Gayle Carlton Felton

By Water and the Spirit, Revised Study Guide

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 16:53:18 GMT

Available September 2026; Preorder Now!

What does it mean to belong to God through baptism? This practical study guide for By Water and the Spirit explores The United Methodist Church's official teaching on baptism and aims to equip individuals and groups to grow in lifelong discipleship by bringing clarity to common questions about how United Methodists understand and practice baptism.

In this companion resource, Mark Stamm, a leading expert on interpreting the Church's teaching, expands on the work of the late Gayle Carlton Felton and invites individuals and groups to engage deeply with the meaning, practice, and lifelong significance of baptism.

Specifically designed to be a document for practical use rather than a presentation of abstract theology, the guide is organized into six teaching sessions. Each session contains three types of material: the original text of By Water and the Spirit approved by the General Conference, commentary on that text, and suggestions for how to teach about it.

Designed for use in congregations and classrooms alike, this study edition includes:

The full official text of By Water and the Spirit
Accessible commentary to illuminate key themes and theological insights
Practical teaching guidance for pastors, small group leaders, and educators
Six structured sessions for group study or personal reflection

Ideal for new member classes, confirmation, small groups, and leadership development; this resource serves as both a teaching tool and a spiritual invitation.

More than a study, this is an opportunity to reclaim baptism as a living reality—one that shapes our identity, grounds our faith, and calls us into a life of discipleship and ministry.

Rediscover the grace given in water and through the Spirit along with what it means to live as Christ's own, today and always.

This study guide includes the full text of By Water and the Spirit: A United Methodist Understanding of Baptism, adopted by the 1996 General Conference of The United Methodist Church.

This Holy Mystery

Sat, 14 May 2022 02:36:07 GMT

"This is the body of Christ. This is the blood of Christ."

It's Communion Sunday. The service is a little longer, and the sacrament is observed with gravity. You know it's important, but the wonder is lost. What does it all mean, really?

According to the results of a survey, you're not alone. United Methodists have a strong sense of the importance of Holy Communion, but they also lack a meaningful understanding of the theology behind it. Reclaim a richer sacramental life in your congregation through a group study of This Holy Mystery.

In 2004, the General Conference of The United Methodist Church adopted an official interpretative document on Holy Communion. For the first time in our history, the denomination has an official, comprehensive statement of the practice and theology of the Lord's Supper. Now, it's time for congregations to help members understand the observance.

"We believe that study of this document will yield increased appreciation for the sacrament in the worship experience and enable United Methodist people to draw nourishment and strength for their ongoing journeys of faith," writes Felton.

This Holy Mystery: A United Methodist Understanding of Holy Communion is a study guide of the General Conference-approved document. An all-in-one resource, this book is for both participants and leaders. It's divided into 7 sessions, providing commentary on the history, practice, and principles of Holy Communion in United Methodist congregations. It also points to implications of the sacrament for ministry and mission.

We come to the Table of the Lord, seeking to have our spiritual needs met. The benefits include forgiveness, nourishment, healing, transformation, ministry and mission, and eternal life. Renew your appreciation for the divine grace made available through this sacrament.

This Holy Mystery

Thu, 05 May 2022 20:00:23 GMT

"This is the body of Christ. This is the blood of Christ."

It's Communion Sunday. The service is a little longer, and the sacrament is observed with gravity. You know it's important, but the wonder is lost. What does it all mean, really?