Table Matters: The Sacraments Evangelism and Social Justice: 8 (Wesleyan Doctrine)

In many churches the work of evangelism and social justice is relegated to clergy staff or special committees. Rarely do most members of the laity believe they should or even want to engage in the tasks of evangelism and social justice. In this volume LaBoy contends that participation in baptism and Eucharist mandates for all Christians--and those who are Wesleyan in their orientation in particular--that evangelism and social justice are not optional but in fact integral to their worship and witness. She argues that this understanding and practice of the integration of sacraments evangelism and social justice are what can help churches deal with contemporary issues of decline and church disenfranchisement by both congregants and those beyond church walls. LaBoy further argues that making the sacraments central to the worship life of congregations is what made early Methodists great evangelists and advocates for social justice. Dr. LaBoys forthcoming book connects a Wesleyan understanding of sacraments to evangelism and social justice. The tendency in recent years has been to separate these practices and even those seeking a holistic vision struggle to connect them. LaBoy in her book shares why they are connected and how we can learn from the Wesleyan tradition to engage these practices as part of our daily lives. Readers will not only benefit from the deep theological engagement but from her focus on practice. --F. Douglas Powe Jr. Institute for Community Engagement In Table Matters Dr. LaBoy reminds us that the sacraments are a gift to the church to disciple and discipline us to be a community of witness holiness and justice. I hope it will be widely used to shape local congregations to serve the present age. --Gregory Vaughn Palmer Resident Bishop Ohio West Episcopal Area United Methodist Church Felicia Howell LaBoy is the Lead Pastor of St. Johns United Methodist Church a multiracial multiethnic congregation in Oak Park IL. With over 18 years of urban pastoral ministry and 30+ years of business experience Dr. LaBoy is the former Associate Dean of Black Church Studies and Advanced Learning at Louisville Seminary and former Assistant Professor of Evangelization at United Theological Seminary. A popular presenter and expert in the fields of faith-based community and leadership development evangelism and race relations she weaves her academic pastoral and business education and experience to lead diverse groups in achieving better churches communities and organizations.