The beginning of the Methodist movement have its roots in the English Reformation, and in particular, with the ministry of Rev. John and Rev. Charles Wesley in the the 18th century. The name “Methodist,” just like the name “Christian,” was originally meant as a slur, but the name stuck.

The Wesley’s were “methodical” in the way they studied the Bible, prayed, and carried out the ministry of Christ. John was a great preacher. Banned from the pulpits of the Church of England because he was too much of an “enthusiast,” he took to the highways and coal mines of England to spread the gospel in a religious and social culture that was corrupt and broken on many levels.

Charles wrote thousands of hymns that are recognized and still sung today in worship services around the world. 6000 of his hymns were published. Together with the “people called Methodists,” the Wesley brothers not only changed forever the Christian faith in England, but landing in Savannah, Georgia, they helped form America’s faith as they “spread scriptural holiness” across the land.

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