In 1988, The General Conference of the United Methodist Church restored class leaders and class meetings to the Book of Discipline after an absence of fifty years. In this volume, David Lowes Watson explains what the recovery of this tradition can mean for congregations, and offers some guidelines for the revitalized office of class leader. Adapting the later Methodist class meeting as a pastoral subdivision of the congregation, Watson shows how class leaders, under the supervision of the pastor, can nurture the discipline of other church members in light of a ÒGeneral Rule of DisciplineÓ derived from the early Methodist societies: ÒTo witness to Jesus Christ in the world, and to follow his teachings through acts of compassion, justice, worship, and devotion, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.Ó This volume is the second in a trilogy : Covenant Discipleship, Class Leaders, and Forming Christian Disciples.
David Lowes Watson advances the practice of mutual accountability in Christian discipleship by expanding and updating the original handbook for covenant discipleship groups. Accountable Discipleship was the manual for covenant discipleship groups for more than six years, with over 20,000 copies printed in three editions. This new version should prove valuable in leading existing groups to a deeper level of discipleship, and newcomers to a fresh discovery of the best of the Methodist tradition. Of special interest is Watson's recovery - from John Wesley's General Rules for the early Methodist societies - of a fourfold ÒGeneral RuleÓ of discipleship: ÒTo witness to Jesus Christ in the world, and to follow his teachings through acts of compassion, justice, worship, and devotion, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.Ó
In this volume, David Lowes Watson provides a basic resource for the formation of faithful Christian disciples and the revitalizing of congregations. Beginning with a Christ-centered model for the church, Watson shows how leaders in discipleship are the key to vital congregations. He then offers procedures for introducing and sustaining covenant discipleship groups as a means of developing these leaders, and concludes with guidelines for the office of class leader as a means of implementing their leadership. How does a congregation decide on covenant discipleship? How are the groups formed? What is the role of a class leader? How do class leaders connect with other leaders in the congregation? These questions, and much more, are the subject of a resource that is foundational for any congregation wishing to revitalize its life and work through the forming of faithful Christian disciples. This volume is the third in a trilogy: Covenant Discipleship, Class Leaders, and Forming Christian Disciples.
David Lowes Watson wants to remove a major blockage in the church--the self-centered pursuit of spiritual amphetamines--by acknowledging the responsibilities of universal salvation and the demands placed upon faithful discipleship: How can Christians effectively hold the tension between the gospel and the seductions of the world? How can we be committed to the church in a way that guards against thoughtless or self-centered discipleship? How can we be committed to discipleship in a way that guards against theological procrastination? David Lowes Watson demonstrates through careful biblical exegesis that all persons are the benefactors of divine grace, but that persons known as Christians are called to a disciplined discipleship. When identifying the role of the clergy and laity as facilitators of these disciplined leaders, Watson explains why no person has the right to declare who is inside or outside of God's universal love.
Available only as a PDF Rituals help us identify with a group of people and pledge what we share. Such communal events help us express the often inexpressible. "United Methodists strongly affirm that the Lord's Table is the Lord's," the writers of this timely resource say. "We also affirm with the whole church that in the Great Thanksgiving 'we offer ourselves in praise and thanksgiving, a holy and living sacrifice, in union with Christ's offering for us.'" The sacrament of the Eucharist is perhaps one of the most treasured liturgies of the Christian church. Much has been written about the theology behind the United Methodist interpretation of Communion, but little is written about the practicalities of presiding. Living into the Mystery fills that void by detailing practices (and the principles behind them) that can help worshipers and worship leaders live a richer experience. The authors dissect the ritual and analyze the ancient worship structure: Gathering, Word and Response, Thanksgiving and Communion, and Sending Forth. A group study guide is also included. Learn to preside and participate in this ritual with authenticity, vitality, and grace through Living into the Mystery. PDF size: 999.12 KB 83 pages Sorry, this item is ineligible for special promotional and bulk discounts. This is a nonreturnable, nonrefundable product.
Bible students sometimes run across troublesome passages that are difficult to understand and put into practice, but are significant to Christian growth and discipleship. This study tackles Scriptures not normally studied from a discipleship viewpoint. This study book looks at 8 Old Testament and 15 New Testament scripture passages. Some of the lesson titles are: The Ten Commandments, Why Do Innocents Suffer?, Forgiveness, The Word Made Flesh, Speaking in Tongues and more. Appropriate for individual and group study, 23 sessions. (separate leader's guide #78378X)
In 1988, The General Conference of the United Methodist Church restored class leaders and class meetings to the Book of Discipline after an absence of fifty years. In this volume, David Lowes Watson explains what the recovery of this tradition can mean for congregations, and offers some guidelines for the revitalized office of class leader. Adapting the later Methodist class meeting as a pastoral subdivision of the congregation, Watson shows how class leaders, under the supervision of the pastor, can nurture the discipline of other church members in light of a ÒGeneral Rule of DisciplineÓ derived from the early Methodist societies: ÒTo witness to Jesus Christ in the world, and to follow his teachings through acts of compassion, justice, worship, and devotion, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.Ó This volume is the second in a trilogy : Covenant Discipleship, Class Leaders, and Forming Christian Disciples.
David Lowes Watson advances the practice of mutual accountability in Christian discipleship by expanding and updating the original handbook for covenant discipleship groups. Accountable Discipleship was the manual for covenant discipleship groups for more than six years, with over 20,000 copies printed in three editions. This new version should prove valuable in leading existing groups to a deeper level of discipleship, and newcomers to a fresh discovery of the best of the Methodist tradition. Of special interest is Watson's recovery - from John Wesley's General Rules for the early Methodist societies - of a fourfold ÒGeneral RuleÓ of discipleship: ÒTo witness to Jesus Christ in the world, and to follow his teachings through acts of compassion, justice, worship, and devotion, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.Ó
In this volume, David Lowes Watson provides a basic resource for the formation of faithful Christian disciples and the revitalizing of congregations. Beginning with a Christ-centered model for the church, Watson shows how leaders in discipleship are the key to vital congregations. He then offers procedures for introducing and sustaining covenant discipleship groups as a means of developing these leaders, and concludes with guidelines for the office of class leader as a means of implementing their leadership. How does a congregation decide on covenant discipleship? How are the groups formed? What is the role of a class leader? How do class leaders connect with other leaders in the congregation? These questions, and much more, are the subject of a resource that is foundational for any congregation wishing to revitalize its life and work through the forming of faithful Christian disciples. This volume is the third in a trilogy: Covenant Discipleship, Class Leaders, and Forming Christian Disciples.
Hempton explores the rise of Methodism from its unpromising origins as a religious society within the Church of England in the 1730s to a major international religious movement by the 1880s.
David S. Young shows a biblical style of servant leadership and how it can be applied in concrete situations. He sees the spiritual dimension as key to renewal in the church. Servant leaders are attuned to God's movement and listen for God's direction to help a congregation find a plan for using the strengths of their church. Servant leaders formulate a renewal plan and implement it through prayer, teamwork, and resources. They learn to handle hardship. They are involved in faith formation. They serve by the transforming springs of God and call others to renewal and service.
Bible students sometimes run across troublesome passages that are difficult to understand and put into practice, but are significant to Christian growth and discipleship. This study tackles Scriptures not normally studied from a discipleship viewpoint. This study book looks at 8 Old Testament and 15 New Testament scripture passages. Some of the lesson titles are: The Ten Commandments, Why Do Innocents Suffer?, Forgiveness, The Word Made Flesh, Speaking in Tongues and more. Appropriate for individual and group study, 23 sessions. (separate leader's guide #78378X)
Love is the very best analgesic for pain. White roses in memory of a lost loved one Wildflowers in bloom the work of an earth angel Gentle rain . . . star magnolia glistens My life depends on a blue walker moving slowly Through the gate around the pond a cougar watches
Packed with inspiring illustrations that enlighten the mind and warm the heart, this complete collection of thoughtful sermons for each Sunday and major celebration throughout the entire church year is a gold mine of creative preaching ideas -- and an invaluable source of insight into faithful Christian living amidst the challenges of today's secular world. Five outstanding preachers from diverse ministry settings reflect on the events of Jesus' life and their contemporary meaning in messages based on Gospel passages from Cycle B of the Revised Common Lectionary. Combining a strong foundation in the scriptural text with a deep understanding of vital current issues, these sermons passionately proclaim the Good News while pointing readers toward a strengthened and renewed spiritual relationship with Christ, the rock of our salvation. This essential resource is useful for: - Fresh homiletical approaches to the lectionary texts - Preaching illustrations - Understanding scripture passages - Adult study and discussion groups - Personal devotions and Bible study
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