Overview

The United Methodist Church is at a crossroads, and nothing is more important than reclaiming our sacramental distinctiveness in times of great divisiveness. This book takes a fresh look at Wesley's core teachings on the Lord's Supper, letting each unique feature of Wesley's communion theology become a lens to navigate troubled waters. The author explores the historical background of each characteristic, finds evidence in writings of John and Charles Wesley, and applies them to the struggles of present-day United Methodism. He concludes with signs of life emerging in divisive and uncertain times, as people come back to the table to move forward into the future.

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9781666738803

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Reviews

West takes us on a journey behind John Wesley's understanding of Communion to earlier sources and then through John's writings and his brother Charles's hymns. However, West is not really focusing on the sacramental theology--he is focusing through it. His real concern is how a Wesleyan understanding of the table can inform the faithfulness of the church in the midst of intense division. A timely book. --O. Wesley Allen Jr., Southern Methodist University In clear prose, West's study delivers historical, theological, and pastoral explanations of the eucharistic celebration's immanent potential for forming the assembled members in Christlike charity and service revealed through word and sacrament. --Bruce T. Morrill, SJ, Vanderbilt University Feast on this book, and it will help you feast on God's grace! West has taken the riches of the Wesleys' theology of Holy Communion and made them available for the church today in a way that's both historically rigorous and remarkably relevant. He has shown that reconnecting with the breadth, depth, and beauty of this holy meal is the best path toward a hopeful future for the church. --L. Roger Owens, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary West immerses us in the Wesleyan theology and practice of Holy Communion, especially at this moment fraught with schism. West invites a reconsideration of Wesley's emphases on the real presence, remembrance as 'experiencing anew, ' and the sacramental work of the Holy Spirit. In fact, the epiclesis embodies the full expression of Wesleyan eucharistic spirituality. Something Happens Here is a compelling and essential read for a people in need of hope and a reformed identity. --Richard L. Eslinger, United Theological Seminary, emeritus West's book is an interesting, must-read intersection of pastoral and scholarly perspectives that can aid United Methodist and other clergy and laity in reclaiming the sacrament of Holy Communion. Following John and Charles Wesley, . . . West suggests to the divisive forces in the church--indeed, to all--to first come to the table of the Lord. There alone is guidance for the individual's and the church's direction now and in the future. --S. T. Kimbrough Jr., Duke Divinity School In a time when it's important to come back to the table instead of just going our separate ways, Steve invites us into real community and a radical life. . . . Steve shares his imagination with us in a way that gives us not only deeper appreciation for hymnology but practical application for all it means to be a time traveler with him. --Glandion W. Carney, Anglican priest, retired

"""West takes us on a journey behind John Wesley's understanding of Communion to earlier sources and then through John's writings and his brother Charles's hymns. However, West is not really focusing on the sacramental theology--he is focusing through it. His real concern is how a Wesleyan understanding of the table can inform the faithfulness of the church in the midst of intense division. A timely book."" --O. Wesley Allen Jr., Southern Methodist University ""In clear prose, West's study delivers historical, theological, and pastoral explanations of the eucharistic celebration's immanent potential for forming the assembled members in Christlike charity and service revealed through word and sacrament."" --Bruce T. Morrill, SJ, Vanderbilt University ""Feast on this book, and it will help you feast on God's grace! West has taken the riches of the Wesleys' theology of Holy Communion and made them available for the church today in a way that's both historically rigorous and remarkably relevant. He has shown that reconnecting with the breadth, depth, and beauty of this holy meal is the best path toward a hopeful future for the church."" --L. Roger Owens, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary ""West immerses us in the Wesleyan theology and practice of Holy Communion, especially at this moment fraught with schism. West invites a reconsideration of Wesley's emphases on the real presence, remembrance as 'experiencing anew, ' and the sacramental work of the Holy Spirit. In fact, the epiclesis embodies the full expression of Wesleyan eucharistic spirituality. Something Happens Here is a compelling and essential read for a people in need of hope and a reformed identity."" --Richard L. Eslinger, United Theological Seminary, emeritus ""West's book is an interesting, must-read intersection of pastoral and scholarly perspectives that can aid United Methodist and other clergy and laity in reclaiming the sacrament of Holy Communion. Following John and Charles Wesley, . . . West suggests to the divisive forces in the church--indeed, to all--to first come to the table of the Lord. There alone is guidance for the individual's and the church's direction now and in the future."" --S. T. Kimbrough Jr., Duke Divinity School ""In a time when it's important to come back to the table instead of just going our separate ways, Steve invites us into real community and a radical life. . . . Steve shares his imagination with us in a way that gives us not only deeper appreciation for hymnology but practical application for all it means to be a time traveler with him."" --Glandion W. Carney, Anglican priest, retired"

Author Information

Stephen P. West is a husband, father, minister, musician, and writer. He is an elder in the North Alabama Conference of the United Methodist Church and serves as a senior pastor in Jacksonville, Alabama. Steve received national attention as one of the authors of the Stay UMC movement. He has published works in Alive Now, The Upper Room, The Upper Room Disciplines, Worship & Song, Abingdon Press, Circuit Rider, Interpreter Magazine, and the Celebrating Grace Hymnal.

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