SIGNED - The Church Alive by Samuel M. Shoemaker
The Church Alive Practical Helps Toward An Effective Ministry — A Guide For Clergy and Congregation by Samuel M. Shoemaker.
This book has been inscribed and signed by Sam Shoemaker!
The inscription reads:
“To Sophie Munch, with long-time friendship. Sam Shoemaker” -1950
The copyright page indicates that this book is a First Printing that was published in 1950.
About the book from the information on the dust jacket:
“To THE CHURCH ALIVE, Dr. Shoemaker brings a vibrant faith, and outlook enriched by wide experience, and a keen understanding of what the clergy and their congregations can do to fulfill their missions as Christians.
Are you one of those for whom this book is written?
Samuel M. Shoemaker, in the pages of his book, brings help to those taking part in the work of the Church-
The young layman, searching for the best place to invest his life-
The theological student who needs some orientation to his future work—
The young man already in the ministry who is not striking fire or finding himself spiritually-
The older man in the ministry who has lost the flame he once knew-
The man or woman whose call is to take their faith with them into the office, plant, studio, school.
If you are one of these you should read THE CHURCH ALIVE.”
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Samuel Shoemaker was a prominent American Episcopal priest and a key figure in the Oxford Group movement, which later influenced the development of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and other Twelve Step programs. Born on December 27, 1893, in Baltimore, Maryland, Shoemaker was raised in a family with a strong Christian background.
Shoemaker studied at Princeton University and later attended Virginia Theological Seminary, where he was ordained as an Episcopal priest in 1917. He served in various parishes before becoming the rector of Calvary Church in New York City in 1925, where he remained for over twenty years.
In the early 1930s, Shoemaker became involved with the Oxford Group, an informal Christian fellowship founded by Frank Buchman. The Oxford Group emphasized spiritual principles such as honesty, purity, unselfishness, and love, and it sought to bring about personal transformation through spiritual practices such as self-examination, confession, and surrender to God's will.
Shoemaker's involvement with the Oxford Group profoundly influenced his ministry and preaching style. He became known for his dynamic sermons, which emphasized the need for individuals to experience a personal encounter with God and to live out their faith in practical ways.
One of Shoemaker's most significant contributions was his role in introducing the principles of the Oxford Group to Bill Wilson, co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Shoemaker and other members of the Oxford Group had a significant influence on the early development of AA, particularly in shaping its spiritual foundations and emphasis on personal transformation. Bill W. wrote: “Dr. Sam Shoemaker was one of A.A.’s indispensables. Had it not been for his ministry to us in our early time, our Fellowship would not be in existence today.”
Throughout his life, Shoemaker remained dedicated to ministry and spiritual renewal. He authored numerous books and articles on Christian spirituality, including "Realizing Religion." He also played a key role in the founding of the Spiritual Mobilization movement in the 1940s, which sought to promote spiritual values in American society.
Samuel Shoemaker passed away on October 31, 1963, leaving behind a legacy of spiritual insight and compassionate ministry. He is remembered as a pioneer in the field of Christian spirituality and as a guiding figure in the early history of Alcoholics Anonymous.
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This book is in very good condition. The cover shows minor wear. The book is fully intact, pages are clean with normal toning for its age. The inscription and an address stamp are on the first page of the book. There is no other writing or markings in the book. The original dust jacket has some edge wear.
Please view all of the photos for the conditions.