New Book Discusses American Methodism

TEMPE, Ariz.

Having served as a staff to the Structure Study Commission of the General Conference of 1968, author Paul F. McCleary wants this generation of church leadership to be aware of the institutional history and the debate on structure that continues to give form to the current polity. With this in mind, McCleary pens "Reform Movements in Methodism and How They Were Treated (1784-1830)," a comprehensive book that explores and dissects how and to what degree the Methodist denomination's form of government is contributing to the present day society's current malaise.

"In early Methodism, there was a strong discipline exercised. When some very meaningful reformers emerged, how did the church deal with them? Was it right? How did that affect the church?" The author asks.

Above questions are answered as McCleary examines early reform movements in American Methodism and their impact on the governance within the denomination - how churches respond to each reform is detailed. The book will be of special interest to all of those who are concerned about how institutions change. A conserving institution such as the church is under constant pressures to move in new directions. How churches respond to every reform is vitally important to the future of the institution. A secondary purpose is to initiate a study of the ramifications the Episcopal form of government has on the vitality of a local congregation of the United Methodist Church.

Giving a clearer picture of the two sides of the coin, McCleary invites everyone to join him in examining "Reform Movements in Methodism and How They Were Treated (1784-1830)" as these are vital information on how present church problems can be addressed. This is the first of what will be a trilogy on church renewal in American Methodism.

For more information on this book, interested parties may log on to http://www.Xlibris.com.

About the Author
Rev. Paul F. McCleary is a graduate of Olivet Nazarene University, Bourbonnais, Illinois, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, and Northwestern University, both in Evanston, Illinois. He has an honorary Doctorate of Divinity from MacMurray College, Jacksonville, Illinois. McCleary served student appointments in Illinois Great Rivers Conference of the United Methodist Church before going to Bolivia as a missionary, where he served as district superintendent and executive secretary of the Annual Conference. He has served denominational posts as executive secretary of the Structure Study Commission of the General Conference, assistant general secretary for Latin America of the Board of Global Ministries, and as associate general secretary of the General Council on Ministries. He also served as executive director of Church World Service of the National Council of Churches of Christ. For several years, he served with nongovernmental organizations, such as Save the Children, Christian Children's Fund, and Feed the Children. He served two terms as president of the NGO Committee to UNICEF and chair of the Board of InterAction. He served as a consultant to the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank. McCleary served for eight years as an advisor to the Bishops' Task Force on Children and Poverty of the United Methodist Church. McCleary is married to Rachel P. and has four children, seven grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. They currently reside in Tempe, Ariz.

Reform Movements in Methodism and How They Were Treated (1784-1830) * by Paul F. McCleary
Publication Date: April 5, 2014
Trade Paperback; $19.99; 164 pages; 9781493196494
Trade Hardback; $29.99; 164 pages; 9781493196487
e-book; $3.99; 9781493196890

Members of the media who wish to review this book may request a complimentary paperback copy by contacting the publisher at (888) 795-4274 x. 7879. To purchase copies of the book for resale, please fax Xlibris at (812) 355-4079 or call (888) 795-4274 x. 7879. For more information on self-publishing or marketing with Xlibris, visit http://www.Xlibris.com. To receive a free publishing guide, please call (888) 795-4274.

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