The twentieth century has been the scene of constant and unparalleled change. The seminaries have not been exempt from this change, as evidenced by the inclusion of women, racial and ethnic minorities, and gays and lesbians in the ranks of students and all forms of ministry. The church has undergone major theological shifts as well, as these new ministers bring their own experiences and belief systems to the church. Donald E. Messer believes that the church must hear these experiences in order for it to continue to grow and meet the challenges of the new millennium. It is in this spirit, of opening the church to the strength of its diversity, that Messer believes God is Calling Church & Seminary into the 21st Century. Messer believes that this may best be accomplished by the church celebrating, not ignoring, the variety of voices and experiences within its community. These voices must not only be heard, but recognized as equal to those that have dominated the church for two thousand years, often to the exclusion of dissenters. The church must also learn to communicate in a new way in order to remain relevant in this era of technological advancement. The verse from Isaiah 40:3 - "Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God" - takes on new meaning when viewed in the light of the recent phenomenon of the information superhighway. The church must deal in "information superhighways" as well as highways to survive in the coming millennium.

Calling Church & Seminary into the 21st Century

Messer, Donald E.

History

ABINGDON PRESS *

Unity, Liberty and Charity: Building Bridges under Icy Waters

Religion & Spirituality

The Befuddled Stork is the third in a series helping persons of faith think theologically as they struggle with contemporary ethical issues. This book focuses on reproductive technology, abortion, and human cloning. Each part of the book is introduced by a person with clinical/scientific experience who gives basic information about the subjects addressed: reproductive technology that creates “test tube babies,” cloning, and abortion. Each chapter begins with an overview of that chapter’s particular question, followed by two responses by persons who have differing views on the particular question that is addressed. Each part concludes with questions for thought or discussion. Contributors include: Frederick R. Abrams, M.D. Peter J. Paris R. Albert Mohler, Jr. Ronald Cole-Turner Marilyn E. Coors Ruth L. Fuller, M.D. Judith Craig Sidney Callahan Judy C. Martz Harvey C. Martz Stanley Hauerwas Joel Shuman Tex Sample Joan Winfrey Lee M. Silver Gerald L. Zelizer Abigail Rian Evans

The Befuddled Stork: Helping Persons of Faith Debate Beginning-of-Life Issues

Geis,Sally B

A diverse group of writers explores serious questions about homosexuality, the Bible, and Christian teaching. Includes discussion questions.

Caught in the Crossfire: Helping Christians Debate Homosexuality

Politics & Social Sciences

Social Sciences

Issues of United Methodist itinerant ministry.

Send Me Itineracy In Crisis

Christian Churches and the Global AIDS Crisis More than twenty years into the global AIDS pandemic, the efforts of Christian congregations and denominations have been less than minimal. This book is aimed to awaken Christian compassion in the coming years to this fathomless tragedy. The worst health crisis in the world in 700 years, global HIV/AIDS epidemic is overwhelming in scale: 40 million people are infected worldwide (75% of them in Africa); 7000 people die daily; each day 1600 persons are infected. Some 26 million people have already died. ''At this unprecedented kairos moment in human history,'' says Messer, ''God is calling the church to a new mission and ministry.'' Drawing on his own involvement in global AIDS education in Asia, Latin America, and Africa, Messer uses stories, basic factual information, and theological insights to motivate lay and clerical Christians to assume leadership and form partnerships with Christians around the world in this struggle. Just as individuals must change their behavior to prevent and eliminate AIDS, so must congregations and church leaders. Compassion, not condemnation, is desperately needed, says Messer. But financial resources for education and prevention programs are also urgently required from churches. Messer shows how churches can partner with ecumenical organizations, relief agencies, volunteer mission programs, healthcare programs, and other agencies to engage global AIDS directly and effectively.

Breaking the Conspiracy of Silence: Christian Churches and the Global AIDS Crisis

Health, Fitness & Dieting

Diseases & Physical Ailments

Fortress Press

Writing for congregations and individuals of faith, McGovern, Dole, and Messer appeal to the biblical, theological, and ethical foundations of action against hunger.

Ending Hunger Now: A Challenge to Persons of Faith

Dole, Bob

McGovern, George S.

Challenges the church to help revitalize the elective process and encourages qualified persons to become active in politics.

Christian Ethics and Political Action

Christian Books & Bibles

Judson Pr

Cherishing Life & Love: Reflections of Paul Murphy

Rider Green Book Publishers

This book focuses on Christian unity and inter-religious relationships from a United Methodist perspective. The issues examined are newsworthy, timely, and critical. This volume neither addresses every issue or concern that needs to be faced nor attempts to provide a solution to every problem or conflict mentioned. Rather as an edited collection of essays in practical theology, it offers a framework for reflection and study by United Methodist laity, clergy, and seminarians seeking to live into our faith’s commitment to ecumenism and interfaith relationships. Writers from around the world contributed chapters. Their vision and voices are indispensable in understanding the biblical, historical, and theological basis for ecumenical and inter-religious work.

Celebrating God's love

Abingdon

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Books by Messer, Donald E.