Synopses & Reviews
Noted author and Presbyterian Louis B. Weeks offers a timely update to his primer on the life, history, tradition, and beliefs of the Presbyterian Church. Offering more than just a brief overview, Weeks ties explanations of Presbyterianism to actual congregational situations and examines major themes in Reformed life. New sections address spiritual practices, "hot-button" issues among Presbyterians, changes in hymnody, and respect for God's creation. The adoption of a Presbyterian Brief Statement of Faith, the growth of newer Reformed churches worldwide and their influence on Christian worship and work in the U.S.A., and the growing importance of other world religions also receive Weeks's authoritative attention.
Review
"Weeks does not veer from directly addressing topics ranging from predestination and piety to current controversial issues in church and society. Throughout, his use of congregational examples creates a sense of ease and familiarity for the reader. This is a great resource for new member classes and officer training - as well as a useful primer for church school classes." The Rev. Dr. Fairfax F. Fair, Pastor, Highland Presbyterian Church, Louisville, Kentucky
Review
"Weeks begins each chapter with a real-life question arising out of the life of a congregation. He then offers a clear, accessible, and substantive Presbyterian response. The pastor and the professor meet most happily in these pages." Michael Lindvall, Pastor, Brick Presbyterian Church in New York City, and author of A Geography of God, The Good News from North Haven, and Leaving North Haven.
Review
"A tremendous book. This new version is fresh and ready to help a new generation discover how Christ still comes alive through the Presbyterian Church in the twenty-first century." N. Graham Standish, Pastor, Calvin Presbyterian Church in Zelienople, Pennsylvania and author of Becoming a Blessed Church
Review
"A great resource book for new member classes, officers training sessions, and adult and youth groups.'" Dr. Syngman Rhee, Moderator of the 212th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Director of the Asian Ministry and Study Center, and Visiting Professor of Intercultural Studies at Union Presbyterian School of Christian Education. "Weeks begins each chapter with a real-life question arising out of the life of a congregation. He then offers a clear, accessible, and substantive Presbyterian response. The pastor and the professor meet most happily in these pages.'" Michael Lindvall, Pastor, Brick Presbyterian Church in New York City, and author of A Geography of God, The Good News from North Haven, and Leaving North Haven.'"A tremendous book. This new version is fresh and ready to help a new generation discover how Christ still comes alive through the Presbyterian Church in the twenty-first century.'" N. Graham Standish, Pastor, Calvin Presbyterian Church in Zelienople, Pennsylvania and author of Becoming a Blessed Church '"Weeks does not veer from directly addressing topics ranging from predestination and piety to current controversial issues in church and society. Throughout, his use of congregational examples creates a sense of ease and familiarity for the reader. This is a great resource for new member classes and officer training '- as well as a useful primer for church school classes.'" The Rev. Dr. Fairfax F. Fair, Pastor, Highland Presbyterian Church, Louisville, Kentucky
Synopsis
In this lay-friendly introduction to what it means to be a Presbyterian, Louis B. Weeks explains the life, history, tradition, and beliefs of the Presbyterian Church. Offering more than providing a brief overview, Weeks ties his explanations to actual congregational situations. Each chapter begins with an anecdote and then examines the theme in the following pages. It is ideal for new-member classes and for those who seek a refresher course on Presbyterianism. Originally publishing this volume in 1983, Weeks has updated many of the original anecdotes and added material to reflect decades of change in the PC(USA).
About the Author
Louis B. Weeks is President Emeritus of Union Theological Seminary and Presbyterian School of Christian Education in Richmond, Virginia. He formerly served as a stated supply pastor and as a missionary in the Presbyterian Church in Congo (then Zaire). He has written broadly about church history, ethics, development, administration, the Bible, pastoral care, and ministry. His books include To Be a Presbyterian, The Presbyterian Presence: Bible Words That Shape a Faith, and Making Ethical Decisions.