The Methodists

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While this work takes proper notice of its origins in John Wesley's 18th-century movement in England, it is primarily concerned with the church's origins and history within the United States. Offering an account of the construction and reconstruction of the Methodist church, the authors examine the various institutional practices of the church, its organization, leadership and form of training and incorporating new members. Through their treatment of Methodism as defined by conferences bound together by a commitment to episcopal leadership and animated by various forms of lay piety, the authors help the reader understand the internal history of the denomination and its development in the United States. This student edition, ideal for classes in American Religion, Denominational History, Protestantism, and American social and cultural history, includes a chronology of significant events in the history of the church in the U.S., and concludes with a bibliographic essay intended as a guide for further reading in the history of Methodism.

Author Bio

JAMES E. KIRBY is Professor of Church History at Southern Methodist University's Perkins School of Theology. His interests are in the history of Methodism and the American 19th century. He is currently working on a biography of Bishop William C. Martin, President of the National Council of Churches in 1952. RUSSELL E. RICHEY is Associate Dean for Academic Programs and Professor of Church History at The Divinity School at Duke University. His most recent books include Early American Methodism (1991) and Reimagining Denominationalism (1994). KENNETH E. ROWE is Professor of Church History at Drew University Theological School and Librarian of the United Methodist Archives and History Center. He is the author of United Methodist Studies: Basic Bibliographies (1992), of the multi-volume Methodist Union Catalog (1975 -) and editor with Richey of Perspectives on American Methodism (1993).