John Wesley - a brief biography by Michelle Buckman

John Wesley (1703 – 1791) was an English clergyman, theologian and evangelist who led a revival movement within the Church of England that soon became known as Methodism. In 1738, he was converted after serving as an ordained missionary to America for two years. 

Wesley, like George Whitefield, found the need and usefulness of preaching outdoors. Across Great Britain and Ireland, he helped form and organise small Christian groups that developed intensive and personal accountability, discipleship and Bible teaching, and, in a radical departure from normal practice at the time, he appointed itinerant, unordained evangelists to care for these groups of people. Under Wesley's direction, Methodists became leaders in many social issues of their day, including prison reform and the abolition of slavery. 

Wesley's extensive travels and many varied experiences as a servant of God are chronicled in some detail in his journals and letters.  By the end of his life, Wesley was described as "the best-loved man in England".

(Recorded 22 September 2019)