Author Interview by United Methodist Insight

 

I was so honored with an author interview by Cynthia Astle of United Methodist Insight.

It's entitled "'Musical Preacher' Pens Book on Communion as Way to UMC Unity" and it can be found here.

This United Methodist Insight exclusive begins with these words:

"In these days of church turmoil, it may be hard to find someone more in love with the blessings of Methodist heritage than the Rev. Dr. Stephen P. West. That's a good thing, because out of his service as a pastor, his affinity to Charles Wesley's hymns and his doctoral project he has written a book about the heart of Methodism - the sacrament of Holy Communion."

Again, you can find the book on Amazon or Wipf & Stock.

"Something Happens Here" Now Available for Purchase

My book, Something Happens Here, is now available for purchase! You can find it by clicking the link to Amazon or Wipf & Stock.

The back cover reads:

“The United Methodist Church is at a crossroads, and nothing is more important than  reclaiming our sacramental distinctiveness in these times of divisiveness. This book takes a fresh look at Wesley’s core teachings on the Lord’s Supper, letting each unique feature become a lens to navigate troubled waters. The author explores the historical background of each characteristic, finds evidence in writings of John and Charles Wesley, and applies them to the struggles of present-day United Methodism. He concludes with signs of life emerging in divisive and uncertain times, as people come back to the table to move forward into the future.”

The foreword was written by Don E. Saliers.

It is endorsed by authors Bishop Will Willimon, Glandion Carney, Wes Allen, Bruce Morrill, Roger Owens, Richard Eslinger, and S T Kimbrough, Jr.

It was written for such a time as this. I truly believe coming back to the table will move us forward into the future.

Again, you can find it by clicking the link to Amazon or Wipf & Stock.

#BeUMC

#stayumc

"Celebrate the UMC" event in Montgomery

I've been telling everyone, whether in person or at discernment group meetings, that if your church is discerning whether to stay in the UMC, this is the absolute BEST video I have seen from a centrist point of view. The testimonies celebrate who we are, and Tom Berlin does an excellent job of summarizing what it would mean to stay in our denomination and move forward in history.

I understand those that might wish to become part of another denomination at this juncture, and I only offer blessings if that's where your convictions lead you. However, let us all choose peace and refrain from the kind of straw-man arguments and half-truths that Berlin addresses about 40 minutes into the video.

You can find the video HERE!