The United Methodist Way (Revised Edition). Branson L. Thurston

      THE UNITED

      METHODIST WAY

      A BRIEF OVERVIEW

      OF

      THE HISTORY, BELIEFS,

      MISSION, AND ORGANIZATION

      OF

      THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

      BRANSON L. THURSTON

      This booklet is dedicated with love to my daughter, Blythe Lorraine (Lori) Thurston Smith, whose growth in discipleship has paralleled the life of this book. Special thanks are also due to my wife, Betty, and my son, Blake.

      Reprinted 2013, 2000, 1998

      ISBN 978-0-88177-215-9

      Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

      Quotations from The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church—2012. Copyright © 2012 The United Methodist Publishing House. Used by permission. The quoted question on page 25 is from Baptismal Covenant III © 1964, 1965, 1966 by Board of Publication of the Methodist Church, Inc.; © 1989, 1992 by The United Methodist Publishing House; renewal © 1992 by UMPH. Used by permission. THE UNITED METHODIST WAY: A Brief Overview of the History, Beliefs, Mission, and Organization of The United Methodist Church. Copyright © 1993 Discipleship Resources. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form whatsoever, print or electronic, without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews. For information regarding rights and permissions, contact Discipleship Resources Editorial Offices, P.O. Box 340003, Nashville, TN 37203-0003. DR215