Methodism

Methodism, often called the Methodist movement, is a branch of Protestant Christianity shaped by the life and teachings of John Wesley, with key early contributions from George Whitefield and John’s brother, Charles Wesley. The name came from the “methodical” way these early followers practiced their faith. It began as a revival within the Church of England during the 1700s, but after Wesley’s death it split off into its own denomination. Thanks to energetic missionary work, it spread across the British Empire, the United States, and elsewhere, and now claims roughly 50 million followers globally. Most Methodist groups belong to the World Methodist Council. The theology of Wesleyan Methodism, developed by John Wesley and later systematized by John William Fletcher, centers on sanctification and the Holy Spirit’s power to transform a believer’s character, aiming for a life that overcomes sin. A distinctive feature is its definition of sin: a “voluntary transgression of a known law of God.” Key beliefs include the new birth, imparted righteousness, and obedience shown through acts of piety. Wesley considered entire sanctification the “grand depositum”—the core doctrine of Methodism, and the reason he believed God raised up the movement. Methodists trust that the Holy Spirit’s witness assures believers of both the new birth and entire sanctification. Scripture is the primary authority, but tradition, including historic creeds, is also valued. Wesleyan Methodists teach that Jesus died for everyone, making salvation available to all—an Arminian view, contrasting with the Calvinist belief in predestination. However, Whitefield and some other early leaders were Calvinistic Methodists who held to the Reformed position. Worship styles vary widely, from high church to low church liturgies, as well as tent revivals and camp meetings. British Methodist denominations tend to be less ritualistic, while American Methodism’s worship differs by denomination and congregation. Distinctive practices include quarterly lovefeasts, watchnight services on New Year’s Eve, and altar calls inviting people to experience the new birth and entire sanctification. Services often allow time for prayer requests, praise reports, and testimonies of salvation. The emphasis on growing in grace after the new birth led to class meetings for mutual encouragement. Methodism has a strong musical tradition, with Charles Wesley writing many of its hymns. Beyond evangelism, Methodism is known for charity and support for the sick, poor, and afflicted through works of mercy that flow from love for God and neighbor, especially in the entirely sanctified believer. These ideals, part of the Social Gospel, are put into action through hospitals, orphanages, soup kitchens, and schools. Historically, Methodists have stressed nonconformity to the world, with standards like sobriety, a ban on gambling, regular class meeting attendance, and weekly Friday fasting. Early Methodists came from all social levels, including the aristocracy, but preachers also reached out to outcasts like criminals. In Britain, the Methodist Church significantly shaped the early working class (1760–1820). In the United States, it became the religion of many slaves, who later formed black Methodist churches. **Origins**

The Methodist revival started in England with John Wesley (1703–1791) and his brother Charles Wesley (1707–1788) as a movement within the Church of England. At Oxford University, where John was a fellow and lecturer at Lincoln College, they founded the “Holy Club.” The group met weekly, systematically pursuing a holy life: taking Communion every week, fasting regularly, avoiding most amusements and luxuries, and frequently visiting the sick, poor, and prisoners. Fellow students nicknamed them “Methodist” because of their rule-bound, methodical approach to religion. In 1735, at the invitation of Georgia Colony founder James Oglethorpe, both brothers traveled to North America as ministers to colonists and missionaries to Native Americans. Their work was unsuccessful, and they returned to England feeling they lacked genuine Christian faith. They sought guidance from Peter Boehler and other Moravians.