The Wesleyan Holiness Movement began out of the teachings of John Wesley, who held that Christ's atonement provided sufficient grace for the believer to live in this world continually loving God and neighbor unconditionally, although the believer's expressions of that love would not be perfect. Since its founding, different movements have been spawned and have interpreted Wesley's doctrine in their own way. The two volumes presented here represent the first installation of a three-part series that greatly expands upon Charles Jones's landmark 1974 work. This work focuses on the Wesleyan Holiness Movement, while the third and fourth volumes have the Keswick Movement and the Holiness Pentecostal Movement as their focal points. This series provides materials for study of doctrine, worship, institutional development and personalities, as well as antecedent and related movements. It will serve to illustrate the history both of the Holiness Movement and the rural-urban transition in which it developed. Theological reconsiderations, realignments, and changes, as well as the nearly exponential growth of the Movement since the book's publication, make these new publications almost absolutely necessary. The guides retain all of the good and strong qualities exhibited in the first edition, and have strengthened them.

Does the concept of holiness hold any relevance for Christians in the twenty-first century? Or is it rather a relic of the past, with little to offer in today's postmodern world? The contributors to this book firmly insist that holiness is indeed relevant, no matter the age in which we live. Moreover, it is essential to following Christ in the twenty-first century. The essayists are all members of the Wesleyan Holiness Study Project, a gathering of scholars and leaders who have met since 2004 to explore the mission of the churches of the Holiness movement. The book begins with two compelling ecumenical statements articulating the holiness message for today's church: "The Holiness Manifesto" and "Fresh Eyes on Holiness." These are followed by a dozen penetrating essays grouped in three parts: (1) the understanding of holiness in Scripture, (2) holiness in historical and theological perspective, and (3) holiness in relation to various practical aspects of ministry. The book concludes with appendixes offering five considered descriptions of holiness. The fastest-growing segments of the church worldwide have their roots in the Wesleyan Holiness tradition. Catholic, Orthodox, and other Protestant denominations are discovering its relevance to their own traditions and practices. The Holiness Manifesto offers an ideal overview to those wishing to understand more about this extremely influential movement. Contributors: Jim Adams Barry Callen Lisa L. Dorsey Roger Green Jon Huntzinger Cheryl Bridges John Craig Keen David W. Kendall William Kostlevy Diane Leclerc Kevin W. Mannoia James Earl Massey George McKinney Thomas A. Noble Jonathan S. Raymond C. Stevens Schell Howard A. Snyder Don Thorsen Lynn Thrush Kenneth L. Waters Sr.

A comprehensive introduction to interdenominational, independent, and denominational associations, churches, schools and workers associated with the National Holiness Association, the Inter-Church Holiness Convention, the Keswick Convention, and the Holiness-Pentecostal movement, with related bibliographies including more than 5,000 items.

"A 12-session study packed with dynamic illustrations and compelling analogies that explore the key elements of the Wesleyan movement. The lessons work through three primary sections: John Wesley's life, his core theological message, and the legacy of Wesley's leadership on the Methodist church. Like its predecessor, The Absolute Basics of the Christian Faith, this book can be studied individually, but is designed for group use. The accompanying videos are perfect for new member or confirmation classes, and for small-group or youth group settings. Rich in both history and faith-building, this study walks readers of all ages through a fundamental understanding of the value of scripture, prayer, communion, spiritual relationships, and the power of salvation, as evidenced in the life and teachings of John Wesley."--Publisher

The first attempt to provide a substantive listing of primary sources documenting the 'Holiness Movement, ' a major focus of recent study in American religious history

This is not a "slash and burn" kind of book. This is a book written with a tender love for The Wesleyan Church and the American Holiness Movement of which we are a part, and for all our holiness cousins who have experienced the same shifts we have experienced. It is kind and gentle in tone, but frank and firm in spirit.This is not a "let's go back to the good old days" kind of book, pining for the way we used to do things. This is a call to go forward - deeper and further - into the areas where we stopped short, into Life in the Spirit that takes us deeper into the lives of those who need us.This is a call to step around the American Holiness Movement and go back to Wesley, back to our original roots - back to a holiness based more in love and less focused on measured performance and personal sin management.This is a call to walk away from the shallowness of the Evangelical Movement and recover the depth and richness of holiness of heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Congregations are made up of people with all sorts of theologies. Pastor Mike Slaughter even says that these can stand in the way of the church’s mission of social and personal holiness. But most people do not adopt a theology on purpose, mostly they merely breathe in the prevailing cultural air. The theology "de jour" seems to be Calvinist, with its emphasis on “the elect” and “other worldly salvation.” In fact, there is so much Calvinism saturating the culture, that some do not even know there is an alternative way of thinking about their faith. They don’t know where to go to find a viable option; they don’t even know the key words to search Google. So people are left thinking like Calvinists but living with a desire to change the world, offering grace and hope to hurting people in mission and ministry—loving the least, the last, and the lost. In other words, they are living like Wesleyans. This book shows what Calvinist and Wesleyans actually believe about human responsibility, salvation, the universality of God’s grace, holy living through service, and the benefits of small group accountability--and how that connects to how people can live. Calvinists and Wesleyans are different, and by knowing the difference, people will not only see the other benefits of Wesleyan theology but will be inspired to learn more. By knowing who they are as faithful people of God, they will be motivated to reach out in mission with renewed vigor. And they won’t be obstacles to grace and holiness, but they can be better disciples and advocates for Christ through service in this world.

John Wesley's model of the church. The book offers a guideline for Christians to work out their theology in day-to-day life. This analysis of Wesley's strategy for renewing the church offers inspiration to those working to bring about that renewal.