The History of Methodism Podcast

From 1483 - the present

Welcome to the long history of Methodism. Recent episodes are posted on this page. You can find the History of Methodism Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, and other podcasts sites. This website contains all our past transcripts, sources, as well as an historical timeline. All of this is possible because of the support of our patrons on patreon.

The Revival in Bristol

In this episode, we look the first month of John Wesley's participation in the Revival in Bristol, England, in 1739. This period is crucial for Wesley's understanding of revival. It also prepares the way for his split with George Whitefield over Free Grace vs. Predestination.

Episode 57 Posted on May 6, 2025

Eve of Revival

In this episode, we look at the first few months of 1739 in the life of John Wesley and the choices that led him to go to Bristol at the end of March and start preaching in fields.

Episode 56 Posted on April 8, 2025

Bristol

In this episode, we look at the history and geography of Bristol, England, in order to better understand the Methodist Revival that will start there in the Spring of 1739.

Episode 55 Posted on March 7, 2025

George Whitefield

In this episode, we look at the early life of George Whitefield in order to prepare for the revivals that will take place in 1739.

Episode 54 Posted on Ferbruary 26, 2025

Back to England (Fall 1738)

In this episode, we catch up with Charles Wesley while John was on the continent, as well as follow John through the rest of 1738 up until the momentous love feast on January 1, 1739.

Episode 53 Posted on January 16, 2025

Jonathan Edwards

In this episode, we go back in time to look at the early life of the New England theologian, Jonathan Edwards, whose life doubled John Wesley's in many ways, save for Edwards's Calvinism. The episode culminates in an account of Jonathan Edwards's work, A Faithful Narrative of the Surprising Work of God in the Conversion of Many Hundred Souls in Northampton, the book John read in October of 1738 which helped influence the coming Methodist movement.

Episode 52 Posted on December 10, 2024

Herrnhüt

In this episode, we look at John Wesley's two week visit to the home of the Moravians in Herrnhüt, in what is now Germany. We also discuss how this visit shaped the future movement, and how the stories he decided to share also offered a new medium for John.

Episode 51 Posted on November 6, 2024

European Interlude

In this episode, we look at John Wesley's journey from visiting his mother to visiting the Moravians at Herrnhut, in the heart of Saxony. We also look at his sermon, Salvation by Faith, preached soon after his Aldersgate Experience on this journey.

Episode 50 Posted on October 6, 2024

Revival on Hold

In this episode, we look at the days immediately after Aldersgate and the challenges John Wesley faced after his spiritual experience.

Episode 49 Posted on September 4, 2024

Aldersgate

In this episode, we focus in on the day of May 24, 1738, from start finish and read together the scriptures and prayers which John Wesley encountered before his Aldersgate Rd. experience. We also listen to a public domain excerpt from Henry Purcell's setting of Psalm 130, which was sung at evening prayer that Wednesday.

Episode 48 Posted on July 12, 2024

The Road to Aldersgate

In this episode, we follow John Wesley during the time between his return to England in February of 1738, up to the moments before his Aldersgate conversion experience on Mary 24, 1738. We also look into Charles's own experience and the influence of Peter Böhler on both Wesley brothers.

Episode 47 Posted on May 4, 2024

King George II

In this episode, we give some context about the England to which John Wesley returns after his stint in Georgia, with a look at the life and reign of King George II.

Episode 46 Posted on April 5, 2024

Theology in Georgia

In this episode, we look at some of the theological influences upon John Wesley during his stay in Georgia, especially the Moravians. We also include some background on the Moravians and their leader, Zinzendorf. The episode ends with a critique of John Wesley's theology written by other colonists in Georgia.

Episode 45 Posted on March 1, 2024

The Trial of John Wesley

In this episode, we continue the story of John Wesley's relationship with Sophy Hopkey beginning with her engagement to William Williamson up through John Wesley's Trial and final departure from the Colony of Georgia.

Episode 44 Posted on January 14, 2024

The Courtship of Sophy Hopkpey

In this episode, we go in-depth into the relationship between John Wesley and Sophy Hopkey in Georgia up until he discovers her marriage to William Williamson. The relationship is much more complex than it is often portrayed and the consequences of their relationship shape the future of the Methodist movement.

Episode 43 Posted on December 9, 2023

Life in Savannah

In this episode, we arrive in Georgia and follow John to Savannah and Charles to St. Simon's Island as they begin their lives in the new world.

Episode 42 Posted on October 10, 2023

The Voyage to Georgia

In this episode, we follow the journey of John and Charles Wesley from England to Georgia, looking at how they lived and grew and changed in the process.

Episode 41 Posted on September 9, 2023