Clergy & Laity

Living Our Beliefs, Third Edition

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 18:50:21 GMT

Available May 2027; Preorder Now!

What does it mean to be a United Methodist today?

In a season of profound change for both the church and society, how can United Methodist faith continue to shape our lives, our congregations, and our witness in the world?

Since Living Our Beliefs: The United Methodist Way was last updated in 2009, both The United Methodist Church and the wider culture have changed dramatically. In a society where religion no longer occupies a central place in public life, churches are called to articulate their identity, beliefs, mission, and witness with greater clarity than ever before.

In this newly revised edition of his classic guide, Bishop Kenneth L. Carder offers a clear, accessible introduction to United Methodist doctrine, theology, and practices that shape Christian discipleship. Drawing on the writings of John and Charles Wesley, insights from leading scholars, the liturgical resources of The United Methodist Hymnal, and other foundational sources, Carder identifies and clarifies United Methodist beliefs and their relevance for living as disciples of Jesus Christ, both individually and in community.

More than an introduction to Methodist doctrine, Living Our Beliefs demonstrates that theology is never merely something we affirm. It is something we live. As Carder reminds us, "Beliefs are to be lived; doctrine is to be practiced."

Whether you're preparing for confirmation, joining a United Methodist congregation, leading a small group, or seeking a deeper understanding of Wesleyan faith, Living Our Beliefs invites readers to discover how Methodist beliefs can shape lives, strengthen congregations, and transform communities.

"This revised edition is essential reading for every congregation seeking to move beyond institutional maintenance toward the transformative discipleship that has always been the Methodist way." —Rev. Dr. Laceye C. Warner, Professor of the Practice of Church Ministry and Methodist Studies and Associate Dean for Wesleyan Engagement, Duke Divinity School

The Africana Worship Book

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 18:52:38 GMT

Available February 2027; Preorder Now!

A vibrant new collection of worship resources from a new generation of Black voices.

For generations, the Black church has been a place where people gather to pray, sing, testify, proclaim God's Word, and find strength for the journey. It is a place of worship, witness, creativity, and community—a place where faith is renewed and God's people are equipped for the work of ministry in the world.

Now, ten years after the publication of the last volume in the acclaimed Africana Worship Book series, editors Safiyah Fosua and Cheryl LaTanya Walker return with a powerful new collection shaped by the voices of emerging Black creatives from across the Africana tradition.

Written by clergy, lay leaders, musicians, poets, and worship leaders, The Africana Worship Book: Liturgical Resources from Black Creatives offers fresh and compelling worship resources that speak to the realities, hopes, challenges, and celebrations of the church today. Through prayers, spoken word, calls to worship, litanies, and dramatic readings, these contributors draw from the rich traditions of the Black church while creating liturgies for a new generation.

Designed for pastors, worship leaders, musicians, liturgists, and congregations of every background, this volume provides a robust collection of resources for leading meaningful, relevant, and transformative worship.

Inside you'll find:

Meditations for Gathering
Calls to Worship
Choral Readings
Prayers and Litanies
Responses to the Word
Spoken Word and Drama
Liturgies for Special Days and Seasons
Scripture Index

Rooted in the wisdom of the Black church and alive with the creativity of today's emerging leaders, The Africana Worship Book is an essential resource for congregations seeking worship that is authentic, inspiring, and responsive to the needs of our time.

The Bible Through the Eyes of John Wesley

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 18:38:36 GMT

Available November 2026; Preorder Now!

Explore the Bible from beginning to end with 52 weekly studies informed by Wesleyan theology and tradition.

The Bible Through the Eyes of John Wesley is the fruit of the author's missional work in churches across Latin America and the United States. The individual studies are designed to provide instruction both for those new to the faith and for those with greater knowledge or maturity who wish to deepen their study of scripture through the lenses of Wesleyan heritage, theology, and foundational doctrines—essential tools for nurturing Christian discipleship in the Wesleyan tradition.

Written by Rev. Dr. Philip Wingeier-Rayo, a leading Wesleyan scholar in The United Methodist Church, these studies provide the reader with a brief introduction to the life of John Wesley and the origins of the Wesleyan movement in England in the eighteenth century. Following an overview of the origins of the Wesleyan revival, the book is broken into two parts: "The Old Testament and the Law" and "the New Testament and Grace." The first part traces the books of the Old Testament in chronological order, starting with the Book of Genesis, and the second part covers the Wesley way of salvation from Creation, the Fall, prevenient grace, convincing grace, repentance, new birth, justification by faith and sanctification.

Each individual Bible study includes:

A Bible passage and key Bible verse to the topic of study
A brief introduction
A lesson with observations from Wesley's writings (Bible commentaries, sermons, letters, journal, or other treatises)
Questions for group discussion
A closing prayer

The Bible Through the Eyes of John Wesley will help to deepen and challenge the faith of both new believers and mature Christians and serve as a helpful instrument of evangelism and discipleship for both leaders and participants in the Wesleyan way of salvation.

By Water and the Spirit, Revised Study Guide

Mon, 31 Aug 2026 15:07:11 GMT

What does it mean to belong to God through baptism? This practical study guide for By Water and the Spirit explores The United Methodist Church's official teaching on baptism and aims to equip individuals and groups to grow in lifelong discipleship by bringing clarity to common questions about how United Methodists understand and practice baptism.

In this companion resource, Mark Stamm, a leading expert on interpreting the Church's teaching, expands on the work of the late Gayle Carlton Felton and invites individuals and groups to engage deeply with the meaning, practice, and lifelong significance of baptism.

Specifically designed to be a document for practical use rather than a presentation of abstract theology, the guide is organized into six teaching sessions. Each session contains three types of material: the original text of By Water and the Spirit approved by the General Conference, commentary on that text, and suggestions for how to teach about it.

Designed for use in congregations and classrooms alike, this study edition includes:

The full official text of By Water and the Spirit
Accessible commentary to illuminate key themes and theological insights
Practical teaching guidance for pastors, small group leaders, and educators
Six structured sessions for group study or personal reflection

Ideal for new member classes, confirmation, small groups, and leadership development; this resource serves as both a teaching tool and a spiritual invitation.

More than a study, this is an opportunity to reclaim baptism as a living reality—one that shapes our identity, grounds our faith, and calls us into a life of discipleship and ministry.

Rediscover the grace given in water and through the Spirit along with what it means to live as Christ's own, today and always.

This study guide includes the full text of By Water and the Spirit: A United Methodist Understanding of Baptism, adopted by the 1996 General Conference of The United Methodist Church.

By Water and the Spirit, Revised Study Guide

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 18:33:07 GMT

Designed for use in congregations and classrooms alike, this study edition includes:

The full official text of By Water and the Spirit
Accessible commentary to illuminate key themes and theological insights
Practical teaching guidance for pastors, small group leaders, and educators
Six structured sessions for group study or personal reflection

Ideal for new member classes, confirmation, small groups, and leadership development; this resource serves as both a teaching tool and a spiritual invitation.

More than a study, this is an opportunity to reclaim baptism as a living reality—one that shapes our identity, grounds our faith, and calls us into a life of discipleship and ministry.

Rediscover the grace given in water and through the Spirit along with what it means to live as Christ's own, today and always.

This study guide includes the full text of By Water and the Spirit: A United Methodist Understanding of Baptism, adopted by the 1996 General Conference of The United Methodist Church.

The Upper Room Disciplines 2027 Enlarged Edition

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 18:29:21 GMT

The best-selling 365-day devotional that follows the Revised Common Lectionary.

In a world that can often feel uncertain and overwhelming, a daily practice makes all the difference. The Upper Room Disciplines invites you to begin each day by lighting a candle and opening yourself to God's transformative presence. Awaken your heart and mind to a steady rhythm of scripture, reflection, and prayer, guiding you to encounter God's love and wisdom every day of the year.

Each day includes a scripture reading followed by a thoughtful meditation and prayer from one of 53 diverse Christian thought leaders from around the country. Together, these voices illuminate the texts and invite readers into deeper reflection and faithful living.

A trusted resource for clergy and lay people alike, Disciplines follows the Revised Common Lectionary, a three-year cycle of scripture readings used by churches around the world. By grounding daily reflections in the shared rhythm of the church year, this devotional helps readers stay connected to the wider story of God's work in the world.

Combining biblical insight, thoughtful theology, and inspiring prayer, The Upper Room Disciplines offers a daily light to guide your study, worship, and spiritual life. Whether you’re a pastor preparing for worship, a small group leader fostering community, or simply a person seeking a more intentional rhythm of prayer and reflection, Disciplines is a trusted companion for the journey.

Join thousands of readers who rely on Disciplines as a daily source for prayer, biblical reflection, and discerning God's call in their lives.

What Makes Disciplines Unique?

365-day devotional based on the Revised Common Lectionary
Daily scripture readings illuminated by reflections from 53 diverse Christian leaders
Weekly themes that guide readers deeper into God's Word
A Guide to Daily Prayer to enrich your spiritual practice
A Small Group Leader's Guide for shared study and discussion
Wider margins for note-taking

Contributors for the 2027 edition include Bishop Ken Carter, Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey, Willie James Jennings, Grace Ji-Sun Kim, Bishop Jeffrey Leath, Lyn Pace, Joerg Rieger, Chanequa Walker-Barnes, and many more.

Leadership is Discipleship 2026 (Korean)

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 16:21:26 GMT

2026년 리더십저널 주제는 기독교 애국주의다. 이 저널은 사회·정치적 변화 속에서 기독교인이 분별하고 지향해야 할 방향을 숙고하며, 교회가 포용과 정의, 평화의 길로 나아가기를 기대한다. 이를 위해 기독교 애국주의가 민주주의의 다양성과 포용성을 위협하는지, 인종차별과 파시즘적 정서, 배타성과 폭력성에 어떻게 연결되는지를 묻고, 종교와 정치의 불합리한 결합에서 반복되는 차별과 혐오, 배제의 메커니즘을 어떻게 극복할 수 있는지 탐구한다. 한국의 역사적 맥락에서 기독교 애국주의는 해방과 전쟁, 분단을 거치며 ‘영광과 수치’의 이중적 궤적을 남겼으며, 보수와 진보, 반공과 이념적 대립의 뿌리를 교회가 어떻게 성찰하고 극복할 수 있는지를 짚는다. 나아가 기독교 애국주의가 어떻게 가능하며 어떤 모습이어야 하는지, 신앙의 정치적 표현과 교회의 정치화가 신앙과 시민성, 종교와 공공성 사이의 긴장을 어떻게 균형 지을 수 있는지를 논한다.

The Upper Room Disciplines 2027

Mon, 31 Aug 2026 15:47:05 GMT

The best-selling 365-day devotional that follows the Revised Common Lectionary.

Join thousands of readers who rely on Disciplines as a daily source for prayer, biblical reflection, and discerning God's call in their lives.

What Makes Disciplines Unique?

365-day devotional based on the Revised Common Lectionary
Daily scripture readings illuminated by reflections from 53 diverse Christian leaders
Weekly themes that guide readers deeper into God's Word
A Guide to Daily Prayer to enrich your spiritual practice
A Small Group Leader's Guide for shared study and discussion

Also available in large print, with extra room for notetaking.

The Upper Room Disciplines 2027

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 18:22:45 GMT

The best-selling 365-day devotional that follows the Revised Common Lectionary.

Join thousands of readers who rely on Disciplines as a daily source for prayer, biblical reflection, and discerning God's call in their lives.

What Makes Disciplines Unique?

365-day devotional based on the Revised Common Lectionary
Daily scripture readings illuminated by reflections from 53 diverse Christian leaders
Weekly themes that guide readers deeper into God's Word
A Guide to Daily Prayer to enrich your spiritual practice
A Small Group Leader's Guide for shared study and discussion

Also available in large print, with extra room for notetaking.

Simple Leadership

Mon, 04 May 2026 13:02:30 GMT

This comprehensive leader's guide contains five two-hour teaching sessions designed for the Lay Servant Ministries course "Mission Possible 3: Lay Servants Leading and Governing Congregations with Simplified Accountable Structure." Through Simple Accountable Governance, clergy and laity are set free to lead with full accountability to Jesus' Great Commission and the Charge Conference of the congregation. This advanced course with a leader's guide by Kay Kotan and Blake Bradford, co-authors of Impact: Reclaiming the Call of Lay Ministry, adapts the rich insights of their books, Mission Possible 3: A Simple Structure for Missional Effectiveness and Mission Possible for the Small Church, into a new 10-hour advanced course that emphasizes lay leadership structured for maximum missional impact.

Exploración de una cultura del cuidado en la congregación

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 18:11:24 GMT

Esta guía completa para líderes contiene seis sesiones de enseñanza de 90 minutos, diseñadas para el curso de Ministerios de Líderes Laicos Exploración de una cultura del cuidado en la congregación. Basado en el libro The Caring Congregation (La congragación que cuida) de Karen Lampe, este recurso equipa a los ministros laicos con habilidades prácticas para el ministerio de cuidado pastoral. Los participantes aprenderán técnicas de escucha profunda para establecer conexiones significativas, cómo brindar cuidado durante tiempos de pérdida y crisis, cómo mantener límites saludables en las relaciones que implican el cuidado y cómo comprender las diferencias culturales en los enfoques del ministerio del cuidado.

New Tricks

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 15:51:39 GMT

Pets make us better people.

In the United States today, two out of every three households have at least one pet. No longer just companions, pets are a full-fledged part of the family. For some, a pet may be the only family member living in their house. What if faith communities saw this growing reality as an opportunity to create meaningful ministries of care and outreach for millions of people and the animals they love?

New Tricks is a groundbreaking guide to bringing pet ministry into your faith community, offering practical steps and inspiring ideas to serve those who have pets, promote animal well-being, and embrace the unconditional love that animals bring into our lives. Written by a popular pastor and author and a lay leader who has helped train therapy dogs for decades, both of whom are passionate about animals, New Tricks is filled with heart-warming stories of how animals of all kinds minister to us and how we, in turn, can serve them and their families.

Weaving biblical and theological insight with real stories of healing and support, the authors provide a compelling case for and reasons why a pet ministry has an important place among other transformative ministries in your community — and how it can attract people to your faith community.

Drawing from nearly twenty years of pet ministry experience, authors Betsy and Gayle outline six ways churches can introduce animal programs into their faith community:

Care & Support for Pet Parents — Emotional and spiritual support for those experiencing pet loss, illness, or transitions.
Training Therapy Animals to Prepare for Certification — Training and deploying certified therapy animals to visit people in healthcare facilities, schools and libraries, and participate in faith community activities.
Community Service Projects — Pet food drives, shelter and veterinarian partnerships, and fostering initiatives.
Pet-focused Educational Programs — How to prevent separation anxiety, addressing pet behavioral problems, and taking the perfect pet photo!
Community Events — Blessings of the Animals, World Pet Memorial Day, National Dog Day.
Animal Advocacy — Championing ethical treatment and welfare, conservation, and justice for animals in your community and beyond.

New Tricks also includes practical resources for your pet ministry including pet loss resources (grief rituals, how to write a pet obituary, and a pet remembrance service), a template for your pet/animal ministry launch, and much more.

Whether you're a pastor, lay leader, or a friend of animals big and small, New Tricks provides everything you need to integrate pet ministry into the mission of your church or faith group. Full of real-life stories, step-by-step guidance, and creative ideas, this book will inspire and equip you to make an impact with the pet people in your community and the animals they love — through hands and paws together.

READ A SAMPLE

New Tricks

Fri, 02 May 2025 16:18:16 GMT

Pets make us better people.

Drawing from nearly twenty years of pet ministry experience, authors Betsy and Gayle outline six ways churches can introduce animal programs into their faith community:

Care & Support for Pet Parents — Emotional and spiritual support for those experiencing pet loss, illness, or transitions.
Training Therapy Animals to Prepare for Certification — Training and deploying certified therapy animals to visit people in healthcare facilities, schools and libraries, and participate in faith community activities.
Community Service Projects — Pet food drives, shelter and veterinarian partnerships, and fostering initiatives.
Pet-focused Educational Programs — How to prevent separation anxiety, addressing pet behavioral problems, and taking the perfect pet photo!
Community Events — Blessings of the Animals, World Pet Memorial Day, National Dog Day.
Animal Advocacy — Championing ethical treatment and welfare, conservation, and justice for animals in your community and beyond.

READ A SAMPLE

The Upper Room Disciplines 2026

Fri, 02 May 2025 16:22:09 GMT

The bestselling 365-day devotional that follows the Revised Common Lectionary.

If you're looking to steep yourself in God's word and presence every day, The Upper Room Disciplines 2026 is your essential guide to daily spiritual renewal. Now in its 67th year, this beloved resource is more than just a devotional; it's a daily companion that helps you stay grounded in scripture, cultivate a life of prayer, and develop a deeper, more intentional relationship with God.

Each day of this year-round devotional includes a scripture reading followed by a thought-provoking meditation and prayer from one of 53 diverse Christian thought-leaders from around the country. A trusted resource by clergy and lay people alike, Disciplines follows the Revised Common Lectionary — a three-year cycle of scripture readings — ensuring that your daily reflections are rooted in the rhythm of scripture shared by churches around the world.

Combining biblical scholarship and thoughtful theology with meaningful prayers, The Upper Room Disciplines helps you stay grounded, inspired, and connected to God every day. Whether you're a pastor preparing for worship, a small group leader fostering community, or someone seeking daily spiritual nourishment, Disciplines is your essential companion for a transformative spiritual life.

Join thousands of others who rely on Disciplines as a trusted companion for a life of prayer, biblical reflection, and discerning God's call in their lives.

What makes Disciplines unique?

365-day devotional based on the Revised Common Lectionary
Daily scripture readings with insightful reflections from 53 diverse Christian leaders
Weekly themes that guide you deeper into God's Word
A Guide to Daily Prayer to enrich your spiritual practice
A Small Group Leader's Guide for shared study and discussion

Contributors for the 2026 edition include Karoline Lewis, Tex Sample, Pumla Nzimande, David Wilson, Magrey deVega, Caroline Vogel, and Bruce Reyes-Chow.

The Enlarged Edition with room for note-taking can be found by clicking here.

The Upper Room Disciplines 2026

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 15:34:37 GMT

The bestselling 365-day devotional that follows the Revised Common Lectionary.

Each day of this year-round devotional includes a scripture reading followed by a thought-provoking meditation and prayer from one of 53 diverse Christian thought-leaders from around the country. A trusted resource by clergy and lay people alike, Disciplines follows the Revised Common Lectionary — a three-year cycle of scripture readings — ensuring that your daily reflections are rooted in the rhythm of scripture shared by churches around the world.

Join thousands of others who rely on Disciplines as a trusted companion for a life of prayer, biblical reflection, and discerning God's call in their lives.

What makes Disciplines unique?

365-day devotional based on the Revised Common Lectionary
Daily scripture readings with insightful reflections from 53 diverse Christian leaders
Weekly themes that guide you deeper into God's Word
A Guide to Daily Prayer to enrich your spiritual practice
A Small Group Leader's Guide for shared study and discussion

Contributors for the 2026 edition include Karoline Lewis, Tex Sample, Pumla Nzimande, David Wilson, Magrey deVega, Caroline Vogel, and Bruce Reyes-Chow.

The Upper Room Disciplines 2026 Enlarged Edition

Fri, 02 May 2025 16:23:28 GMT

The bestselling 365-day devotional that follows the Revised Common Lectionary — now, with more room for notes!

Join thousands of others who rely on Disciplines as a trusted companion for a life of prayer, biblical reflection, and discerning God's call in their lives.

What makes Disciplines unique?

365-day devotional based on the Revised Common Lectionary
Daily scripture readings with insightful reflections from 53 diverse Christian leaders
Wider margins for note-taking
Weekly themes that guide you deeper into God's Word
A Guide to Daily Prayer to enrich your spiritual practice
A Small Group Leader's Guide for shared study and discussion

Contributors featured in the 2026 edition include Karoline Lewis, Tex Sample, Pumla Nzimande, David Wilson, Magrey deVega, Caroline Vogel, and Bruce Reyes-Chow.

Exploring a Culture of Care for a Caring Congregation: Leader’s Guide

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 13:26:48 GMT

This comprehensive leader's guide contains six 90-minute teaching sessions designed for the Lay Servant Ministries course "Exploring a Culture of Care for a Caring Congregation." Based on Karen Lampe's book The Caring Congregation, this resource equips lay servant ministers with practical skills for pastoral care ministry. Participants will learn deep listening techniques for meaningful connections, how to provide care during times of loss and crisis, how to maintain healthy boundaries in caring relationships, and how to understand cultural differences in care ministry approaches.

Micro Practices for Justice Ministry

Mon, 12 May 2025 21:40:22 GMT

Big change starts with small acts.

What if the most profound changes in justice ministry come not from grand gestures, but from the small, faithful acts we practice every day? Micro Practices for Justice Ministry is a powerful resource that challenges the idea that only big, sweeping actions lead to real change. In this inspiring book, you'll discover how small, everyday acts—done well and consistently—can transform justice ministry in profound ways. Drawing on interviews with 40 pastors from diverse ministry contexts, this book highlights how micro practices—simple, intentional actions—have the power to reshape communities and advance justice.

Rooted in scripture and theology, Micro Practices for Justice Ministry presents hundreds of actionable practices that can be easily integrated into everyday ministry. From one-on-one conversations to small group efforts, these seemingly small actions, when practiced consistently, build momentum that drives meaningful change. Each practice is shared through engaging narrative stories, bringing the experiences of real pastors to life and demonstrating the lasting impact of doing the "small stuff" with intention.

Perfect for clergy, laity, and community organizers alike, this book offers both practical tools and spiritual encouragement for those committed to justice. Whether you're leading a congregation, working in your community, or studying ministry, this book will help you see that real transformation often starts with the smallest of steps.

"Tex Sample makes a convincing case for how small acts of community building enable big-picture change. Faith leaders on the lookout for fresh ideas will be inspired." —Publishers Weekly

Micro Practices for Justice Ministry

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 17:37:36 GMT

Big change starts with small acts.

"Tex Sample makes a convincing case for how small acts of community building enable big-picture change. Faith leaders on the lookout for fresh ideas will be inspired." —Publishers Weekly

Sacred Tension

Mon, 16 Dec 2024 19:18:07 GMT

"The Bible was not written for passive readers or lazy listeners. It was written for active engagement, deliberation, dialogue, and debate, because the Bible itself is fundamentally a conversation." —Old Testament professor and scholar William P. Brown, from Sacred Tension

Embrace the complexities of the Old Testament with curiosity and courage.

As people of faith, the words of the Bible are sacred. They tell us about our spiritual heritage and convey our ever-present hope. But sometimes, if we're being honest, the Bible — especially the Old Testament — can bring more confusion than clarity. Apparent contradictions and a wide variety of different accounts about God, faith, and humanity's role can leave us perplexed with more questions than answers. How are we to read the Bible in a way that helps us understand its deepest truths?

In Sacred Tension, renowned biblical scholar and Old Testament professor William P. Brown challenges our unease by suggesting that the "problem" of dissonance within the Old Testament is in fact one of its most powerful features. To read the Bible with one uniform voice, he asserts, is to miss the richness and complexity of the canon. Instead, the Bible is "a canonical cornucopia, a 'horn of plenty' filled with diverse perspectives tied together by a common affirmation that God is God, expressed in different ways." With expert insight and passionate prose, Brown invites us to consider the Old Testament as a wide-ranging dialogue that is in conversation both with itself and with us, fostering further discussion and mutual discernment.

Each chapter of Sacred Tension addresses a key question central to the Old Testament texts like the nature of God, the purpose of the Law, and the problem of evil. By exploring these themes through the lens of diverse, and often contradictory, perspectives, you'll begin to gain a more nuanced understanding of the foundational texts that have informed Jewish and Christian beliefs for millennia.

Written for everyday people who long to better understand the Bible, Sacred Tension invites us to embrace the complexity of the Old Testament and discover the profound truths that lie within its hallowed pages. Let the conversation begin!

Key Features:

Accessible language tailored for a general audience
Thought-provoking exploration of key Old Testament themes
Discussion questions with each chapter
Suitable for both personal study, group study, and academic courses

READ A SAMPLE.