In a time of upheaval in the largest denomination of the Methodist movement, this classic explanation and defense of Methodist Christianity by its founder is required reading. Pastor David Wentz has updated Wesley's 18th-century language, deleted references to no-longer-relevant theological disputes, and added an introduction that sets the work in context. The result is a clear, easy to read, non-partisan text that is enjoyable and understandable for modern readers of all levels of theological interest and expertise.
This short book is ideal for small groups and adult Sunday School classes as well as individual reading. Dr. Wentz has included thoughtful discussion questions at the end of each section, a brief guide on how to lead small groups, and a suggested six-week schedule. For further study, Wesley's numerous Scripture quotes and allusions are identified, with the Biblical text cited and quoted in footnotes. Wesley's full original version is included as an appendix.
Wesley doesn't mention today's presenting issues. Instead, he reminds us where we came from. No matter where one stands in the wide umbrella of global Methodism, this accessible summary of its root emphases provides a vital foundation.
Wentz, David: - "Author Bio - David WentzThirty-eight years as a pastor honed David's passion for helping people connect with God and make a difference. Add a varied church background, a first career in engineering, and graduate degrees from three seminaries (mainstream, Wesleyan-evangelical, and charismatic), and you can see why he expresses God's truth in ways everyone can appreciate. Raised in the Episcopal church, David has also been part of Nazarene, Pentecostal Holiness, and non-denominational congregations. As a United Methodist pastor he has served small, large, and multi-cultural churches in rural, small town, suburban and urban settings. He served as a regional church consultant in the Maryland - D.C. area, and led workshops for pastors in Turkey. In 2019 David founded Doing Christianity, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to equipping pastors in developing and minority-Christian countries. Thousands of copies of his pastoral training book, Pastoring: The Nuts and Bolts, have been printed and distributed free of charge in English, Swahili, Urdu, Chichewa, and French, with all translations done by volunteers.David married his college sweetheart, Paula, in 1974. Their five children are actively serving God in the US and around the world. Dr. Wentz earned a B.S. in Systems Engineering from the University of Virginia; two Masters of Divinity, from Melodyland School of Theology and Wesley Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry from Asbury Theological Seminary. He enjoys the outdoors, reading, and playing music. His heroes are John Wesley, Abraham Lincoln, and Martin Luther King, Jr. (And for you old baseball fans, Brooks Robinson.)The book of Ezekiel describes David's calling. Twenty-five hundred years ago God called Ezekiel to teach God's ways. He instructed him to proclaim the Holy Spirit - the one who revives dry bones and forms them into a dwelling for God and a source of living water that heals nations.Bones are still dry.God still wants to dwell among his people.Nations still need healing.And people still need to be taught God's ways and be moved by God's Spirit.That's the purpose of "Doing Christianity.""
