The Controversial Wesley

It would be a mistake to think that the Wesleyan movement which began in the 18th century with John Wesley was empty of controversy.  While Wesley became a revered spiritual spokesman and leader, there were times during his life when he was an unpopular preacher.  As an ordained Anglican priest who found fault with the organized church of his day, it is not surprising that almost all Anglican pulpits were closed to him.  Only a small handful gave him opportunities to preach.    

There were numerous things which caused controversy to swirl around him, but one was his reviving the Love Feast and Watch Night Services.  There were rituals in the Anglican tradition for these services, but they had long been neglected.  Also, at some of his preaching events there were "embarrassing" responses from some of the freshly converted.  Wesley further upset the ecclesiastical apple cart by permitting lay speakers to preach.  And, of course, the early Methodist movement provided controversial social ministries such as free schools, dispensaries, and other services to the forgotten poor.     

John Wesley, the 18th century father of Methodism, was not someone bound by the "this is the way we have always done it" mentality.  Neither was he afraid of church authorities who sought to control those who served and worshipped.  His mind and spirit was guided by loving God and a desire to express that love through expressions of love for the least, the lost, and the forgotten.  He was a man who brought together piety and service, experience and tradition, common sense and striving toward perfection.  The church of our day could use more leaders cut out of his mold.