Methodist Church's first ebook looks at discipleship

The Methodist Church has launched its first ebook on the subject of discipleship.

Discipleship and the People Called Methodists is written by the Rev Dr Martyn Atkins, General Secretary of the Methodist Church, and was originally released as a printed booklet.

It is being made available for free in the epub format that can be used by many ebook readers, as well as the mobi format for the Amazon Kindle.

Its launch as an ebook follows the recent decision by the Church to renew its focus on discipleship.

Dr Atkins said: “Discipleship is about transforming the world as well as ourselves, and I’m delighted that the Methodist people are really taking this emphasis on discipleship to heart.

"The demand for this book in its print version shows that as a Church we are really keen to explore what discipleship means and how we can become better disciples together, and the ebook version will enable more people to join in.”

As churches gear up to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible, the Methodist Church has designated 2011 the Year of the Bible and is backing the BibleFresh initiative aimed at restoring confidence in the Bible. At least a dozen Methodist districts have signed up to put on BibleFresh festivals as part of the yearlong initiative.

Dr Atkins said: “I’m so excited that Methodists are looking to the opportunities offered by BibleFresh in 2011 to deepen our biblical discipleship, and also that we’re part of the More Than Gold initiative that will offer many ways to practice our discipleship during the Olympic and Paralympics Games in 2012.”