Longing for Spring: A New Vision for Wesleyan Community
Overview
Delving into the widespread, contemporary longing for a more serious and communal experience of Christianity, this book provides important theoretical underpinnings and casts a vision for a new monasticism within the Wesleyan tradition. Elaine Heath and Scott Kisker call for the planting of neo-monastic churches which embody the Wesleyan vision of holiness in postmodern contexts. This book also points toward some vital shifts that are necessary in theological education in order to equip pastors to lead such communities. Longing for Spring helps Wesleyans of all stripes understand the theory and praxis necessary for planting neo-monastic communities as a new model of the church that is particularly important in the postmodern context. The authors write in an engaging, conversational style that is conversant with postmodern culture, yet thoroughly informed by critical research. Heath and Kisker boldly challenge the imagination of the church—both within and beyond Wesleyan traditions—to consider the possibility of revitalizing the church through the new monasticism.
In the Logos edition, this volume is enhanced by amazing functionality. Scripture citations link directly to English translations, and important terms link to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a wealth of other resources in your digital library. Perform powerful searches to find exactly what you’re looking for. Take the discussion with you using tablet and mobile apps. With Logos Bible Software, the most efficient and comprehensive research tools are in one place, so you get the most out of your study.
- Presents a new monasticism within the Wesleyan tradition
- Discusses the shifts that are necessary to produce neo-monastic churches within a postmodern context
- Examines the theological rationale for a reformed church along with providing practical advice
- Our Stories
- Early Stories of Intentional Community and Church Renewal
- Protestant Models of Intentional Community
- What the New Methodists Want
- Spring
- Reports from the Horizon
Welcome to the world of New Methodism, exciting evidence of the work of the Holy Spirit in the church today. New Methodism comes to us with contributions from the New Monasticism, John Wesley, Jonathan Wilson-Hargrove, and an emerging generation who are leading us to a fresh appreciation of what God intends the church to be. This is a wonderful book that quickly gives the theological rationale for a reformed church and then gives practical advice on how to grow to be a new church. This is exciting!
—Will Willimon, bishop, North Alabama Conference, United Methodist Church
Longing for Spring connects United Methodism with a historical and theological approach that is very accessible, not to mention inspirational. I read it on an airplane and people around me wondered what I was reading because the authors’ writing is so delightful at times that I was laughing out loud! I can’t wait to make my first appointment of a clergy to a monastic community.
—Sally Dyck, resident bishop, Northern Illinois Conference, United Methodist Church
Elaine and Scott are the best of guides for hungry Methodists. Their description of Wesleyan renewal is inviting. Their prescription for transformation is possible. I will be using this book in my class, our neighborhood and our congregation. What a blessing!
—Amy Laura Hall, associate professor of Christian ethics, Duke University
- Title: Longing for Spring: A New Vision for Wesleyan Community
- Authors: Elaine A. Heath and Scott T. Kisker
- Series: New Monastic Library: Resources for Radical Discipleship
- Publisher: Wipf & Stock
- Publication Date: 2010
- Pages: 118
- Christian Group: Evangelical
- Resource Type: Topical
- Topic: Christian Living
Elaine A. Heath is McCreless Associate Professor of Evangelism in the Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. She is the author of The Mystic Way of Evangelism and coauthor of More Light on the Path: Daily Scripture Readings in Hebrew and Greek.
Scott Kisker is a professor of history of Christianity at Wesley Theological Seminary, and is the author of Foundation for Revival.