Wesleyan/Methodist Branch of Christianity

The Wesleyan or Methodist branch originated in the Church of England in the 1700s.
Founded by John Wesley and his brother Charles, both sons of a pastor and members of the Church of England.

While at Oxford, John and Charles Wesley began taking their faith more seriously.
They formed a group called the "holy club," a gathering of students focused on studying scripture and practicing its teachings.
Charles Wesley played a key role in writing hymns that used popular tunes with theological lyrics, making theology accessible and memorable through song.
Example: "O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing."

The members of the holy club faced persecution for their serious approach to faith in a somewhat complacent Church of England.
They were mocked and abused for their dedication.
The term "Methodist" began as a pejorative, mocking their methodical approach to faith and Bible study.
The name stuck and eventually lost its negative connotations.

Methodists went to the people, rather than expecting people to come to the church building.
They preached in pubs and workplaces, reaching those who couldn't attend traditional church services, such as farmers, coal miners, and dock workers.
Their dynamic preaching style attracted many new followers.

In 1744, Methodism was formally organized as a separate denomination with its own hierarchy.
Francis Asbury organized the Methodist Church in America and facilitated its rapid growth through his administrative skills.
The church grew because he sent Methodist ministers where they were needed.
Class meetings which are small groups, were instrumental in fostering engagement with the Bible and supporting new Christians.

Arising from concerns that the Methodist Church had become complacent, the holiness movement emphasized personal piety and holiness.
Phoebe Palmer, a leader in this movement, emphasized sanctification as a "second work of grace."
Sanctification was achieved through dedicating one's life fully to Christ.
The movement stressed moral behavior, including abstaining from gambling and drinking, and maintaining marital fidelity, setting them apart from broader society.
The holiness movement played a significant role in the abolitionist and prohibition movements.
They emphasized the equal roles of men and women in proclaiming the gospel.

A primary theological distinctive is the emphasis on grace:
- Prevenient Grace: The Holy Spirit stirs within us, enabling us to respond to Christ's call.
- Justifying Grace: The gift of being declared righteous before God.
- Sanctifying Grace: The ongoing work of the Holy Spirit making us holy.
Sanctification is a central concept, understood as a gift of the Holy Spirit in which believers participate.
John Wesley believed in complete sanctification, defined as being perfected in love of God and neighbor through the power of the Holy Spirit.
This doesn't mean perfection in knowledge or freedom from mistakes but transformation into Christ-likeness.

Wesleyans hold to the concept of "blessed assurance," the confidence in one's salvation.
Individuals can have assurance that their heart can testify with the Holy Spirit that they are indeed children of God.
Salvation is freely given but can be rejected.
Individuals have the freedom to reject salvation, even after accepting it.
Living a life of continuous sin can be a rejection of salvation through one's actions if one's actions are completely worldly and untransformed.

Combination of Personal Piety (personal holiness) and Social Engagement (social holiness).
Personal relationship with Jesus leads to a desire to transform society.
John Wesley founded orphanages, visited the sick and imprisoned, and worked against slavery.
Many Wesleyan and Methodist denominations have strong social engagement, caring for the poor and oppressed, and offering social programs.

Several denominations have roots in the Wesleyan/Methodist tradition:
- United Methodist Church (largest, with approximately 3.6% of US Christians).
- Free Methodist.
- Wesleyan Church.
- Church of the Nazarene.
The Salvation Army is also a Wesleyan Methodist denomination known for its social programs and ministry to marginalized people.