sad. I wish they wrote about it differently.
As a UM pastor I read this book with mixed emotions. Knowing one of the authors, Jeff, and having great respect for him I wanted to like what was written.
While I agree with 95% of what is here I struggle with those that have decided it is appropriate to work to encourage churches, many of which are deeply divided already, to leave the organization that built them. At the same time I agree that the current leadership has ignored their vows and worked to destroy the denomination from within while calling for unity.
This is worth the read but I look forward to the day when we are focused on making and growing disciples of Jesus rather than a flavor of denomination.
A beautiful and thoughtful writing regarding Methodism the factors requiring consideration and discernment for churches wanting to separate from the UMC. I recommend reading and much prayer while doing so!
This is a must read for any congregation considering leaving the UMC and joining the Global Methodist Church. The last few chapters outline the structure and doctrinal beliefs, as well as the challenges, of the GMC.
The distressing situation within the UMC is thoroughly addressed in this well written and easily read book. The authors’ focus on Jesus Christ is the most important thing for all of us who wish to remain true to Biblical truth and express God’s plan for us while loving all mankind.
This was an excellent book written by two leaders in the Wesleyan movement. If the beginning of the book seems a bit contentious (after all, we are in a contentious season!) and you like to avoid conflict, keep reading. What unfolds is a beautiful invitation to what could be for those of us seeking to know more about the Global Methodist Church. The ecclesiology described here is something we can get excited about; something to live into; something that only God can do.
I found this to be an encouraging book outlining the future possible for churches who are ready to "get back to the roots" of John Wesley's vision. I am a member of a Methodist church in the process of disaffiliating from the United Methodist Church, and whatever the future holds, I believe it is the right choice to turn from the direction the United Methodist Church has been heading for the last 50 years.
I read this as part of my exploration of the inevitable split of the United Methodist Church. The book is written in a positive way, emphasizing love and grace for everyone in this difficult time while supporting the formation of the Global Methodist Church.
Without a doubt one of the best explanations of the division between the UMC and the GMC I’ve read. A compelling read for Global Methodists as we step out on this new adventure of Methodism and begin to revive and renew our faith.