Joining the Methodist Church / John Wesley

[ChrisLockhart]

As somebody just now joining the United Methodist Church, I am curious of any of you would suggest any particular books about/by John Wesley.

Any other words of advice would be great as well. I'm not exactly sure what it means to "join the church", but I am very certain it is what I want to do. I will say that I have been attending Sundays at this church that I am very pleased with for a few months now.

 

[ChrisLockhart]

I plan on speaking with the minister on Wednesday regarding this also.
However, I'm still very interested and eager to hear what any of you may have to add beforehand.

 

[ChrisLockhart]

Unfortunately, he had to run to the hospital to be with somebody. I hope that they're surgery went well. Anyway, hopefully I will be able to meet with him next week.

 

[msturek]

I've never read it, but our old pastor often referenced John Wesley's Sermons: An Anthology and John and Charles Wesley: Selected Prayers, Hymns, Journal Notes, Sermons, Letters and Treatises in his sermons.

As far as joining a Methodist church, if you profess faith in Jesus Christ as your savior, they will ask you a couple of standard questions, and the congregation will then pledge to reaffirm their faith and guide you in yours. That's basically it. I know that sometimes people decide to be re-Baptized (if that's a word ), but it's not required.

From what I've learned about Wesley, he made it a point to stress the grace of Christ as being sufficient in your life. Even though Wesley was the founder of the church and a continual inspiration for it, my experience has been that the Methodist Church is very consistent in using the Bible as the guide for all operations.

 

[SandyLou]

Stop by the church office and pick up a couple of lil pamphlets - "What it Means To Be A United Methodist" (the inside back page has the Membership Vows) and maybe a copy of "Social Principles"

Wesley's sermons (many are available on-line) are difficult to understand for the casual reader. And if you find some "modernized" translations, well, keep in mind they are translations. While the history of the Methodist denomination and that of the Wesleys, is fascinating, before joining the church, make sure you understand and can live with what the church is NOW also.

I've been a member of the UMC (yes, when you join - it's THE denomination you are joining, not your neighborhood church) for about 9 years - but often I find myself discribing myself as "a recovering Baptist" After reading the Social Principles & What It means. . . I discovered that I've always shared the belief structure as the UMC. I still have some issues when reading J Wesley's diary - but then I think someone would have a few issues with me if they ever read a diary of mine! (which is why I don't keep one!*giggle*)
My local church lives the Open Hearts Open Minds Open Doors slogan.

 

[ChrisLockhart]

I am currently checking over umc.org.. for some reason I'd never thought to, but when you mentioned pamphlets it made me think.
Thank you for all of your advice and guidance. I will continue to find out what I can.