Methodist History

The definitive history of the Wesleyan movement in the United States. An expansive, substantive history of the Wesleyan tradition in the United States, Doctrine, Spirit, and Discipline offers a broad survey of the Methodist movement as it developed and spread throughout America, from the...

“An excellent small group study.” – Rev. Travis Knoll In a time of upheaval in the largest denomination of the Methodist movement, this classic explanation and defense of Methodist Christianity by its founder is required reading. Pastor David Wentz has updated Wesley’s 18th-century language, deleted references to no-longer-relevant theological disputes, and added an introduction that sets the work in context. The result is a clear, easy to read text that is enjoyable and understandable for modern readers of all levels of theological interest and expertise. This short book is ideal ...

A rich articulation of John Wesley's theology that is appreciative of the old and mindful of the new, faithful to the past, and attentive to the present. This work carefully displays John Wesley's 18th century theology in its own distinct historical and social location, but then transitions to the 21st century through the introduction of contemporary issues.

A clear, engaging introduction to John Wesley’s life, theology, and the movement that still transforms lives around the world. *** John Wesley never meant to start a new denomination. Yet his preaching, writing, and organizing transformed the religious life of Britain and America—and shaped the faith of millions around the world. In All the Good You Can Do: An Introduction to John Wesley and the Wesleyan Vision, journalist and historian Jim Stovall introduces readers to Wesley’s world and explains why his message still matters today. With clarity, warmth, and historical depth, Stovall...

There’s more to salvation than punching your ticket for heaven. John Wesley taught that full salvation means becoming completely holy in heart and life. This focus on personal holiness was one of the defining characteristics of the Wesleyan revival. The many Methodist and Wesleyan denominations, the Pentecostal and holiness movements, and the Salvation Army all trace their lineage back to these teachings. Wesley’s followers believed what he taught fiercely, lived it out faithfully, and witnessed to it boldly, to the point that they were often violently persecuted. Today, millions of ...

American Methodism Revised and Updated begins with the explosion of evangelical Pietism and revolutionary Methodism, the First Great Awakening, as an independent nation was formed. It then highlights key nineteenth century themes and Methodist contributions, such as spreading scriptural holiness through missions and literature, planting tens of thousands of Sunday schools and churches by Circuit Riders, the pivotal Methodist schism between abolitionists and enslavers, the innovative building of schools and hospitals into the next century, and the revivalism of the Second Great Awakening.

In the post-9/11 world, it is not difficult to see how important religion remains in America and around the globe. An older generation of scholars expected that America and the rest of the Western world was headed inexorably toward secularization and the end of religion. America is undoubtedly...

The half century following the American Revolution witnessed the transformation of American Christianity. The passion for equality, says Hatch, brought about a crisis or religious authority in popular culture, introduced new and popular forms of theology, witnessed the rise of minority religious movements, reshaped preaching, singing, and publishing, and became a scriptural foundation for 19th century American individualism.

The “catholic spirit” has held us together through many divisive issues. “Through many dangers, toils, and snares, we have already come.” In this current context, it seems appropriate to renew laity and clergy acquaintance with “the way it was,” as we seek our “way forward.” Our hope is to fulfill Mr. Wesley’s admonition that “though we may not think alike, we can love alike.” This is not an attempt to “white-wash” the many splendored story, nor to deny the vision, energy, and spirituality of our leaders and “foot soldiers.” This version of The Methodist Story ...

ONE OF THE NEW YORK TIMES’ TEN BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR A sweeping history of one of the nation’s most important African American churches and a profound story of courage and grace amid the fight for racial justice—from Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist Kevin Sack “A masterpiece...

Discover the Church That Changed History Dive into the extraordinary story of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church—a cornerstone of faith, freedom, and social justice. This beginner’s guide is your key to understanding a denomination that shaped history, empowered communities, and inspired generations. Experience a Remarkable Journey: Follow the AME Zion Church from its humble beginnings to its pivotal role in abolition, civil rights, and education. Learn how faith and resilience transformed a people and a nation. Uncover the Heroes of the Freedom Church: Meet the towering ...

This meditation is directed toward those who are marginalized in our society. The Spirit has a word for those who feel they are on edge or outside the chosen ones. Many are suffering paranoia. I will focus on those who were discriminated against as outsiders and undesirables. We will look at those who were blessed in the presence of their undesirable situations by G.O.D. We often see the ones we see as undesirable as those that G.O.D. has chosen, and we see them in reverse order. According to Isaiah 55:8, My (G.O.D.'S) thoughts are not your thoughts, and your ways are not MY ways, says the ...

FAIRACRES PUBLICATIONS 146 Despite the distance separating eighteenth-century Welsh Methodism from nineteenth-century French Catholicism, Ann Griffiths in Wales and the Carmelite Elizabeth of the Trinity in France are as one in the passionate intensity of their prayer and in their theological perception of God the Holy Trinity as the supreme reality. The author examines common themes in the writings of the two women. Arthur MacDonald Allchin (1930-2010), best known as Donald Allchin, was ordained priest in 1957 and later became a Canon of Canterbury Cathedral. He first gained recognition as...

"This book thrilled my soul and reinvigorated my hope." — Amazon reviewer “Christians aren’t perfect, just forgiven.” John Wesley doesn’t agree. In this classic sermon, the father of Methodism and grandfather of the Salvation Army and the Pentecostal movement shows that using a proper Biblical definition, Christians not only can become perfect in this life — God commands us to! Seeking perfection was an integral part of the explosive growth of Methodism for 100 years, even as it led to the persecution of those who practiced it. As many of the denominations descended from Wesley ...

Can real Christians disagree? What should that look like? To whom can we safely say, “Give me your hand?” These are not new questions. Almost three hundred years ago, John Wesley, father of Methodism and grandfather of the Pentecostal movement and the Salvation Army, gave an answer that is sorely needed today: Christians should join hands in love and service, even if they don’t agree on every point or do everything the same way. Wesley explained exactly what he meant in this sermon from 1740. In particular, he lays out — in a series of questions that many modern Christians might ...

First published in 1919, The Black Man: The Father of Civilization stands as one of the earliest theological works to directly confront the racial assumptions embedded in Western biblical interpretation. James Morris Webb—an AME pastor, scholar, and leading voice of early 20th-century Black religious thought—presents a bold, meticulously argued case for the centrality of African and Afro-Asiatic peoples in the biblical narrative and in the foundations of world civilization.

It's uncertain that Howard Thurman made the remark often attributed to him, "I have been writing this book all my life," but there is little doubt that he was deeply immersed in reflection on the times that bear an uncanny resemblance to the present day, which give voice to the Black Lives Matter movement.

Award-winning storyteller and Methodist pastor, Tom Letchworth, retells some of the most fascinating stories from the American Civil War. War Ain't No Picnic is an entertaining and easy-to-understand collection of Civil War stories. Here are some of the interesting stories Tom Letchworth discovered in his research of the American Civil War. And since he's a United Methodist minister, it's only natural that he saw the spiritual analogies.

Catherine Perronet’s world is shaken when she learns Charles Wesley is engaged to marry another. After all, Catherine’s initials were on the list John Wesley gave to his brother listing acceptable matrimonial candidates. And that’s not all that’s wrong in Catherine’s world. As teacher at a Methodist Society school in London, she sees her brother beaten while preaching in the open air, her favorite pupil forced to leave school because of his family’s poverty, and a prisoner receive his death sentence in Newgate Prison. Catherine undertakes the joys and hardships of a circuit-ride...

Black American Faith: Exploring the AME Zion Church and Moorish Science Temple Unlock the rich tapestry of Black American spiritual history with this compelling 2-in-1 volume. Black American Faith brings together two profound journeys of faith and empowerment, offering an accessible and inspiring look at the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church and the Moorish Science Temple of America. Discover a Legacy of Freedom and Faith Dive into the remarkable story of the AME Zion Church, the "Freedom Church," which stood at the heart of abolitionist movements and civil rights struggles. Explore ...