Polity, Practice, and the Mission of The United Methodist Church: 2006 Edition

The text is accessible--well-written and well- organized--to accommodate both the historical development and current understanding of UMC polity. A useful book.

Thomas Frank did a superb job of explaining the United Methodist Church connection. Anyone wanting to really dig deep into the United Methodist Church organization should read this book. I believe it is one of the required reading for those who are in Seminary, however I also feel that any and all lay persons should be required to read this book as well. While reading "Franks" book one may even find that they do not believe that they feel a connection to the body of Christ through the Methodist denomination, but on the other hand their association with the UMC may become stronger than ever before.

I purchased this book for a United Methodist Polity class (church law basically). I was truly surprised and pleased that I actually enjoyed reading it. Frank strikes a good balance between explaining the structure of the church, explaining the United Methodist Discipline clearly, and relating it to real life examples. He also clearly loves the church and supports it, although he is clear eyed when describing its inner workings. I would recommend this or subsequent editions published as United Methodist polity continues to evolve.

Mr. Frank, while extremely knowledgeable, is also extremely verbose. He likes multi-syllabic explanation, and while the book is directed at advanced students, it is written in a church and educational jargon mix that is confusing to both. Obfuscation should not be the hallmark of religious educational writing. Confusing one's approach does not make one's subject more pious or holy. I got a lot of information from the book. I have the lingering feeling I could have received much more if my mind didn't feel it had been under a steam roller.

These book meets the minimum requirements to understand the basic issues that are leading our United Methodist Church away from its basic principles. The author challenges Us To make profound studies before any change can take place.

I bought this book because I had to buy it for a training course - expected it to be dull as ditchwater. Not so! It is extremely well written, especially illuminating with respect to history - and raises many crucial issues that I wish I could discuss face to face with the author. Reading it has been well worth my time and effort.

Informative and instructive for all United Methodists and those inquisitive about our church.This was mandatory reading for a certain church group recently. I found it a little difficult to, but this is not leisure reading

Text book for a class I was taking. Lot's of good info and as well written as possible for a complex and sometimes dry sibject.