Rev. Dr. Dwight H. Judy, Professor Emeritus of Spiritual Formation at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, wrote:
Get this book! Very significant historical references and so important for us NOW!
Rev. Dr. Lovett Weems, Jr., author and distinguished professor of church leadership at Wesley Theological Seminary, wrote:
This is a fine book by an incisive thinker and skilled practitioner. Every page is a tutorial on Wesleyan theology. West captures the power of the Eucharist for Wesleyans, and its implications for the most contemporary challenges the church and world face today.
Rev. Dr. Steve Harper, author and former seminary professor at Asbury Seminary and blogger at Oboedire, wrote:
For some time, I have believed that the increase of divisiveness in The United Methodist Church (and the larger Christian community) is, in part, due to a decrease in our theology and practice of Holy Comnunion. When we stop coming to the Table together, we open the door to separatism that can too easily turn toxic.
And worse, when some divide so severely that they are willing to speak and write about excluding people from the Table, they have reversed the intention of Jesus for the holy meal to bring us together, counterfitting Communion, making it exclusionary, and using it to legitimize and widen the divide.
Conversely, I also believe that the renewal of the United Methodist Church (and the larger Christian community) must include a recovered theology of the Lord's Supper and a revived partaking of it. I believe the new awakening is eucharistic.
What I have only discovered recently is that Steve West not only believes this, he has written a book about it--a book which weaves together multiple threads of sacramental theology to offer us a eucharistic coat of many colors, complete with a winsome invitation to put it on. I have not seen a book that combines the various elements of sacramental theology the way his does.
Rooted in the Bible and in the Wesleys' words and hymns, West offers insights as ancient as Macarius the Egyptian and modern as John Pavlovitz. Along the way, his own pastoral experience with the sacrament puts flesh on the conceptual bones, sometimes in surprising and moving ways--the first story in the book serving that purpose in spades.
West's title, 'Something Happens Here' sums it up. And after you read his book, you will find yourself saying, "It is something that needs to happen again, here and now." And more, you will find yourself drawn into a mission to make it so.
United Methodist Insight interviewed the author and published a review of the book by Cynthia Astle. You can find it here.
Bishop Will Willimon, retired United Methodist bishop, wrote additional words that were not included on the endorsement on the back cover. He wrote:
"West skillfully interweaves history, Wesleyan theology, and hymnody into a warm, pastoral, accessible presentation that calls us Methodists to focus on the heart of who we are. He makes me proud to be a Wesleyan Christian by leading us to the Lord's Table and showing how this sacrament has important things to say to the church in the present age."
Rev. Michael Roberts, senior pastor of Jonesboro First UMC in Jonesboro, Arkansas (which successfully emerged from a high profile lawsuit by separatists seeking to take their property), wrote:
Especially to pastors and church leaders, I want to recommend this book written by my friend Steve West. I bought the Kindle version. It is so good. I will definitely be using it as a part of my strategy to promote unity and Christlikeness in a divided culture, where the frame of "warring sides" is so engrained. Keys to a more life-giving perspective can truly be found in the sacrament, where Christ is present in the gathered community, inviting us, not to like-mindedness, but to love-mindedness. This book is rich with insights and inspiration to help us, not to take on the stress of having to do it all, but to join in what God is doing and to participate in the reality that is graciously given through Christ. Holy Communion is truly the grand means of grace for this holy calling.
Rev. Tammy Jackson, senior pastor of Anniston First UMC in Anniston, Alabama and chair of the North Alabama Conference Board of Ordained Ministry, wrote;
Steve is a colleague in the UMC, and I must admit that when I discovered his doctoral work was becoming a book, I expected it to be dry and academic. Something seminary classes might use (and they could), but not something the average layperson would enjoy reading. However, I was pleasantly surprised. While Steve's incredible intellect and deep knowledge of the Wesleyan tradition clearly shine through, it also contains stories and explanations that will connect on many levels. He does a beautiful job of translating theological terms into language everyone can understand and appreciate. This is why I used the book for a Bible study with a group in my own congregation. The reminder of our deep, meaningful roots was appreciated. It's worth the read and will be time you won't regret investing.
