More on the Methodists

History

Methodism is the name given to the group of churches that arose out of the Christian revival of the 18th century, led by the Wesley brothers, John and Charles. The Methodist church is centred in Britain and the U.S.A., but has spread all over the world. The biggest Methodist church group is the United Methodist Church of America, with over 10 million members. In Britain there is a Methodist chapel in most towns and large villages.

Dismayed by problems in the Church of England, the Wesley brothers led a movement of 'societies' within the Church of England, based on personal experience of Jesus Christ, Bible study, prayer and powerful preaching. John Wesley particularly wanted the church to reach out to ordinary people, and spent his life touring the country preaching. Many in the church saw him as a threat to the established order and banned him from using their church buildings, so he began to preach outside.

Working people in particular identified with the powerful, practical faith he preached. They formed groups, studied together and worked to improve the conditions of the people around them. Charles Wesley became a famous hymn writer, and wrote hundreds of hymns, many of which are still sung today in lots of different churches. By the time of John Wesley's death in 1791 the Methodists had all but broken away from the Church of England. This separation became more definite in the next century, and the Methodist movement became a separate church.

There were many divisions and off-shoots during the 19th century, but during the last 50 years the Methodists in Britain have become one church again. Today, some Methodists would like to rejoin the Church of England.