History

Wesley's Childhood
Samuel and Susannah Wesley raised their many children in a home where faith, discipline and concern for justice went hand in hand.

The Holy Club 
At Oxford, John and Charles were part of a group of friends who met regularly to pray, study the Bible and encourage good works.

A storm at sea
Travelling to America, the brothers were much affected by the faith of a group of Moravians during a dangerous storm.

The 'conversions' 
Within a few days of each other, both John and Charles experienced a renewal of their faith and assurance of salvation.

Preaching
John began his countrywide teaching ministry when he reluctantly preached in a field in Bristol.

Social justice 
The Wesleys encouraged practical care and reform in many areas of social justice.

Wesleyan theology
John Wesley followed Arminian teaching, which unlike Calvinism believed that all could be saved, not just the 'elect'.

Societies and classes 
The regular and intense small group was a key feature of Methodism's growth.

The birth of the Methodist Conference 
As the Methodist Societies grew, an annual conference of preachers was a way of keeping in touch.

Separation from the Church of England 
Though John Wesley did not intend a split, this became inevitable.

Primitive Methodism
In the early 19th century, there was a split between those who favoured open air evangelism and those who were by now more institutional.

Temperance 
Methodism identified itself with the 'total abstinence' temperance movement. Today, alcohol consumption is a personal choice.