Wesleyan Church History and Practice

Wesleyan Church History and Practice

• Christianity is divided into three major branches: Protestant, Eastern Orthodox, and Roman Catholic. Protestantism includes various denominations, with Wesleyan Arminianism being one.
• The statement "all roads lead to heaven" emphasizes faith in Jesus Christ as the path to salvation regardless of denomination.
• Wesleyan theology emphasizes God's choosing of individuals, highlighting God's knowledge and predestination of those chosen.

John Wesley's Early Life and Influences

• Born in 1703, John Wesley had Puritan ancestry and Anglican heritage.
• His family was large with several children, and high infant/child mortality rate; John and his brother Charles were both among the surviving children.
• A house fire almost claimed John's life at age 5.
• His mother, Susanna, emphasized spiritual development, teaching the children about God and salvation.
• There was a family ghost—Jeffery—considered friendly in the superstition-prone 1700s.
• Wesley desired education at Oxford University, not necessarily in church settings, to develop his faith.
• He was influenced significantly by spiritual writings by Kempis, Taylor, and Law, inspiring a more serious personal approach to faith.

The Holy Club and Wesley's Ministries

• Wesley founded the "Holy Club", a group with close personal connections to God, their community, and scriptures.
• Members of the club focused on personal religious development and social service.
• Members visited the local jail weekly for community engagement, teaching literacy to those in need.
• Wesley's group was labeled "Methodists" due to their highly structured religious routines and activities.

Wesley's Missionary Journey to Georgia

• Wesley intended to serve as a missionary in Georgia, a new colony in America, partnering with a friend.
• Inspired by Moravian attitudes and practices, Wesley noticed their calm and focused nature during their voyage.
• His missionary work was hindered by challenges and personal issues.
• The love affair with Sophy Hopkey led to a personal ministerial setback and his ultimate departure.

Wesley's Spiritual Awakening

• Wesley experienced a profound spiritual awakening (heart strangely warmed) on May 24, 1738, guided by his spiritual director, Peter Böhler.
• Peter Böhler emphasized salvation through grace rather than human effort or works, which had impacted John Wesley in former years.
• This experience marked a significant shift in Wesley's approach to faith.

Field Preaching and Itineracy

• Wesley was inspired by George Whitefield to conduct field preaching, particularly to those in areas not served.
• George Whitefield, who was a part of the Holy Club, initiated this style of ministry.
• Wesley’s "world as my parish" ideology defined his constant travels in London, Bristol, Newcastle, etc.
• He preached at his father's grave and in other places despite facing opposition.

Wesley's Organizational and Theological Innovations

• Wesley's societies, classes, and bands were crucial for developing and nurturing his followers.
• These were community-driven initiatives to facilitate Christian development—small groups supporting each other.
• Wesley's conferences facilitated accountability, training for lay preachers, and the growth of the movement.
• Holiness and sanctification were significant theological focuses in defining Wesleyan theology.

Charles Wesley and George Whitefield

• Charles Wesley, John's brother, was a key colleague and supporter.
• Charles was a hymn writer, compiling over 6000 hymns. Those songs are often used in church worship services today!
• George Whitefield, influential in promoting field preaching, had his own theological differences with the Wesley brothers, ultimately splitting from their group.
• Whitefield's impact on the American Revival contributed significantly to the Wesleyan movement and its spread.

John Fletcher and Francis Asbury

• John Fletcher was a pivotal theologian.
• Francis Asbury was critical to organizing the American Methodist movement. He is known for traveling extensively on horseback in the 1780s and 1790s developing Methodist congregations in the North American colonies.
• They were significant figures associated with the Wesleyan movement.

Phoebe Palmer and the Holiness Revival

• Phoebe Palmer, a leader in the holiness movement, held popular Tuesday prayer meetings.
• She emphasized a "shortened way" to holiness through faith.

Slavery and Abolition in America

• Slavery was a contentious issue that divided American communities and denominations.
• The Missouri Compromise and subsequent silence of churches in addressing the issue of slavery highlight the political and religious tensions of the time.
• Abolitionists, such as Elijah Lovejoy, were essential figures in challenging slavery.
• Orange Scott and other leaders, like Luther Lee, were instrumental in challenging existing Methodist attitudes.

Launching the Wesleyan Methodist Connection (Wesleyan Methodist Church)

• Wesleyans broke from Methodism in 1843 to form their own church in the United States.
• They were not only opposed to slaveholding but also rejected episcopal leadership.
• The Wesleyan-Methodist Connection (now Wesleyan Church) adopted a non-hierarchical, representative form of governance.

The Wesleyan Church's Post-War Mission

• The Wesleyan Church played a crucial role in racial justice after the Civil War, working with the Freedmen's Bureau and opposing the KKK.
• The church faced challenges of racial and societal divisions even after their stance against slavery.
• Wesleyan women in ministry began making an appearance. This challenged the status quo and broke barriers.
• The Wesleyan Church experienced growth and restructuring, incorporating a publishing house, home and foreign missions, and further educational initiatives.

Educational and Missionary Initiatives

• Houghton College, founded in 1884, was a significant educational development for the Wesleyan Church.
• Missions in Sierra Leone, West Africa, were established in 1889.

Further Developments in the Wesleyan Church

• The Wesleyan Church experienced a shift from advocacy and reform to a more structured emphasis on holiness.
• Leadership, governance, and mission activities underwent revisions to reflect the growing organization's needs.
• The denomination's evolution included addressing divisions on race during the late 1800s.
• Premillennialism's role in the church's reform efforts and eventual retreat in the late nineteenth century warrants further study.