The Top 10 Links for Staying Informed on a New Iteration of Methodism
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The Top 10 Links for Staying Informed on a New Iteration of Methodism
(In random order)
Dr. Chris Ritter serves as the Directing Pastor of Geneseo First United Methodist Church, and sits on the Global Council of the Wesleyan Covenant Association. As a thought leader related to the possibilities of a new Methodist movement, he shares insightful thoughts through his website, PeopleNeedJesus.net. In addition to Dr. Ritter’s insights, the compendium of denominationally wide information is helpful for staying informed and keeping pace with rapidly ongoing developments.
2. Vital Piety
We owe a great gratitude to many of Methodism’s theologians in this critical hour. Many have anchored the church faithfully to Scripture and the Wesleyan tradition in a window of great vulnerability. Dr. Kevin M. Watson is Assistant Professor of Wesleyan & Methodist Studies at Candler School of Theology, Emory University.
Dr. Watson is one of two Methodist theologians who are on the list because of their regular contributions through writing, speaking and blogging. Dr. Kevin Watson’s web-site, Vital Piety, contains theological insights, as well as clarion calls for a reawakening to Wesleyan discipleship, and life-giving Scriptural holiness.
3. David F. Watson, Musings and What Not . . .
Dr. David F. Watson serves as Academic Dean and Professor of New Testament at United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. Like Dr. Kevin Watson and many others, we owe Dr. David Watson great gratitude in this critical hour of church history. Through his blog and podcasts, the reader and listener are invited to think deeply, and to carefully consider topics matters related to Scripture, Spiritual vitality, and the potential future of Methodism.
4. Wesleyan Covenant Association
Because the WCA has taken the lead in developing a book of Doctrines and Disciplines for a new Methodist denomination, and has already formed task forces to equip local churches in patterns of revitalization, the regular posts on this web-site are essential reads for staying informed in regard to the future of the next expression of Methodism. We are deeply thankful for all labor of Keith Boyette, President of the WCA; Walter Fenton, Vice-President of Advancement; and Teresa Marcus, who serves as Administrator of this movement.
The Rev. Dr. Carolyn Moore has inspired many with her gift of preaching and writing. Dr. Moore serves as the founding Pastor of Mosaic United Methodist Church in Augusta, Georgia. Through her web-site, Dr Moore shares insightful thoughts wed with a special gift of shepherding the hearts of God’s people.
With decades of experience and insight, the leaders at Good News are dynamic in keeping the greater church informed. Since 1967, Good News has been the classical evangelical witness and ministry for renewal and reform within The United Methodist Church. Their mission is to lead all people within The United Methodist Church to the faithful and vibrant practice of orthodox Wesleyan Christianity. The resources and information regularly published by Good News is essential for the person who wishes to stay informed at this stage in Methodist history.
Founded in 1981, the Institute of Religion and Democracy has been a voice for transparency, for renewal, and for Christian orthodoxy. In the words of theologian and IRD board member Thomas Oden, we “are not presuming to create new doctrine but hold firmly to apostolic teaching in ways especially pertinent to current circumstances. The theology is orthodox, reliable, stable, beautiful, familiar, and glorious. By it the church has been blessed by God for two thousand years.”
The IRD’s historic ties with renewal efforts in mainline denominations along with our connection to the broader evangelical movement give them a unique and comprehensive perspective on Protestant American church life and social witness.
Rev. Shane L. Bishop is the Sr. Pastor of Christ Church in Fairview Heights, Illinois. Christ Church was recognized by Outreach Magazine as being one of the 100 Fastest Growing Churches in the United States for 2018. Shane’s common sensical insights through his blog are helpful in navigating the turbulent waters of a denomination shifting into a new iteration.
9. Teddy Ray
Teddy Ray serves as the lead pastor of the Offerings Community of First United Methodist Church in Lexington, KY. His blog focuses on matters related to the church, church & culture, leadership, theology and preaching.
While newmethodistmovement.org is a brand-new website, the purpose of the site is to cast a compelling vision for the next iteration of Methodism through a series blog posts and podcasts. Convinced that the best days of Methodism are ahead, Rev. Paul Lawler and Rev. Vaughn Stafford serve as curators of the site.
Chris Ritter - January 23, 2020
Interview with Dr. Chris Ritter
