“As Fire in Our Bones”: J. D. May, an Ordinary Early Twentieth-Century Methodist Preacher

“As Fire in Our Bones.” J. D. May, an Ordinary Early Twentieth-Century Methodist Preacher is an examination of the life and work of early twentieth-century ordinary Methodist pastors are seldom presented. Yet ordinary pastors have been, and still are, the backbone of Methodist ministry. James DeWitt May, who pastored between 1901 and 1925, was one such ordinary minister. This article briefly traces his life and ministry but concentrates on his sermons and preaching. The purpose is to show how he, as an ordinary pastor, presented the gospel of Jesus Christ and to trace his theological framework. Insight into his life and preaching can help us understand Methodist ministry and its development at the beginning of the twentieth century.