Advice for Next Methodism

IRD has collaborated in a new book of counsel for future traditional Methodism called The Next Methodism: Theological, Social, and Missional Foundations for Global Methodism, published by Seedbed and releasing January 22, 2022. My chapter on Wesleyan Political Theology is among several dozen contributions from leading thinkers within United Methodism. Seedbed describes the book this way:

The Next Methodism invites readers on a journey to discover the vitality, richness, and sheer goodness of the broader Wesleyan tradition. Methodism began in England as a movement to spread scriptural holiness across the land, to reform the church, and, ultimately, to reform the nation. It was a gracious movement of the Holy Spirit guided by Scripture, the tradition of Christian witness, and the light of reason.

Methodism is now itself on the cusp of renewal and the authors of the present volume—scholars and church leaders committed to the Wesleyan message—are convinced that this renewed Wesleyan movement will emerge as unapologetically orthodox, authentically sacramental, vigorously engaged with the poor, and loving toward all people in nothing less than the holy love of Jesus Christ. The next Methodism will proclaim the good news of Christ that sets captives free in the power of the Holy Spirit to the glory of God the Father.

Authors include the recently deceased William J. Abraham of Perkins School of Theology, Asbury Seminary President Timothy C. Tennent, Asbury Professor of Old Testament Bill T. Arnold, Asbury Chapel Dean Jessica LaGrone, Texas Bishop Scott Jameson Jones, Fuller Seminary New Testament Professor Joel B. Green, Asbury Seminary Professor of Theology Jason E. Vickers, United Seminary Dean David F. Watson, Asbury Seminary Chancellor Maxie Dunnam, Acting Director of Baylor University’s Wesley House of Studies Kevin M. Watson, retired Florida Bishop Timothy W. Whitaker, United Seminary History and Theology Professor Wendy J. Deichmann, United Seminary Christian History Professor United Scott Kisker, Liberia United Methodist University Graduate School Dean Jerry P. Kulah, retired North Texas Bishop Mike Lowry, Russia Bishop Eduard Khegay, retired Virginia Bishop Young Jin Cho, Duke Divinity Historical Theology Professor Warren Smith and many others others.

The editors were Kenneth J. Collins, professor of Historical Theology and Wesley Studies at Asbury Seminary, and church historian Ryan Danker of Wesley Biblical Seminary. 

Here’s an excerpt from my chapter:

Now is a momentous time to address Wesleyan political witness and eschatology.  We are facing a dramatic churning in USA and global United Methodism, the largest Methodist polity.  Almost certainly the trajectory of at least part of what is now United Methodist political witness will shift in a new direction.  There is a unique opportunity to rediscover and even possibly to implement essential Wesleyan principles for political witness. Such a rediscovery would benefit not only United Methodists and the wider Wesleyan family.  It could be instructive for the wider Body of Christ, especially in America. Once great denominational traditions are collapsing and Christian political witness is, with all else political, increasingly polarized, not based on constant principles but harnessed to tribal commitments and anger.     

We hope The New Methodism will help fuel a renaissance of Wesleyan theological discourse that will animate future traditional Methodism. The book will unveil at a summit for Methodist theologians later this month. Be sure to pre-order your copy!