Don't Look Back: Methodist Hope for What Comes Next

Hope and help for pastors and congregations who are asking What now? And Whats next?Some pastors and congregations have managed remarkable innovation creation of new ministries courageous pruning of old programs and rediscovery of core Wesleyan convictions in recent years. Others have experienced a long slow-motion downward cycle of loss.We might be tempted to sit down wherever we are looking back at all thats happened shaking our heads in disbelief. But its time to stand up to move forward. Will Willimon shows what that could look like. He spent a year committed to asking questions and careful listening in conversations with clergy organizational leaders and parishioners across the U.S. Whats next for Methodist church folk?As you read join in the process of asking and listening. The honesty wisdom and inspiration you find here may point you in new directions. What do you think God is up to in the present moment? What should we stop doing and begin doing responding to Gods call now? What are the biblical texts stories from our past and core Wesleyan convictions that might guide us from this point?And are we at Good Friday or at Easter?As Willimon writes in his Introduction Lets have a decent burial for yesterdays good intentions and then partner with the Holy Spirit in creating tomorrows church. This is a book to read and reflect on with colleagues congregants and Methodist friends.What others are saying!Based on his lifetime as a Methodist Will Willimon takes us on a personal journey through the formation of the Wesleyan movement a painful critique of the forces that are now tearing apart The United Methodist Church and ultimately biblical hope for the future. This book blends history theology personal narrative and biblical scholarship to offer pastors and congregations concrete ways to move forward to a reformed church of which John Wesley would be proud. Andy Langford senior pastor Central United Methodist Church Concord NC; scholar and expert on worship evangelism and preaching; editor of The United Methodist Book of WorshipDont Look Back brings good news for weary sad and cynical Methodists: You are loved and chosen. There is a place and future for you in the relentless renewing work of God in our world. Drawing deeply from wells of ministry and faith Will Willimon shares the wisdom we need for this season. His insights are tough and encouraging practical clear eyed honest relational humble in service Christ-centered and so hopeful! This book invites us to dig deeper into our faith and ultimate mission beyond denominational mechanics and brokennessbearing witness to what God is doing. This is a word not only for Methodists but for anyone who shares a radical Christian commitment and calling. Joni Sancken professor of homiletics United Theological Seminary Dayton OHIn Dont Look Back Will Willimon is an equal opportunity truth teller. No one and nothing is off limits including himself and especially not the institutional church. He encourages healthy grieving for what is no more but eschews syrupy nostalgia. He preaches teaches meddles prods and probes all in the hope that we will fasten our attention on the resurrected Jesus and join him where he is at work.Gregory V. Palmer resident bishop Ohio West area The United Methodist Church