The Methodist Revival (1738–1740)
Spring 1740
The early months of 1740 and how John Wesley dealt with the loss of his brother and the lingering tension at Fetter Lane.
The New Name of Methodism
The fall of 1739 and the different questions of ministry that John Wesley is asking and answering.
The Rise and Fall of the Fetter Lane Society
The founding of the Fetter Lane Society in London in 1738, and how John Wesley's leadership helped him articulate his understanding of the church.
Samuel Wesley Junior
The life of the oldest brother, Samuel Wesley Junior, and how his rigor and early death made an impact on the Methodist Movement.
The Summer of '39
The pivotal summer of 1739, after the start of the Bristol Revival, and John Wesley's unique method of superintendency.
Day-to-Day Revival
What the Bristol Revival was like on the ground and what caused John Wesley to return to London.
Whitefield's Response to Free Grace
George Whitefield's response to John Wesley's sermon Free Grace, helping us understand the differences between groups in Bristol.
Free Grace
John Wesley's sermon, Free Grace, which he preached at the end of his first month in Bristol, setting the stage for his dispute with Whitefield.
The Revival in Bristol
The first month of John Wesley's participation in the Revival in Bristol, England, in 1739.
Eve of Revival
The first few months of 1739 in the life of John Wesley and the choices that led him to go to Bristol.
Bristol
The history and geography of Bristol, England, essential context for the Methodist Revival that would begin there.
George Whitefield
The early life of George Whitefield in order to prepare for the revivals that will take place in 1739.
Back to England (Fall 1738)
Catching up with Charles Wesley while John was on the continent, following John through the rest of 1738.
Jonathan Edwards
The early life of Jonathan Edwards, whose life doubled John Wesley's in many ways, save for Edwards's Calvinism.
Herrnhüt
John Wesley's two week visit to the home of the Moravians in Herrnhüt, in what is now Germany.
European Interlude
John Wesley's journey from visiting his mother to visiting the Moravians at Herrnhut.
Revival on Hold
The days immediately after Aldersgate and the challenges John Wesley faced after his spiritual experience.
Aldersgate
The day of May 24, 1738, from start to finish — the scriptures and prayers which John Wesley encountered.
The Road to Aldersgate
John Wesley from his return to England in February 1738 up to moments before his Aldersgate conversion.
King George II
Context about the England to which John Wesley returns after his stint in Georgia.
The Georgia Mission (1735–1738)
Theology in Georgia
Theological influences upon John Wesley during his stay in Georgia, especially the Moravians.
The Trial of John Wesley
John Wesley's relationship with Sophy Hopkey through his Trial and final departure from Georgia.
The Courtship of Sophy Hopkey
The relationship between John Wesley and Sophy Hopkey in Georgia — more complex than often portrayed.
Life in Savannah
Arriving in Georgia — following John to Savannah and Charles to St. Simon's Island.
The Voyage to Georgia
The journey of John and Charles Wesley from England to Georgia.
James Oglethorpe and the Founding of Georgia
The founding of the Georgia colony and the man who made it possible.
Opportunities in Mission
The opportunities that led the Wesleys to consider the Georgia mission.
Oxford Methodism (1725–1735)
Oxford Methodism Part 2
Continuing the story of the Oxford Methodists and the Holy Club.
Oxford Methodism Part 1
The beginning of the Oxford Methodist movement.
The Holy Club in Wesley's Eyes
How John Wesley understood and remembered the Holy Club.
Prelude to the Holy Club
The circumstances that led to the formation of the Holy Club at Oxford.
A Not-So-Commonplace Book
John Wesley's reading habits and intellectual formation.
The Oxford Diaries
What we learn from John Wesley's meticulous diaries at Oxford.
John Wesley's Call to Ministry
How John Wesley came to pursue ordination and ministry.
The Wesleys Go to School
The education of John and Charles Wesley at Charterhouse and Westminster.
The Wesley Family (1703–1720)
King George I
The political context of England during John Wesley's early years.
Childhood in Epworth
Growing up in the Wesley household in Epworth.
Epworth
The town and parish of Epworth where the Wesleys lived and ministered.
Samuel Wesley Part 2
Continuing the life of Samuel Wesley, father of John and Charles.
Bonus: Samuel Wesley
Additional material on Samuel Wesley.
Samuel Wesley Part 1
The life of Samuel Wesley, father of John and Charles.
Susanna Wesley Part 2
Continuing the story of Susanna Wesley, mother of Methodism.
Susanna Wesley Part 1
The life of Susanna Wesley, often called the "Mother of Methodism."
England in 1703
The world into which John Wesley was born.
English Religion & Politics (1558–1700)
The Quest for the Primitive Church
The search for authentic, early Christianity in English religious thought.
Early Pietists
The Pietist movement and its influence on Wesley.
English Spirituality
The devotional traditions that shaped Wesley's piety.
Nonconformists and Non-jurors
Religious dissent in late 17th century England.
The Glorious Revolution?
The Revolution of 1688 and its religious implications.
The Republic and the Restoration
England from Cromwell to Charles II.
The English Civil War
The conflict that reshaped English religion and politics.
English Politics before the Civil War
The tensions that led to civil war in England.
Richard Hooker and Friends
Anglican theology and its key figures.
Wesley's Preface to the New Testament
Wesley's approach to Scripture and biblical interpretation.
King James and His Bible
The making of the King James Bible and its significance.
Dort and its Aftermath
The Synod of Dort and Calvinist orthodoxy.
Religion in Elizabethan England
The religious settlement under Elizabeth I.
The Reformation (1483–1560)
What is an Arminian?
Understanding the theology that would become central to Methodism.
Jacob Arminius
The Dutch theologian whose thought influenced Wesley.
Early Reformed Thought
The development of Reformed theology after Luther.
The Counter-Reformation
The Catholic Church's response to Protestant reform.
The English Reformation
How England broke from Rome and formed the Church of England.
Reform in the Air
The spread of Reformation ideas across Europe.
Martin Luther
The man who sparked the Protestant Reformation.
Introduction
An introduction to the History of Methodism podcast.