The Unofficial United Methodist Handbook PDF Download

Author: F. Belton Joyner, Jr.
Publisher: Abingdon Press
ISBN: 1426724969
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 226

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Book Description
Following Jesus is hard to do – but even harder if we take ourselves too seriously. The Unofficial United Methodist Handbook is the indispensable companion for anyone trying to live a committed Christian life, with a healthy dose of humor. Timeless biblical truths stand alongside everyday life situations that everyone meets, with step-by-step instructions that make the going easy: How to Stay Alert in Church How to Identify an Angel (with diagram) How to Survive for One Hour in an Un-Air-Conditioned Church How to Share Your Faith with Someone How to Identify and Avoid Evil How to Survive an Old Testament Plague How to Memorize a Bible Verse Common Christian Symbols and What They Mean What Is Unique about The United Methodist Church and Its History …plus dozens of other illustrations, maps, diagrams, and essential tips! This unique and incredibly handy resource is perfect for United Methodist youth, adults, students, families, and all those interested in learning about life in the church.

Author: F. Belton Joyner, Jr.
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780687641956
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 228

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Book Description
A very handy handbook that provides amazingly essential information and practical tips every pastor needs to know, delivered with brevity and a good sense of humor. Be prepared to laugh as you try to keep hold of the reins--like the circuit rider of yesteryear. The Unofficial United Methodist Handbook for Pastors gives serious information and practical tips to uplift your spirit and warm your heart. Like The Unofficial United Methodist Handbook for the well-informed churchgoer, this handbook for pastors illustrates timeless biblical truths in everyday living, making life easier--and much more entertaining. This book captures all the essential information every pastor needs close at hand to prevail in any circumstance, and have a good and well-needed chuckle along the way: · How to Support and Empower the Church Council without Becoming a Dictator or a Wallflower · How to Know if You're Called to Be a Pastor · Ten Things You Should Never Say to a Church Member · How to Recover from Christmas and Easter Overload · How to Preach a Stewardship Sermon without Sounding Like You Are Begging for a Raise · How to Keep Both Your Job and Your Family · How to Use Your Family Members as Sermon Illustrations without Alienating Them or Boring the Congregation · How to Retire from Ministry Gracefully · What is unique about United Methodist Ministry ...plus dozens of other illustrations, maps, diagrams, and essential tips! This unique and incredibly handy resource is perfect for United Methodist ministers and all who help lead congregations. View the Table of Contents

Author: Scott J. Jones
Publisher: Abingdon Press
ISBN: 068703485X
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 313

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Book Description
Throughout this book, Scott J. Jones insists that for United Methodists the ultimate goal of doctrine is holiness. Importantly, he clarifies the nature and the specific claims of "official" United Methodist doctrine in a way that moves beyond the current tendency to assume the only alternatives are a rigid dogmatism or an unfettered theological pluralism. In classic Wesleyan form, Jones' driving concern is with recovering the vital role of forming believers in the "mind of Christ, " so that they might live more faithfully in their many settings in our world.

Author: F. Belton Joyner Jr
Publisher: Foundery Books
ISBN: 9781945935077
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 142

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Book Description
Written especially for licensing schools and the United Methodist Course of Study, this book of firsts will see pastors through those uncertain early days in ministry. Some of the firsts include: first sermon, first service, first baptism, first Communion, first challenge of pastoral authority, first Church Council meeting, first visit to dying person, first funeral, first wedding, first charge conference, first D.S., first move, first colleague, first bad cold (what do I do if I get sick on Saturday night?), first person who doesn't like you, first vacation, first day off, first non-required book, first parsonage, first bishop, first social justice issue, first tradition you challenge, first nominations meeting, first record-keeping, first funeral director, first sexual temptation, first opportunity for community service, first schedule conflict, first school pressure, first personal family issue, first bulletin or projected material, first bishop, first fund-raising, first stewardship campaign, first personal devotions, first burn-out, first counseling session, first challenge to Discipline, first connectional meeting, first meeting with Board of Ordained Ministry, first robe or alb, first new clothes, first paying of bills, first theological conflict, first Bible study, first revival, first dealing with groupie, first major snafu, first retirement plan decision, first electronic communication.

Author: Justin LaRosa
Publisher: Abingdon Press
ISBN: 1501858041
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 256

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Book Description
A Disciple's Path is an engaging approach to discipleship from a distinctly Wesleyan perspective that is perfect for a new member class or other small group. The six-week program guides individuals to take the next step in discipleship and become dynamic followers of Jesus Christ and engaged, vital members of the local church. The study combines a Wesleyan understanding of our growth in God's love and grace with the time-tested practices of spiritual discipline expressed in the membership vows to uphold the church with our prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness. Participants will develop spiritual practices, discover their unique gifts, and become engaged in ministry that brings transformation in their own lives, the lives of others, and the world. This Leader Guide provides group facilitators with helpful tips for leading a group, material for leading an introductory session or pastor’s coffee, and six ready-to-use session guides. Also included is a link to downloadable resources, along with previews of these online tools, including sample e-mails handouts, including customizable templates that can be modified for any congregation,and PowerPoint presentations. “A Disciple’s Path has transformed countless new members into deeply committed disciples – people who are using their gifts, praying in new ways, worshipping regularly and not only when it’s convenient, giving sacrificially of their financial resources, and seeking to be a witness to Christ’s love and light in the world. I am deeply grateful for this resource and recommend it wholeheartedly." Donna Claycomb Sokol, Pastor of Mount Veron Place United Methodist Church and author of A New Day in the City Endorsements “A Disciple’s Path has the potential to revolutionize the way we view our participation in the church. Following this ‘path’ can transform us from wanderers into pilgrims.” —Dr. Steve Harper, Retired Professor of Spiritual Formation; author of Five Marks of a Methodist and Devotional Life in the Wesleyan Tradition “For churches transforming their invitation to membership into an opportunity for a discipleship journey.” — Lovett H. Weems, Jr., author and Distinguished Professor of Church Leadership and Director, Lewis Center for Church Leadership, Wesley Theological Seminary “A very useful explanation of the traditional Wesleyan view of Christian discipleship, strengthened in particular by its stress on the balanced approach of the Methodist way.” —Dr. Richard P. Heitzenrater, Duke University Divinity School

Author: F. Belton Joyner JR.
Publisher: Abingdon Press
ISBN: 1426749465
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 105

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Book Description
Pastors will keep this book--its hints, its chuckles, its struggles--close at hand. You never know when you'll get one of those dreaded questions. They are always just around the corner. Even when things are going swimmingly for the pastor, a these dreaded questions are waiting in the wings. They might come from a tear-stained child , a gruff, "You'll have to show me" member, or from a desperate Sunday School teacher. The zinger comes and the pastor, aware that two thousand years of Christian thought have not generated a simple "I'm glad you asked" answer, most respond. The dreaded ten: (1) Is my Jewish neighbor going to hell? (2) Why did God let my kitten, Fluffy, die? (3) What do you mean, you changed the light bulb that Grandma gave the church? (4) Why doesn't your wife sing in the choir? (5) Who are you going to vote for, Reverend? (6) Why are you leaving us for another church? Don't you like us? (7) Why do you pick hymns no one knows? (8) Why do we keep sending off money for missions? (9) Why can't we use Christmas red on the altar table during December? (10) Are all "acts of God" acts of God?F. Belton Joyner Jr. is a retired United Methodist pastor and author of The Unofficial UM Handbooks and Being Methodist in the Bible Belt: A Theological Survival Guide for Youth, Parents, and Other Confused Methodists and many other books. Currently, he is a visiting lecturer at Duke Divinity School and member of Judicial Council of The United Methodist Church. He lives in Bahama, North Carolina.

Author: F. Belton Joyner
Publisher: Abingdon Press
ISBN: 1426706804
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 85

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Book Description
Ready-to-use worship resources for the 4 Sundays of Advent, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Epiphany

Author: F. Belton Joyner JR.
Publisher: Abingdon Press
ISBN: 1426725701
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 85

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Book Description
Jesus: God's Unlikely Revelation Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany Services includes biblically-based sermons, suggested scriptures, children's time, hymn and prayers, as well as litanies for lighting the Advent wreath. Also included are suggestions for seasonal funerals. These services offer a completing message of hope during this important church season, when people often visit a church for the first time. Each service focuses on and celebrates a different aspect of the theme: Jesus: God's Unlikely Revelation 1. First Sunday of Advent- Jesus: The Unlikely Image of God (Genesis 1:26-27; Colossians 1:15-17) 2. Second Sunday in Advent Jesus: The Unlikely Gift from God (Isaiah 55:1-9) 3. Third Sunday of Advent Jesus: The Unlikely Story of God with Us (Matthew 1:18-25) 4. Fourth Sunday of Advent Jesus: The Unlikely Messiah (John 7:25-31) 5. Christmas Eve Jesus: An Unlikely Peacemaker (Luke 2:8-20) 6. Christmas Day An Unlikely Christmas Card (Matthew 2:13-23) 7. Epiphany John the Baptizer: Jesus' Unlikely Herald (John 1:1-14) Seasonal Funerals

Author: Gayle Carlton Felton
Publisher: Upper Room Books
ISBN: 0881776750
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 81

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Book Description
"This is the body of Christ. This is the blood of Christ." It's Communion Sunday. The service is a little longer, and the sacrament is observed with gravity. You know it's important, but the wonder is lost. What does it all mean, really? According to the results of a survey, you're not alone. United Methodists have a strong sense of the importance of Holy Communion, but they also lack a meaningful understanding of the theology behind it. Reclaim a richer sacramental life in your congregation through a group study of This Holy Mystery. In 2004, the General Conference of The United Methodist Church adopted an official interpretative document on Holy Communion. For the first time in our history, the denomination has an official, comprehensive statement of the practice and theology of the Lord's Supper. Now, it's time for congregations to help members understand the observance. "We believe that study of this document will yield increased appreciation for the sacrament in the worship experience and enable United Methodist people to draw nourishment and strength for their ongoing journeys of faith," writes Felton. This Holy Mystery: A United Methodist Understanding of Holy Communion is a study guide of the General Conference–approved document. An all-in-one resource, this book is for both participants and leaders. It's divided into 7 sessions, providing commentary on the history, practice, and principles of Holy Communion in United Methodist congregations. It also points to implications of the sacrament for ministry and mission. We come to the Table of the Lord, seeking to have our spiritual needs met. The benefits include forgiveness, nourishment, healing, transformation, ministry and mission, and eternal life. Renew your appreciation for the divine grace made available through this sacrament.

Author: General Board Of Discipleship
Publisher: Cokesbury
ISBN: 1501829823
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 30

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Book Description
The pastoral leader is the primary spiritual leader of the congregation. The pastor carries the responsibility for a number of different ministry tasks, which are condensed into seven categories. Effective pastors will also take intentional time for their own spiritual growth and restoration to maintain a vital ministry. This Guideline helps each pastor navigate their role a pastoral leader. This is one of the twenty-six Guidelines for Leading Your Congregation 2017-2020 that cover church leadership areas including Church Council and Small Membership Church; the administrative areas of Finance and Trustees; and ministry areas focused on nurture, outreach, and witness including Worship, Evangelism, Stewardship, Christian Education, age-level ministries, Communications, and more.