John Wesley

John Wesley by George Romney

Error creating thumbnail:

The rescue of the young John Wesley from the burning parsona Wellcome V0006839

Error creating thumbnail:

Christ Church Cathedral Interior 2, Oxford, UK - Diliff

15-17-040, John Wesley Statue - panoramio

Error creating thumbnail:

John Wesley preaching to native American Indians. Engraving. Wellcome V0006867

Error creating thumbnail:

John Wesley preaching on his fathers grave- in the church yard at Epworth Sunday June 6th 1742 LCCN2002707689

John Wesley (1703–1791) was an Anglican cleric, theologian, and evangelist who is best known as the leader of a revival movement within the Church of England known as Methodism. The methods of the movement, which included open-air preaching, the establishment of small group meetings for the purpose of accountability and discipleship, and the practice of itinerant preaching, were new to the Church of England at the time. Wesley's teachings also emphasized the universal salvation available through Jesus Christ and the importance of personal holiness and social justice.

Early Life

John Wesley was born on June 17, 1703, in Epworth, Lincolnshire, England, to Samuel Wesley, a rector of the Church of England, and his wife Susanna Wesley, who was known for her strong religious convictions and influence on her children. Wesley was the fifteenth of nineteen children. Despite their financial hardships, Wesley's parents ensured he received a quality education. He attended Charterhouse School and later went to Christ Church, Oxford University, where he received a master's degree in 1727.

Oxford and the Holy Club

While at Oxford, Wesley founded the "Holy Club," a group of like-minded students dedicated to the pursuit of a devout Christian life through rigorous study and discipline. This group, mockingly referred to as "Methodists" by some, focused on prayer, Bible study, and the regular receiving of Communion. It was during this time that Wesley developed his ideas about methodical devotion and the importance of both faith and works in the Christian life.

Mission to Georgia

In 1735, Wesley embarked on a mission to the British colony of Georgia in America, aiming to preach to the Native Americans and provide pastoral care to the colonists. The mission was largely unsuccessful, and Wesley returned to England disheartened. However, this period was crucial in shaping his theological views, particularly after his interactions with the Moravians, a pietistic sect known for their deep faith and assurance of salvation.

Evangelical Conversion

Wesley experienced a profound spiritual renewal on May 24, 1738, at a meeting in Aldersgate Street, London. He described feeling his "heart strangely warmed," a moment he later identified as his evangelical conversion, where he gained the assurance of his salvation through faith in Christ. This experience was pivotal, leading him to focus on evangelism and the doctrine of "justification by faith."

Methodist Movement

Following his conversion, Wesley, along with his brother Charles Wesley and fellow cleric George Whitefield, began preaching salvation by faith and the necessity of a new birth for salvation. They took to open-air preaching, reaching out to the working class and those alienated by the traditional church. Wesley's organizational skills led to the establishment of Methodist societies, which were groups of believers who met regularly for spiritual fellowship and growth. These societies were the foundation of what would become the Methodist Church.

Wesley's theology emphasized the life of holiness, the means of grace (such as prayer, Bible reading, and the sacraments), and social holiness, advocating for issues like prison reform and the abolition of slavery. His prolific writings, including sermons, theological treatises, and hymns, contributed significantly to Methodist doctrine and the broader Christian tradition.

Later Years and Legacy

John Wesley continued to preach and write extensively until his death on March 2, 1791. By the time of his death, the Methodist movement had grown significantly, both in Britain and in America. Wesley's emphasis on personal piety, social justice, and the spread of the Gospel left a lasting impact on Christianity.

Wesley's approach to practical theology and his organizational methods in spreading the Gospel have made him a seminal figure in the history of Christianity. The Methodist Church, which formally separated from the Church of England after his death, continues to be a major Christian denomination worldwide, adhering to Wesley's teachings on faith and social action.