Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
During the season of Lent, we had the opportunity to study the life and teachings of John Wesley through our Lenten Bible study series, “Soup & Sermon.” To guide our study, I found two well-crafted videos (Vision Video. John Wesley - Faith That Sparked the Methodist Movement. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRRqKe3QB5c, The Incredible Journey. John Wesley – The Man Who Saved England. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UwjdD_JbOok) that offered a rich overview of Wesley’s life and theology, and I prepared discussion handouts to accompany them. Each week, participants engaged in lively discussions, often going beyond what I had prepared, and together we reflected on how we might live out Wesley’s teachings in our own faith journeys.
At the suggestion of several attendees who felt this study should be shared with our church family, I have decided to include a summary of what we learned—especially from the final session—in this May newsletter.
My hope is that this summary will help you, as heirs of Wesley’s legacy, to discover more deeply the richness of what he has passed down to us.
In Christ’s love
Rev. Hyuntae Kim Ph.D.
Summary: The Life and Teachings of John Wesley
Early Life and Education
John Wesley was born on June 17, 1703, in Epworth, England, to Samuel and Susanna Wesley. His father was an Anglican priest, and his mother played a significant role in his religious upbringing, ensuring that all her children received a strong Christian education. One of the most defining moments of Wesley’s childhood was surviving a fire that burned down his family’s home. This experience led him to believe that God had spared his life for a special purpose.
Wesley attended Oxford University, where he studied theology. While there, he and his brother Charles formed a small religious group called the Holy Club, which focused on strict spiritual discipline, Bible study, prayer, fasting, and helping the poor and imprisoned. Their methodical way of practicing their faith led people to call them "Methodists," a name that eventually defined the movement John Wesley would lead.
Spiritual Awakening and the Methodist Movement
In 1735, Wesley traveled to the American colony of Georgia as a missionary. However, his time there was unsuccessful, and he returned to England feeling spiritually discouraged. It was not until May 24, 1738, at a meeting on Aldersgate Street in London that Wesley had a life-changing experience. As he listened to a reading from Martin Luther’s preface to the Book of Romans, he felt his "heart strangely warmed" and finally understood that salvation comes through faith in Christ alone, not just through religious works. This moment transformed his faith and became the foundation of his future ministry.
After this experience, Wesley began preaching with a new passion. He believed that faith should not only be personal but also expressed through action. However, many churches in England rejected him because of his emphasis on spiritual revival. In response, Wesley took his message directly to the people, preaching in open fields, streets, and marketplaces, often to large crowds of working-class people who felt neglected by the established church.
Key Teachings of John Wesley
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Salvation by Grace Through Faith – Wesley taught that God's grace is available to everyone and that salvation comes not by works alone, but through faith in Jesus Christ.
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Prevenient, Justifying, and Sanctifying Grace – Wesley described three stages of grace:
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Prevenient Grace: God’s love is present in everyone’s life, even before they recognize it.
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Justifying Grace: A person is saved when they trust in Christ and accept His forgiveness.
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Sanctifying Grace: A believer grows in holiness, becoming more like Christ through the Holy Spirit.
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Personal and Social Holiness – Wesley emphasized that faith is not just about personal salvation but about transforming society. He believed Christians should actively work to improve the world around them.
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The Importance of Small Groups – Wesley organized small groups, or “class meetings,” where people could study the Bible, pray together, and hold each other accountable in their faith journey.
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Serving the Poor and Needy – Wesley believed Christians should help the marginalized. He started schools for children, medical clinics for the sick, and relief efforts for the poor.
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Opposition to Slavery – Wesley was one of the earliest Christian leaders to speak out against slavery, calling it a great evil. He encouraged Methodists to support abolition efforts.
The Growth of Methodism
Wesley traveled over 250,000 miles on horseback and preached more than 40,000 sermons throughout his lifetime. His tireless work led to the rapid expansion of the Methodist movement, not only in England but also in America. By the time of his death in 1791, Methodism had grown into a global movement with thousands of followers dedicated to living out their faith through love, discipline, and service.
John Wesley’s Legacy
John Wesley’s influence continues today through the Methodist Church, which has millions of members worldwide. His teachings remind Christians that faith is not just about personal belief but about loving God and loving others through action. Wesley’s famous quote captures his lifelong mission:
"Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can."
His life serves as an inspiration for Christians to live out their faith with passion, discipline, and a commitment to social justice.
Closing Reflection on John Wesley’s Life and Teachings
As we conclude our study on John Wesley, we reflect on his incredible journey of faith and his passion for living out the Gospel. Wesley’s life teaches us that faith is not just about belief but about action—serving others, standing up for justice, and striving to grow closer to God every day.
Through his teachings on grace, holiness, and social responsibility, Wesley showed us that following Christ means transforming not only our hearts but also the world around us. He did not wait for people to come to the church; instead, he went to where people were, preaching in fields, ministering to the poor, and advocating for those in need. His life challenges us to ask: How can we live out our faith in the same way?
As we move forward, let us remember that the same God who worked through John Wesley can work through us today. Whether through small acts of kindness, standing up for what is right, or committing to a deeper spiritual life, we can follow his example and make a difference in our communities.