The Methodist church is a denomination within the Protestant faith. Its origins can be traced back to the teachings and life of its founder, John Wesley. Early Methodist leaders included George Whitefield and his brother, Charles Wesley. These men were largely responsible for the church’s growth and popularity.
John Wesley
The Methodist movement is named after John Wesley, an influential English cleric, theologian and evangelist. Wesley proclaimed that Christianity was a vital religion and sought to preserve the life of God in human souls. His work ethic was legendary. He traveled 4,000 miles a year and preached over 40,000 sermons during his lifetime. Wesley’s methods of preaching, prayer and worship had an international influence. He was also an active member of the Christian club at Oxford University.
In 1744, Wesley founded a network of lay preachers. He began holding annual conferences, and by 1751, his network had spread throughout the British Isles. In 1784, Wesley signed the Deed of Declaration, a document that formalized his movement. Today, the Methodist church has over 100 million members throughout the world.
The Wesleyan movement was instrumental in preventing a civil war in England. It broke down barriers between classes, and even allowed women to lead their own churches. John Wesley drafted “General Rules” for societies in 1743, which became the nucleus of the Methodist Discipline. Unlike many other religious organizations, the Wesleyan movement never considered itself independent of the Anglican Church. During the American Revolution, Wesley had to care for his 15,000 followers in America. When the bishop of London refused to ordain Wesley as a clergyman, he ordained his own ministers and ordained the Methodist Church in America.
The Methodist movement was a highly mobile movement. Its early preachers traveled large distances, often preaching outdoors, and organizing new believers. They also began to expand and provide social services. Their missionary efforts included visiting prisons and teaching prisoners. Wesley’s teachings about personal holiness have continued to challenge Christians to discern the Kingdom of God.
Wesley emphasized the doctrine of prevenient grace and entire sanctification, arguing against doctrines such as Calvinism and the doctrine of predestination. This doctrine of prevenient grace underpinned his belief in universal salvation. Although Wesley was not a systematic theologian, his doctrines of prevenient grace have continued to influence the Methodist church.
Charles (1707-88)
Charles (1707-88) and his brother John Wesley started a religious movement called Methodism. Together, they wrote over four hundred publications on a variety of topics. During their lifetimes, Charles Wesley wrote over 6,000 hymns. The hymns are a reflection of the principles and beliefs of Methodism.
Charles Wesley disliked power and glory, and shied away from acclaim. Born in the year 1707, he was the third son and eighteenth child of Samuel and Susanna Wesley. The family home, Epworth, was burned down while Charles was still an infant. A maid had to carry him to his mother’s home, where he was eventually placed in her arms.
Charles Wesley co-founded the Methodist church and was considered one of the greatest hymn writers of all time. His works are now considered the best in the Christian tradition, and his hymns are familiar to many even outside the Methodist church. For the first time, the letters of Charles Wesley are being published. Approximately 700 texts tell the story of his life, from his Oxford days to his death.
Methodism
Methodism is a form of Christianity that focuses on the idea that all of humanity is entitled to God’s grace and forgiveness. Methodists have been deeply involved in the ecumenical movement, which seeks to unite the many denominations of Christianity. Although Methodism is a Protestant denomination, its roots are in the Church of England, and neither of the Wesley brothers sought to secede. As such, Methodist historians have compared Methodism to the Franciscans, who formed a religious order within the medieval European church.
Methodists’ theology focuses on the transformation of faith, particularly the effect of Christ’s death and resurrection on our humanity. Methodist doctrine includes doctrines like new birth, assurance, imparted righteousness, and the possibility of entire sanctification. They look to historic creeds and Christian tradition to guide their beliefs. They believe that Jesus Christ died for all humanity and that God loves everyone equally. Methodists also believe in the inerrancy of Scripture, which they view as authoritative.
Methodism was initially a reform movement that arose in the eighteenth century in England. It was led by the Reverend John Wesley and focused on Christian living and Bible study. The movement’s growth brought a split between the Anglican Church and the Methodist church. However, Wesley himself did not see Methodism as a separate church until his later years.
Methodists also believe in the necessity of community as the key to actualizing their faith. In their worship services, they may incorporate readings from the Bible, preaching, singing, and Holy Communion. They believe that the body of Christ, who is the central figure in the church, hosts Holy Communion.
The Methodist church is the largest denomination in the United States. It is distinct from the Methodist church in Britain, which does not have bishops. It was founded by John Wesley, who ordained the first Methodist ministers in America, even though it was against Anglican church rules. The first Methodists were organized into local societies and classes, where they met weekly to worship, study the Bible, and pray. The first annual conferences were held in 1744 and 1784.