DESCRIPTION:

This study of the United Methodist Church will explore the persons, ideas, issues, and events that together formed the early content of the Methodist revivals. The various streams of further theological and organizational development will be analyzed in order to better understand the foundation and content of modern United Methodism.

This course will enable the student to develop a strong sense of theological and organizational identity with which to more effectively minister in a rapidly changing world. Furthermore, this course will meet part of the basic requirements for ordination within the United Methodist Church. In addition, this course, through its study of persons, events, and issues, will aid in the development and spiritual formation of pastors and leaders.

This class will meet weekly for three-hour sessions. The class is participatory in style, and students are expected to read assigned portions of primary and secondary materials in preparation for class.

Collins, Kenneth J. A Real Christian: The Life of John Wesley. Abingdon, 1999.

Heitzenrater, Richard P. Wesley and the People Called Methodist. Abingdon, 1995.

Maddox, Randy. Aldersgate Reconsidered. Kingswood Books, Abingdon, 1990.

Norwood, Frederick A. The Story of American Methodists. Abingdon, 1974.

Wesley, Charles. The Journal of the Rev Charles Wesley. 2 vols. Ed. Thomas Jackson. Baker, 1980. (Assigned portions on reserve.)

Wesley, John. The Bicentennial Edition of the Works of John Wesley. Gen. ed. Frank Baker. Vols. 18-24: Journal and Diaries. Abingdon, 1984- . (Assigned portions on reserve.)

Ayling, Stanley. John Wesley. Abingdon, 1979.

Baker, Frank. John Wesley and the Church of England. Abingdon, 1970.

Behney, J. B. & P. H. Eller. The History of the Evangelical United Brethren Church. Abingdon, 1979.

Bucke, Emory S., ed. The History of American Methodism. 3 vols. Abingdon, 1964.

Chilcate, Paul Wesley. John Wesley and the Women Preachers of Early Methodism. Metuchen: American Theological Library Association and the Scarecrow Press, 1991.

Davies, Rupert E. Methodism. Epworth Press, 1985.

González, Justo. Each in Our Own Tongue: History Hispanic United Methodism. Abingdon, 1991.

Heard, William H. From Slavery to the Bishopric. Salem: Arno Press, 1969.

Heitzenrater, Richard P. The Elusive Mr. Wesley. 2 vols. Abingdon, 1992.

McClain, William B. Black People in the Methodist Church. Abingdon, 1995.

Smeltzer, Wallace. Bishop Francis Asbury: Field Marshal of the Lord. Denver: the Author, 1982.

Tuttle, Robert G., Jr. John Wesley; His Life and Theology. Zondervan, 1978.

Watson, David L. The Early Methodist Class Meeting. Nashville: Discipleship Resources, 1987.

Students are expected to read assigned passages prior to the class session. In addition to assigned reading: 1) a midterm exam based on assigned reading and class lectures; 2) a 10-15 page critical paper on a topic related to United Methodist history, topic to be approved by the instructor; 3) reading a minimum of 500 pages from the Recommended Reading list and submission of an annotated bibliography of completed reading.