Books published by Abingdon Press

A comprehensive one-volume history of American Methodism

The perfect time-saving idea for pastors and their assistants who want to write sensitive, effective letters for every occasion. This collection includes letters of: * Thanks * Condolence/Support/Encouragement * Congratulations * Milestone Birthdays * Accepting/Refusing Invitations * Welcome * Attendance Concerns * Media Contact * Seasonal Greetings. Letters for Every Occasion offers: *more than 100 creative, carefully written letters that can be easily adapted for any particular situation * many unique letterheads to enhance correspondence * complete stewardship and commitment campaign materials

"Through stories of hard-living people and pastors who minister with them, Tex Sample challenges mainline churches to break the yoke of middle-class captivity and join with the Christ who lives among the poor and marginalized".--Kenneth L. Carder, Resident Bishop, United Methodist Church.

A treatment of the evolution of Christian thought from the birth of Christ, to the Apostles, to the early church, to the great flowering of Christianity across the world. The final volume begins with the towering theological leaders of the Protestant Reformation and traces the development of Christian thought through its encounter with modernity.

Filling a need not previously addressed, African American Church Growth contends that it is precisely the prophetic consciousness which appeals to many blacks of the post-civil rights era, and that emphasis on the prophetic will help bring the black church out of the disillusionment of a "post-civil rights malaise". Carlyle Fielding Stewart defines prophetic ministry as a concern for wholeness of the individual and community. Going beyond a simple call for social justice, the author addresses both spiritual and tyrannies, within and without the church, that preclude church growth in our center cities and rural communities. Dr. Stewart demonstrates with practical examples how tyranny can be overcome in thriving black churches.

This book talks about the Christian faith in ways that connect with people who are searching for a clear center to their faith. As Harnish describes it, we are all ordinary people on an extraordinary journey toward a center that will hold true, a life-giving center defined by faith in God revealed through Jesus Christ.

This volume provides an anthology of about 40 primary source documents that describe the work of religious communities that took care of pilgrims and the sick in the late antique and early medieval world. The project identifies letters, diary accounts, instructions, sermons, travelogues, and community records and rules that give us a window into a world of early communities that saw it as their duty and their privilege to care for the sick, to safeguard the pilgrim, and to host the stranger. Each document is placed in historical, geographical, and social context as it contributes to an emerging picture of these communities. The volume addresses the motivations and practices of communities that risked extending hospitality. Why did these communities take great risks for the socially vulnerable? What stake did they have in pilgrims and the sick? What communal experiences supported and sustained both the communities and their audiences? How was hospitality cultivated?

Runyon sets Wesley's own discussion of the "way of salvation" in the larger context of Christian doctrine, beginning with the Creation (and the Fall) and moving through the drama of salvation towards its eschatological fulfillment in the "new creation" of all things.

Mohney presents eight New Testament women and the lessons they have for us today. From familiar women such as Mary, the mother of Jesus, and Mary Magdalene to lesser known women such as Lydia and Dorcas, Mohney explores the unique circumstances of each woman and the practical and spiritual insights we can glean from her story. Each chapter begins with a refreshing retelling of the biblical woman's story, followed by suggested lessons or insights we can apply in our own lives. A scripture text is also provided so that we may read the biblical account for ourselves. The author's conversational style and numerous anecdotes make for enjoyable reading and discussion. Study questions for individual or group use are provided at the end of each chapter. The 8 women are: 1. Mary, the Mother of Jesus: 2. Peter's Wife: She Inspired Her Husband 3. Mary and Martha 4. Mary Magdalene 5. Mary, The Mother of Mark 6. The Woman with the Issue of Blood (from Luke 8:43-47) 7. Priscilla 8. Lydia

A comprehensive look at the sacraments in today's mainline Protestant churches. This volume shows how the church can utilize the power of physical symbolism-- embodied in both the "outward and visible" and the "inward and spiritual"--to enrich worship.