John Wesley

Profession: Evangelist

Nationality:

Biography: John Wesley was an English cleric, theologian, and evangelist who was a leader of a revival movement within the Church of England known as Methodism. The doctrines of this movement led to the establishment of independent Methodist churches, profoundly influencing Christianity in Britain, America, and other parts of the world.

Born in Lincolnshire, Wesley was the fifteenth child of Samuel Wesley, a rector, and his wife Susanna. He was educated at Charterhouse and Christ Church, Oxford, and was ordained in the Church of England in 1728.

While at Oxford, Wesley formed the "Holy Club" with his brother Charles Wesley, a group dedicated to their rigorous quest for a vision of Christian holiness. This group, somewhat mockingly referred to as "Methodists" due to their methodical practices, was the root of the later Methodist movement.

Wesley's conversion experience in 1738, where he felt his "heart strangely warmed" at a meeting in Aldersgate Street, London, marked a turning point in his ministry. He began to preach a message of salvation by faith and the need for personal transformation.

Wesley was an itinerant preacher, traveling extensively, often on horseback, to preach his message. His open-air preaching was a departure from the norms of the Church of England at the time, reaching those who were not typically churchgoers. Wesley's efforts contributed to a significant religious revival in Britain.

His teachings emphasized the life of Christian holiness, social justice, and service to the poor. Wesley was a prolific writer and hymnist, publishing numerous sermons, theological treatises, and hymns, many of which remain popular today.

Born: June 28, 1703
Birthplace: Epworth, Lincolnshire, England
Star Sign: Cancer

Died: March 2, 1791 (aged 87)