Bishop
The Art of Questioning Authority by an Authority in Question
By William H. Willimon Published
As a church leader, it’s easy to make the wrong move and find yourself in a bad position.
“What to teach; How to teach; What to do,” were the three questions Wesley employed at his first conferences. In sixty previous books Will Willimon has worked the first two. This book is of the “What to do?” genre.
Many believe the long decline of The United Methodist Church is a crisis of effective leadership. Willimon takes this problem on. As an improbable bishop, for the last eight years he has laid hands on heads, made ordinands promise to go where he sends them, overseen their ministries, and acted as if this were normal. Here is his account of what he has learned and – more important – what The United Methodist Church must do to have a future as a viable movement of the Holy Spirit.
Endorsements
“Witty. Pointed. Courageous. This book is written with a theologian’s intellect, a pastor’s heart for the church, and a passion to pass on the faith to a new generation.”
- Janice Huie
Bishop is an episcopal memoir like none other just as Will Willimon is one of a kind. Sacred cows and fruitless practices are major targets for this seasoned, equal opportunity disturber of the peace. But his self-effacing spirit (“When somebody’s talking, I want it to be me.”) reminds readers of his willingness to engage any debate and sometimes even change his mind.
Lovett H. Weems, Jr., Wesley Theological Seminary, co-author of Bearing Fruit: Ministry with Real Results
