General Religion

Historians have noted the connections between the Wesleyan Methodist movement that began in the eighteenth century, the emergence of African American Methodist traditions and an interdenominational Holiness movement in the nineteenth century, and the birth of Pentecostalism in the twentieth century. This volume, written by historians, theologians, and pastors, builds on that earlier work. The contributors present a diverse array of key figures-denominational leaders and mavericks, institutional loyalists and come--outers, clergy and laity--who embodied these movements. The authors show that in spite of their differing historical and cultural contexts, these movements constitute a distinct theological family whose confident and expectant faith in the transforming power of God has significant implications for the renewal of the contemporary church and its faithfulness to God's mission in the world today.

Contributors
Corky Alexander
Estrelda Alexander
Kimberly Ervin Alexander
Leslie D. Callahan
Barry L. Callen
Douglas R. Cullum
Dennis C. Dickerson
D. William Faupel
Philip Hamner
David Aaron Johnson
J. C. Kelley
Henry H. Knight III
William C. Kostlevy
Diane K. Leclerc
Joshua J. McMullen
Rodney McNeall
Stephen W. Rankin
Harold E. Raser
Douglas M. Strong
Matthew K. Thompson
Wallace Thornton Jr.
L. F. Thuston
Arlene Sanchez Walsh
Steven J. Land
Laura Guy
John H. Wigger

"This remarkable book fills a gap in contemporary understandings of American--even global--Christianity. Scholars such as Vinson Synan and Donald Dayton have shown the genetic kinship of Wesleyan, Holiness, and Pentecostal Christianity; this book fills in the picture. With sensitivity to cultural, gender, and racial dynamics, the book offers essential historical and theological insights. Biographical studies of key leaders add flesh and blood to the account. The book is accessible to general readers, not demanding specialized knowledge of the movements covered."
--Howard A. Snyder
Professor of Wesley Studies
Tyndale Seminary, Ontario

"This is an absolutely terrific volume. It provides a whole new angle of vision--historical, theological, and pastoral--for looking again at the legacy of Wesley; it raises searching questions for the future of the Wesleyan and Pentecostal traditions which urgently demand attention; and its potential for breathing new life and hope into the contemporary church is enormous."
--William J. Abraham
Albert Cook Outler Professor of Wesley Studies
Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University

"From Aldersgate to Azusa Street is a panoramic survey of the lives and times of Wesley and his descendents once and twice-removed. The result is a fascinating biographical history of the emergence of world Christianity. The important contributions of these men and women make this an essential text for teachers and students of Wesleyan, Holiness, and Pentecostal movements.
--Amos Yong
J. Rodman Williams Professor of Theology
Regent University

"Contrary to many convoluted texts, this remarkably readable book uses a narrative approach to embody the primary teachings and ministries defining the Wesleyan family. It focuses on leaders who have engaged in the quest for holiness from Aldersgate to Asuza. Helpful charts clearly highlight the branches and leaders of the Wesleyan family tree. For those seeking renewal of persons, church, and society, this is a must read!"
--Susie C. Stanley
Professor of Historical Theology
Messiah College

Henry H. Knight III is Donald and Pearl Wright Professor of Wesleyan Studies at Saint Paul School of Theology in Kansas City, Missouri. He is the author of five books, including The Presence of God in the Christian Life (1992) and A Future for Truth (1997).

Mission flourishes when relationships are characterized by mutuality--a difficult, but important, balance to sustain. While there are times for the relief efforts and traditional charity when disasters strike, if years later the same people are receiving the same aid, an opportunity is lost. Mission that moves beyond relief to empowerment opens up ways to address systemic forms of oppression and poverty. This book is ideal for groups who want to engage or re-engage in mission.

This book looks at ZOE, a Christian non-profit and United Methodist advanced special, as an exemplar of sustainable mission that can empower even the most vulnerable to help themselves.

Proceeds of sales go to ZOE.