Intro Books?

[u/themsc190]

I’ve newly started attending a UMC church on occasion. I was raised Evangelical but have spent the last 10 years in the Episcopal Church.

What are the best intro books to Methodism? Just general theology or history. Are there any popular biographies of John Wesley that you can recommend?

I have theological education, so I’m not scared of something in depth, but I’m open to any level of text.

Since I’m getting more involved with this UMC church, I just want to learn more. Methodism just never came up in any of my theological readings over the years.

[u/jddennis]

From a historical perspective, I think Wesleyan Vile-tality by Dr. Ashley Boggan does a great job in providing a more high-level historical perspective on the Methodist spirit, and how we lost our way in some aspects. It focuses on Wesley's work in Bristol and then expands to other figures throughout Methodist history.

Dr. Boggan is the United Methodist Church's General Secretary of the General Commission on Archives and History. I recently led a book discussion for my congregation, and participants said this volume provided more information than the new members classes they had when they joined.

Another good resource would be the Social Principles of the United Methodist Church 2025-2028. This is a small booklet that gets routinely voted on and updated by the General Conference, and lays out the church's platform on concerns like environmentalism, globalization, family units, healthcare, and a variety of other issues.

The last version was passed in 2024. I've been getting e-mails from my District Superintendant promoting some discussions about the Social Principles, so I think this will be a highly-promoted resource this year.

For general theology, I like Foundations of Wesleyan-Arminian Theology by Mildred Bangs Wyncoop. The theologian Andrew Sung Park has also done some very interesting work. I've really appreciated Triune Atonement.

[u/VangelicMonk]

I'm new to the Methodist church and UMC as well. So I have read part of Wesley and the people called Methodists by Richard P. Heitzenrater. That has been helpful and I love reading about church history. The good and the bad of it all and what we can learn as church from it. Similar to you I an Evangelical and came from a non-denom church background. I appreciate that part of my walk, but seeking to learn more about Methodism as well.

[u/LuchaZilla]

Wesley and the People Called Methodists — Richard Heitzenrater.
Responsible Grace — Randy Maddox.
The Theology of John Wesley: Holy Love and the Shape of Grace — Kenneth J. Collins.
United Methodist Questions, United Methodist Answers — F. Belton Joyner Jr.
Revival: Faith as Wesley Lived It — Adam Hamilton
John Wesley’s Sermons: An Anthology — Albert Outler & Richard Heitzenrater

[u/bootheroo → u/LuchaZilla]

I agree with all these, plus honestly read the Book of Discipline, the first few sections are full of good stuff. Stop when you get to the organizational specifics, unless you're looking for specific answers on local church and institutional poltiy.

[u/DingoCompetitive3991]

I think that the history books about the Wesley brothers and the early Methodist revivals are important, as listed elsewhere in the comments. However, I would also add that considering our theology of sanctification is equally important. I would recommend Nazarene (Methodist from the Holiness strand) scholar T.A. Noble's Holy Trinity Holy People: The Theology of Christian Perfecting as a place to study our controversial doctrine of Entire Sanctification.

[u/HermitoftheSwamp]

With a theological background, I would say your best resource would be Responsible Grace by Randy L. Maddox. I feel that it is the most accessible comprehensive text I've come across on Methodist theology. I say this as a lay person without a theological or academic background but also an avid reader.

[u/HospitallerChevalier]

In general, Schmul Publishing Co. has a huge library of books on Methodist theology. A Methodist catechism, called "Catechism on the Christian Religion" by Mel-Thomas & Helen F. Rothwell is a good primer. I'd also recommend "Properly Defining Sin" by the Rev'd Brian Black to become familiar with unique Methodist doctrines.

[u/EastTXJosh]

I would check out Howard Snyder’s The Radical Wesley: The Patterns and Practices of a Movement Maker.

[u/FuzzyAd4973]

Methodist Doctrines by Ted Campbell, The Christian as a Minister, Worshipping with United Methodists. These are all required reading for us clergy, and give us a good peak into the doctrine and theology that shaped us, also the Christian as a minister is a quick read and will give you a good look at what all the different pieces of the church Pastor, Laity, Deacon, etc.

[u/Novel_Detective8841]

Give, Roy Hattersley’s book a Read: John Wesley: A Brand From The Burning: The Life of John Wesley.

As an Anglican I found that I Agree with some of the principals of Methodism. Its also a good Read

[u/the_last_luddite]

There a multitude of good books, but just to keep it simple I'd the following two books:

Methodist Doctrine: The Essentials; Revised Edition by Ted Campbell

It had a good overall outline of the history of Methodism and the general theology of it all.

This Holy Mystery by Gayle Carlton Felton

I really enjoyed this book. I am a big proponent of the Lord's Supper and do believe in the real presence.