WNC Conference scholars contribute to new book on the Eucharist

The publishing ministry of the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM) announced today the release of a new book, “A Wesleyan Theology of the Eucharist: The Presence of God for Christian Life and Ministry.” Written by a diverse group of theologians and university and seminary professors, the book focuses on the connection between the Eucharist and areas of Christian theology, life, and ministry. This work shares the voices of noted Wesleyans who seek to recover the importance of Holy Communion. With acclaiming reviews, the book has been endorsed by Wesleyans scholars and authors. “These essays bear witness to renewed interest among Wesleyan communities in this rich part of our heritage,” wrote Randy L. Maddox, William Kellon Quick professor of Wesleyan and Methodist studies, Duke Divinity School. “More important, they provide encouragement and wisdom for reclaiming the centrality of Eucharist to Christian worship, nurture and life.” Jennifer L. Woodruff Tait, editor of Christian History magazine adds, “A Wesleyan Theology of the Eucharist is a book we have long needed. This mature collection of theological and practical reflections on the Eucharist by some of Methodism's leading scholars brings together strands of thought from throughout global Wesleyanism and provided me with new insights on almost every page. It will prove valuable in the continued movement for Wesleyan sacramental and liturgical renewal.” Jason Vickers, Ph.D., serves as the general editor for the book. Author and editor of 10 published works, Vickers is a professor of theology and site coordinator at the Memphis Campus of Asbury Theological Seminary. He is an elder with the Western North Carolina Conference, past president of the Wesleyan Theological Society and current editor of the “Wesleyan Theological Journal.” The book’s contributors include: William Abraham, D.Phil, (Albert Cook Outler professor of Wesley studies, Perkins School of Theology), E. Byron Anderson, Ph.D., (Styberg professor of worship, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary), Daniel Castelo, Ph.D., (professor of dogmatic and constructive theology, Seattle Pacific University and Seminary), Paul W. Chilcote, Ph.D., (professor of historical theology and Wesleyan studies, Ashland Theological Seminary), John Drury, Ph.D., (professor of worship and homiletics, Wesley Theological Seminary), Richard L. Eslinger, Ph.D., (professor of worship, retired, United Theological Seminary), Elaine Heath, Ph.D., (dean, Duke Divinity School), Sarah Heaner Lancaster, Ph.D., (Werner professor of theology, Methodist Theological School in Ohio), Rebekah Miles, Ph.D., (professor of ethics and practical theology and director of graduate program in religious studies, Perkins School of Theology), Andrew Sung Park, Ph.D., (professor of theology and ethics, United Theological Seminary), Brent Peterson, Ph.D., (dean of the School of Theology and Christian Ministries, Northwest Nazarene University), L. Edward Phillips, Ph.D., (associate professor of worship and liturgical theology, Candler School of Theology), Geoffrey Wainwright, D.D. (Robert Earl Cushman professor emeritus professor of Christian theology, Duke Divinity School), Robin Knowles Wallace, Ph.D., (professor in the Taylor Endowed Chair of worship and music, Methodist Theological School in Ohio), Karen Westerfield Tucker, Ph.D., (professor of worship, Boston University School of Theology), Jason E. Vickers, Ph.D., (professor of theology, Asbury Theological Seminary), and Ed Wimberly , Ph.D. (professor of pastoral care and special assistant to the president, Interdenominational Theological Center). “A Wesleyan Theology of the Eucharist: The Presence of God for Christian Life and Ministry,” is available on Amazon.com and Cokesbury.com. About GBHEM: As the leadership development agency of The United Methodist Church, the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry’s mission is to prepare global leaders for a global church and the world. Every elder, deacon and licensed local pastor benefits from our training and candidacy programs. Many young adults find help in clarifying their vocation and God’s call on their lives through our leadership and discernment programs. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook: @GBHEM.