The Ecumenical Wesley

It is interesting to note how intensely John Wesley opposed the notion of a separate church. In “Character of a Methodist,” John Wesley describes what it is that makes one a true Methodist. He mentions such characteristics as praying constantly, thinking of God always, and trying to do what is best. These three specific traits are not unique to Methodists. In fact, none of the characteristics are. Towards the end, Wesley writes, “If any man say, ‘Why, these are only the common fundamental principles of Christianity!’ thou hast said; so I mean; this is the very truth; I know they are no other; and I would to God both thou and all men knew, that I, and all who follow my judgment, do vehemently refuse to be distinguished from other men, by any but the common principles of Christianity, -- the plain, old Christianity that I teach, renouncing and detesting all other marks of distinction.”

Judging by this statement, it is my opinion that Wesley, in our day and age, would strongly promote ecumenism. He wanted Methodists to be considered Christians. He did not want to separate from the Church of England. He also writes, “[F]rom real Christians, of whatsoever denomination they be, we earnestly desire not to be distinguished at all, not from any who sincerely follow after what they know they have not yet attained. No: ‘Whosoever doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.’ And I beseech you, brethren, by the mercies of God, that we be in no wise divided among ourselves. Is thy heart right, as my heart is with thine? I ask no farther question. If it be, give me thy hand. For opinions, or terms, let us not destroy the work of God. Dost thou love and serve God? It is enough. I give thee the right hand of fellowship.” For Wesley, it is enough that a person loves and wishes to serve God. As Methodists, if we take this to heart, shouldn’t ecumenism be something we strive after? It is so important that the Body of Christ be united. This is not to say that we should do away with all diversity between the denominations. After all, just as a body cannot be made up of all fingers or ribs, neither should the Body be made up of only Methodists, Baptists, or Catholics. Each denomination of Christianity brings something different to the Church as a whole. It is vital that we embrace these differences and learn how to work them together so that they do not work against one another. Perhaps if we embrace Wesley’s Methodism, we can get closer to being united.

Wesleyan Bands

When John Wesley started the Methodist movement, he stressed the importance of band groups. These were small groups, usually no more than six or so people, separated first by gender and then by marital status. The purpose was for people to be in close fellowship with one another and hold each other accountable. The members of these groups were the ones who were truly devoted to the Methodist movement and were therefore very concerned with holiness. The members would spur one another on, encouraging them in areas that needed work and celebrating the successes.

The small group still remains in most United Methodist churches, but the band groups themselves have been lost. In my opinion, this is a shame. These groups really enabled the Methodists to grow as Christians. It seems that many of our churches today exist quite like the Church of England in the 18^th century: Christianity only happens on Sunday mornings in the church pews. These band groups were a way of preventing that. If there were a movement to reinstate these groups now, the church might experience growth like it hasn’t in years. If church members had a safe place to talk about their struggles, successes, failures, and growth, they would really grow in their faith. It has often been said that the best form of evangelism is by exhibiting the lifestyle of a true Christian. By participating in these band groups, people would be getting closer to the holy life commanded by Jesus and the early apostles. Lives could be changed.