The Wesley Brothers & Methodism in 18th Century England (aka “Methodism 201”)
Rev. Ron Bartlow leads a four-week class for any who would like to learn more about the history of our Methodist movement as it was experienced in England. In these four sessions we will focus on the historical setting of 18th Century England, in which John and Charles Wesley began the Methodist movement, with a particular focus on places and events that will be a part of the Wesley Heritage Tour in May, 2023. You need not be going on the tour to learn and grow as a fellow follower of Jesus Christ in the company of the Wesley brothers!
Classes will be Mondays April 3, 10, 17, 24 at 7:00pm at St. Paul’s U.M.C. and simulcast on Zoom.
Our classes are tentatively structured to cover the following:
- The Religious Context of England (16th to 18th Century)
We’ll consider key religious tensions, “dissensions,” “enthusiasts,” and related developments – including the impact the 17th century’s King James and Shakespeare had on language and religion.
- The Formative Years for the Wesley Brothers
There would be no Methodist movement without the efforts and ministry of the Wesley brothers John (1703-1791) and Charles (1707–1788). This class will discuss their formative years in Epworth, their time as students at Oxford, their ill-fated trip to the colony of Georgia, and their experiences returning to London.
- The Spread of Methodism in England
After their heart-warming experiences in London, John and Charles led a growing renewal movement that spread throughout England. This session will touch on their time in Bristol in particular, as well as the expansion of the renewal into a national movement.
- Institutionalization of Methodism, Navigating Change
Change is inevitable. Looking at how Methodists navigated change at the end of the 18th century we will consider John’s responses to the “execrable villany” that was slavery, his “calm address to our American colonies,” his ordination of Thomas Coke, and the English Methodists finding a replacement for him after his death.
The class will be offered simultaneously in-person in the Covenant Room and via Zoom Monday evenings in April (3, 10, 17, 24) from 7 to 8PM.