In Treasures Old & New: Wesleyan Faith for Life Today, we want to invite readers on a journey that blends the time-tested treasures of the Wesleyan tradition with the fresh, innovative expressions of faith needed in today’s world. Rooted in the vision of John and Charles Wesley, this book examines how the old and new can come together to “serve the present age.”

 

Blending Old Treasures and New Expressions

Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 13:52 is at the heart of this book: the kingdom of God is like a treasure, and those who are well-trained in its ways will bring both “old and new things” from their treasure chest. This insight not only speaks to the nature of the kingdom but also provides a framework for Christian renewal. We explore the importance of traditioned innovation, a way forward that combines fidelity to historical patterns with openness to change. We envision a twenty-first century Methodism that is rooted in the old treasures of the Wesleyan faith—while also embracing new ways of expressing that faith in a rapidly changing world.

The Wesleyan Foundation: A Tradition of Renewal

Steve’s chapters take readers through the rich theological and historical foundation of early Methodism, highlighting the deep well of wisdom available to modern Christians through Wesley’s vision of “Scriptural Christianity.” Wesley was committed to living out an authentic Christian faith while also reforming the church to meet the needs of the marginalized and the broken. His mission-centered approach serves as a model for how the church today can be both faithful to the past and innovative in its outreach to those who have yet to become aware of an encounter with Christ.

A Fresh Vision for Today: New Treasures in Action

Michael focuses on a new treasure in the form of Fresh Expressions of Church. As someone actively involved in the cultivation of missional communities and church renewal, his chapters bring a practical, forward-looking perspective to the table. Drawing on the history of early Methodism, particularly its focus on “doctrine and discipline,” we show how these elements are not only relevant but necessary as the church re-imagines itself for the new mission reality at the dawn of this third millennium.

Through the example of Fresh Expressions—emerging forms of church that are grounded in tradition but speak to contemporary needs—the book highlights how new ways of being the church can preserve the essence of the old while offering something radically new. It emphasizes the importance of balancing innovation with rootedness in tradition, warning against the temptation to discard the old in pursuit of the new.

An Invitation to Participate in Renewal

The goal of Treasures Old & New is not just to inform but to invite you into the process of renewal. We both write with a deep commitment to the idea that the church is called to both honor the past and innovate for the future. This book serves as an invitation for all Christians—whether you are deeply committed to the old treasures or energized by the new—to join together in the work of renewal.

The way forward for the church requires both vintage and fresh ways. We want to invite you to explore the rich legacy of Wesleyan beliefs and practices, through a new lens. In this concise book, we provide a guided tour through the history of early Methodism, uncovering timeless treasures that still speak to us today. We wrote the book for church leaders and those seeking to unite congregations around a renewed Methodist identity.

We kept the book small, practical, and simple in the hopes it could be a kind of pocket guide for teams of laity and clergy, to help experiment with new expressions of Methodism that gather in the everyday spaces and rhythms of life. Whether your part of the Wesleyan faith stream, involved in fresh expressions, or leading in unconventional faith communities, we think you’ll find this resource helpful for shaping the next chapter of your community’s journey.

Through practical wisdom, theological reflection, and examples of living out the gospel today, Treasures Old & New offers a path forward for anyone seeking to be part of a church that is both faithful and dynamic.

Learn more about the book here, and join us on the journey!