Diversity and Co-Operation
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Copyright Holiness Data Ministry -- All Rights Are Reserved for This Digital Publication, and Duplication of This DVD by Any Means Is Forbidden
Copyright Holiness Data Ministry -- All Rights Are Reserved For This Digital Publication, And Duplication Of This DVD By Any Means Is Forbidden. Also, Copies Of Individual Files Must Be Made In Accordance With The Restrictions Of The B4UCopy.txt File On This Disc. AMERICAN METHODISM By M. L. Scudder With An Introduction By Rev. Joseph Cummings, President Of Wesleyan University Illustrated "Ye are chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people." S. S. Scranton & Co., Hartford, Connecticut Zeigler, McCurdy & Co., Cincinnati, Ohio; O. F. Gibbs, Chicago, Illinois; H. H. Bancroft & Co., San Francisco, California. 1867 Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1867, by S. S. Scranton & Co., In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the District of Connecticut. * * * * * * * Digital Edition 07-26-09 By Holiness Data Ministry * * * * * * * CONTENTS Introduction Book Pictures 01 -- PRESENT STATE OF METHODISM -- Methodism Claims To Be Of God -- The Phenomena Of Its History -- Its Present Status -- Its Rapid Growth, Compared With The Primitive Church -- Statistical Proof Of Greatness -- English Methodism -- Its Numerical Strength -- A Religious Educator Of The Young -- Its Literature Among The People -- Its Missionary Work -- Beneficial Re-Action On The Domestic Church - - Its Moral Power On The Masses -- Maintains Its Evangelical Spirit -- American Methodism -- A Wonderful Religious Movement -- What The Centenary Year Has Shown, By Its Services, By Its Teachings, By Its Commemorative Offerings -- General Diffusion -
Wesleyan Worship and the Means of Grace
WESLEYAN WORSHIP AND THE MEANS OF GRACE Robert W. Gribben The first of three keynote addresses given at the 7th Australasian Centre for Wesleyan Research Conference, Brisbane 12-13 August 2016 This article explores the question, ‘What is Wesleyan worship?’ by investigating John Wesley’s use of the means of grace and of hymn singing. The role of hymns as a valuable mode of teaching doctrine is highlighted. The liturgical minimalism of nineteenth-century Methodism and the impact of revivalism are identified as contributing causes of the loss of Wesley’s worship practices among Methodists. ____________________________________________________ Introduction I had better begin by defining my terms. My title was not ‘Methodist worship’, though these lectures will be very brief if Methodism is not included! I do, however, want to keep Mr Wesley - as his disciples still call John - as my plumbline. As I was preparing for this weekend, I was also reading - I am embarrassed to say, for the first time - David Hempton’s ground-breaking study, Methodism, Empire of the Spirit.1 It is a breathtaking survey and reframing of the Methodist movement, and perhaps the first which adequately embraces both its British and its American forms. It is also most eloquently written and a joy to read. Hempton breaks the pattern of writing about Wesley and Methodism by those who are devoted to, and defensive of the man and his movement. That, I suspect, is where I still was when I began; I hope I have learned from Hempton. One thing Hempton and others have borne in upon me in recent times, though a glance at the membership of the World Methodist Council would confirm it, is that there is no one single way of being ‘Wesleyan’. -
“Blest Be the Dear Uniting Love”: George Jackson (1864-1945) and the Transatlantic Connections of Methodism in Canada, the USA and Great Britain
Methodist History, 50:3 (April 2012) “BLEST BE THE DEAR UNITING LOVE”: GEORGE JACKSON (1864-1945) AND THE Transatlantic CONNECTIONS OF METHODISM IN CANADA, THE USA AND Great Britain1 MARTIN WELLINGS Historians of the early years of the Evangelical Revival, like George Rawlyk, Reg Ward and Mark Noll, have taught us to recognise the web of contacts and correspondence linking Europe, Great Britain and North America in the mid-eighteenth century, contacts which helped to dissemi- nate the stories and methodology of the Revival.2 Scholars and students have not paid as much attention to the later history of those connections, and this paper suggests that this is a topic whose significance we might profitably consider. The paper offers a case study of a man, a book and a reaction. The man is George Jackson (1864-1945), a minister of the British Wesleyan Methodist Connexion. The book is The Preacher and the Modern Mind, the published version of a lecture Jackson gave to the Wesleyan Conference in Liverpool, England, in July, 1912. The reaction has been described as a rare example of organised Fundamentalism among British Methodists, spawning one of the very few groups in Great Britain which fits George Marsden’s definition of a Fundamentalist: “an Evangelical who is angry about something.”3 And Jackson’s opponents in the Wesley Bible Union were certainly very angry indeed.4 At first sight this controversy within British Methodism looks very insular, but further investigation reveals that George Jackson’s formation as a preacher and theologian, his reputation as an advocate of “modern thought” and the reactions to The Preacher and the Modern Mind all owed a good deal 1 A version of this paper was presented to the Wesleyan Studies Group at the American Academy of Religion in Montreal in 2009, and I am grateful to members of the Group for their insightful comments. -
Church Membership and Pastoral Authority in American Methodism
Church Membership and Pastoral Authority in American Methodism Rex D. Matthews NB: This paper is very much a work-in-progress and is intended only for discussion by members of the Oxford Institute of Methodist Theological Studies. Please refrain from public quotation or attribution without the specific consent of the author. Introduction A recent decision by the Judicial Council of The United Methodist Church stimulated a good deal of controversy across the denomination. That decision stated that “the pastor in charge of a United Methodist church or charge is solely responsible for making the determination of a person’s readiness to receive the vows of membership.” It further stated that a pastor in charge “cannot be ordered by the district superintendent or bishop to admit into membership a person deemed not ready or able to meet the requirements of the vows of church membership of The United Methodist Church,” and concluded that the 2004 Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church “invests discretion in the pastor in charge to make the determination of a person’s readiness to affirm the vows of membership.”1 In a “Pastoral Letter to the People of The United Methodist Church” issued in response to that Judicial Council decision, the Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church plainly affirms the “Wesleyan practice” that “pastors are accountable to the bishop, [district] superinten- dent, and the clergy on matters of ministry and membership.” Bishop Peter Weaver, at the time the President of the Council of Bishops, was quoted -
Durham E-Theses
Durham E-Theses Watching Over one another in Love: Methodist Superintendents and Oversight in the Church COCKLING, IAN,NEIL How to cite: COCKLING, IAN,NEIL (2015) Watching Over one another in Love: Methodist Superintendents and Oversight in the Church , Durham theses, Durham University. Available at Durham E-Theses Online: http://etheses.dur.ac.uk/11372/ Use policy The full-text may be used and/or reproduced, and given to third parties in any format or medium, without prior permission or charge, for personal research or study, educational, or not-for-prot purposes provided that: • a full bibliographic reference is made to the original source • a link is made to the metadata record in Durham E-Theses • the full-text is not changed in any way The full-text must not be sold in any format or medium without the formal permission of the copyright holders. Please consult the full Durham E-Theses policy for further details. Academic Support Oce, Durham University, University Oce, Old Elvet, Durham DH1 3HP e-mail: [email protected] Tel: +44 0191 334 6107 http://etheses.dur.ac.uk 2 Abstract Ian Neil Cockling Watching Over one another in Love: Methodist Superintendents and Oversight in the Church The thesis tests the claim that superintendent ministers in the Methodist Church of Great Britain exercise an effective ministry of personal oversight which is pivotal in the church’s life, and which makes a distinctive contribution to the Christian understanding of episkopé. The thesis describes empirical, exploratory research into the nature, operant practice and understanding of superintendency which was focused on the Newcastle upon Tyne District of the Methodist Church during 2011-2012. -
Aspects of Arminian Soteriology in Methodist-Lutheran Ecumenical Dialogues in 20Th and 21St Century
View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk brought to you by CORE provided by Helsingin yliopiston digitaalinen arkisto ASPECTS OF ARMINIAN SOTERIOLOGY IN METHODIST-LUTHERAN ECUMENICAL DIALOGUES IN 20TH AND 21ST CENTURY Mikko Satama Master’s Thesis University of Helsinki Faculty of Theology Department of Systematic Theology Ecumenical Studies 18th January 2009 HELSINGIN YLIOPISTO − HELSINGFORS UNIVERSITET Tiedekunta/Osasto − Fakultet/Sektion Laitos − Institution Teologinen tiedekunta Systemaattisen teologian laitos Tekijä − Författare Mikko Satama Työn nimi − Arbetets title Aspects of Arminian Soteriology in Methodist-Lutheran Ecumenical Dialogues in 20th and 21st Century Oppiaine − Läroämne Ekumeniikka Työn laji − Arbetets art Aika − Datum Sivumäärä − Sidoantal Pro Gradu -tutkielma 18.1.2009 94 Tiivistelmä − Referat The aim of this thesis is to analyse the key ecumenical dialogues between Methodists and Lutherans from the perspective of Arminian soteriology and Methodist theology in general. The primary research question is defined as: “To what extent do the dialogues under analysis relate to Arminian soteriology?” By seeking an answer to this question, new knowledge is sought on the current soteriological position of the Methodist-Lutheran dialogues, the contemporary Methodist theology and the commonalities between the Lutheran and Arminian understanding of soteriology. This way the soteriological picture of the Methodist-Lutheran discussions is clarified. The dialogues under analysis were selected on the basis of versatility. Firstly, the sole world organisation level dialogue was chosen: The Church – Community of Grace. Additionally, the document World Methodist Council and the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification is analysed as a supporting document. Secondly, a document concerning the discussions between two main-line churches in the United States of America was selected: Confessing Our Faith Together. -
William Booth, Catherine Mumford and the Methodist Reformers
1 WILLIAM BOOTH, CATHERINE MUMFORD AND THE METHODIST REFORMERS By David Malcolm Bennett 2 WILLIAM BOOTH, CATHERINE MUMFORD AND THE METHODIST REFORMERS I The Booths The Methodist reform movement of the 1850s led to many defections from British Wesleyan Methodism in what is sometimes called “The Agitation”.1 Amongst these defectors were William Booth (1829-1912) and Catherine Mumford (Booth – 1829-90), of Salvation Army fame. William Booth had been brought up as a nominal Anglican, but when he was 15 he began to attend the Wesley Methodist Chapel in Nottingham in the north of England. It was through the ministry of this chapel that he was converted not long after. In 1849 he became unemployed, so he moved to London and joined the Wesleyans there. Catherine Mumford was born in Derbyshire not far from where the Booths lived, though the two families were, at that time, unknown to each other. She was brought up a Wesleyan Methodist and for most of her childhood lived in Boston, Lincolnshire. The Mumfords moved to London in 1844, not far from where William Booth was later to live. William and Catherine did not attend the same chapel but were introduced by a Methodist Reformer acquaintance.2 II The Divisions in Methodism It was not long after the death of John Wesley in 1791 that British Methodism began to divide. Because of ministerial dominance, one group broke away as early as 1797 to form the Methodist New Connexion. Another split occurred when Primitive Methodism was founded in 1811. This later became a large body. -
Methodists in Military Garb
Aldersgate Papers, Vol.2 September 2001 METHODISTS IN MILITARY GARB The Salvation Army as a living expression of John Wesley's movement by Alan R. Harley Introduction I worshipped everything that bore the name of Methodist. To me there was one God, and Wesley was his prophet. I had devoured the story of his life. No human compositions seemed to me to be comparable to his writings, and to the hymns of his brother Charles, and all that was wanted, in my estimation, for the salvation of the world, was the faithful carrying out into practice of the letter and the spirit of his instructions.1 So said the young William Booth. Even though Booth's subsequent writings make scant reference to Wesley and things Methodist, these words, uttered when twenty years old, find an echo in all Booth did in his subsequent ministry. Salvationist historians have called the early Salvation Army "old Time Methodism" and "a derivation of Methodism". The purpose of this paper is to ask if indeed there is such a relationship between Methodism and the Salvation Army. At the outset a difficulty is acknowledged. The younger movement has developed a strikingly distinctive identity, polity and ethos. These tend to make Salvation- ists feel self-contained rather than in continuity with a larger, older movement. It can be argued that in a significant number of instances these 'distinctives' represent the influence of the parent body. 1 F. De Latour Booth-Tucker, The Life of Catherine Booth, Vol.1 (Westwood: Fleming H. Revell, 1892) p.74. Aldersgate Papers, Vol. -
Church, State and Establishment
A REPORT ON CHURCH, STATE AND ESTABLISHMENT Received by the Methodist Conference of 2004 SUMMARY OF CONTENTS Introduction (paragraphs 1-10) - an explanation of the background to the report. Beginning with stories (11-22) - examples and stories that are told, from the past and the present, which have a bearing on the subject being discussed. Using stories and experiences (23-29) - initial reflection on how such examples and stories help to shape what we believe about ‘establishment’. Establishment (30-52) - detailed discussion of what the establishment of the Church of England entails at present, concluding with a brief comparison with other situations in the United Kingdom and beyond. Biblical material (53-70) - exploration of biblical material, particularly in the Old Testament, which underpinned discussions of the establishment of the Church of England as it was shaped in earlier centuries. Other biblical texts are also explored, more briefly. Theological material (71-82) - as with the biblical section, an exploration of theological discussions which underpinned early discussions of the establishment of the Church of England, with reflection on how the theological discussions shifted in subsequent centuries. Methodist historical background (83-88) - brief exploration of how the debates on establishment affected, or were discussed in, Methodism, largely before the 20th century. Reflections (89-109) - the drawing out of important strands and implications from the previous material in the report, focusing on such areas as mission and unity and the variety of possible models of Church/state relationships. Conclusions and recommendations (110-119) - recommendations for discussion and action for the British Methodist Church. Resolutions Appendix - a summary of previous Methodist reports on areas related to the subject of establishment, particularly on political responsibility. -
Page 1 of 7 1 WESLEYAN REFORM UNION of CHURCHES a BRIEF
Page 1 of 7 WESLEYAN REFORM UNION OF CHURCHES A BRIEF INTRODUCTION Who We Are The “Wesleyan Reform Union of Churches” is a Union of about 100 self-governing local churches spread throughout the country that work together to reach the communities in which they are situated. The Union serves its churches through various committees, departments and personnel, and by encouraging and supporting individual churches in their effort to grow spiritually and numerically as they seek to fulfil the Great Commission. Our Vision Our vision is to enable God’s people to grow in discipleship and evangelism, and see the Kingdom of God extended. As an umbrella body we seek to equip, support, resource and empower our churches to take the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the communities around them. Our desire is to serve our churches, help mobilize our congregations, ministers and pastors to become more effective ambassadors of Christ, and advance the Great Commission in their villages, towns and cities. History The “Wesleyan Reform Union of Churches“ was founded in 1849 by some local congregations/churches members of the Wesleyan Reform movement who, at that time, didn’t want to join the Methodist Connexion. The Union was formed to give more freedom to local congregations to govern themselves, and to give more authority and value to local leadership. Today, the final authority in all matters is the Church Members meeting. Where We Work The Wesleyan Reform Union of Churches has individual churches as well as those who group themselves together into ‘circuits’ of geographical local churches for mutual support and encouragement. -
Wesleyan Reform Union of Churches Introduction Pack
Page 1 of 7 WESLEYAN REFORM UNION OF CHURCHES A BRIEF INTRODUCTION Who We Are The “Wesleyan Reform Union of Churches” is a Union of about 100 self-governing local churches spread throughout the country that work together to reach the communities in which they are situated. The Union serves its churches through various committees, departments and personnel, and by encouraging and supporting individual churches in their effort to grow spiritually and numerically as they seek to fulfil the Great Commission. Our Vision Our vision is to enable God’s people to grow in discipleship and evangelism, and see the Kingdom of God extended. As an umbrella body we seek to equip, support, resource and empower our churches to take the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the communities around them. Our desire is to serve our churches, help mobilize our congregations, ministers and pastors to become more effective ambassadors of Christ, and advance the Great Commission in their villages, towns and cities. History The “Wesleyan Reform Union of Churches“ was founded in 1849 by some local congregations/churches members of the Wesleyan Reform movement who, at that time, didn’t want to join the Methodist Connexion. The Union was formed to give more freedom to local congregations to govern themselves, and to give more authority and value to local leadership. Today, the final authority in all matters is the Church Members meeting. Where We Work The Wesleyan Reform Union of Churches has individual churches as well as those who group themselves together into ‘circuits’ of geographical local churches for mutual support and encouragement. -
Jabez Bunting
8 EARLY CORRESPONDENCE OF JABEZ BUNTING In 1826 the Leeds circuit was divided, and there was great ill-feeling over the division of the Sunday school, which was not in origin a circuit or even a Methodist institution, and from the radical leaders of which serious trouble was expected. The explosion in fact came over the proposal to install an organ in the Brunswick chapel which was new, fashionable, and reputed the largest in the connexion. The law was clear that the organ might be introduced only with Conference consent after an investigation and approval by a District Meeting, and clear on almost nothing else. The Brunswick Trustees applied for the organ by a majority of 8 votes to 6 with one neutral; the Leaders' Meeting, viewing the organ as a middle-class status symbol, and thoroughly irritated by the new arrangements in the circuit and by the itinerants' refusal to entertain any representations from the local preachers, opposed it by a majority of more than twenty to one, and were upheld by the District Meeting. Bunting nevertheless persuaded a Conference committee largely composed of the same preachers who had met in the District Meeting to reverse their ver- dict. When serious opposition developed in Leeds, Conference sovereignty was demonstrated by the summoning of a Special District Meeting (attended by Bunting as President's special adviser) to settle the affairs of the circuit. This court expelled members in large numbers without trial before a Leaders' Meeting from which palatable verdicts could not have been obtained. This exercise of central authority and personal influence turned the radicals into inveterate defenders of circuit rights, led in 1828 to the formation of a secession connexion, the Leeds Protestant Methodists, and estab- lished their view of Bunting as the Methodist Pope.