Reclaiming the Distinctiveness of Wesley's Communion Spirituality in Times of Divisiveness
With a fresh look at Wesley's core teachings on the Lord's Supper, it is a pastoral case for coming back to the table in order to move forward. “When we come to an impasse, the call of Holy Communion is to come back to the table and work it out.” Endorsed by Bishop Will Willimon and scholars from SMU, Vanderbilt, and Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.
“Who better than pastor, scholar, musician Steve West to minister to us in the present moment, calling us Wesleyans to the core of our dynamic sacramental piety? Amid the threatened, sad separations and acrimonious debate in our church, Steve gives an irenic, passionate, celebratory, deeply Christian witness that could lead us, by God’s grace, into a more hopeful future.”— Will Willimon, retired United Methodist bishop
Reflections on Finding God Along the Way
Steve's reflection “Raccoons Are Welcome” appears in this anthology from the Southern Christian Writers Conference — one of the most profound holy moments of his life, in his own words.
Get release notesCulture Wars and the Way of Christ
A more accessible follow to Something Happens Here. Reading Luke and Acts, it makes the case that following the Way of Christ — the lordship of Jesus, the resurrection, the radical welcome of the outsider — has always meant a little “good trouble.” Encouragement for navigating the culture wars, not political analysis.
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“This is a fine book by an incisive thinker and skilled practitioner. Every page is a tutorial on Wesleyan theology. West captures the power of the Eucharist for Wesleyans, and its implications for the most contemporary challenges the church and world face today.”
— Rev. Dr. Lovett Weems, Jr., Wesley Theological Seminary
“Feast on this book, and it will help you feast on God’s grace! West has taken the riches of the Wesleys’ theology of Holy Communion and made them available for the church today in a way that’s both historically rigorous and remarkably relevant.”
— L. Roger Owens, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary
“In clear prose, West’s study delivers historical, theological, and pastoral explanations of the eucharistic celebration’s immanent potential for forming the assembled members in Christlike charity and service revealed through word and sacrament.”
— Bruce T. Morrill, SJ, Vanderbilt University
“His real concern is how a Wesleyan understanding of the table can inform the faithfulness of the church in the midst of intense division. A timely book.”
— O. Wesley Allen, Jr., Southern Methodist University
“West suggests to the divisive forces in the church — indeed, to all — to first come to the table of the Lord. There alone is guidance for the individual’s and the church’s direction now and in the future.”
— S T Kimbrough, Jr., Duke Divinity School
“Get this book! Very significant historical references and so important for us NOW!”
— Rev. Dr. Dwight H. Judy, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary
Steve has been writing since 2008, 400+ posts on formation, the church, music, and daily faithfulness. Included are links to a number of his previous publications.