Life and setting
An Anglican priest, Wesley became the chief organizer of the Methodist revival, preaching across Britain and developing societies, classes and itinerant ministry.
Evangelical Revival • Methodist / Wesleyan
John Wesley
1703 – 1791 • Preacher, organizer and theologian
Why this person matters
His emphasis on prevenient grace, conversion, holiness, disciplined discipleship and practical care shaped Methodism and later holiness traditions worldwide.
What should not be sanitized
Wesley never intended initially to found a separate denomination, and his relationship to Anglican structures changed over time.
Read further in our library
Search the Early Church Fathers for John Wesley