Episode Overview

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, host Stephen Nichols explores the origins and early development of Methodism. The discussion spans from Methodism’s beginnings at Oxford University, through its explosive growth during the Great Awakening in Britain, its establishment in the early United States, and touches on its expansion to the American frontier. Nichols highlights key figures, pivotal moments, and distinctive practices that shaped the Methodist movement in both the Old and New Worlds.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Origins at Oxford University (00:05–01:18)

• Methodism’s Formation:
  • The movement began among Oxford students, notably George Whitefield, Charles Wesley, and John Wesley, who formed the Holiness Club.
  • Their focus was on prayer, Bible study, visiting the sick and prisoners, and upholding high moral standards.
  • Interesting note: Charles and John Wesley were not yet converted during these formative days.
    • Quote (00:37):

      “Charles Wesley and John Wesley were not converted. They were likely, as it were, trying to white knuckle themselves into heaven.”

  • The name "Methodist" arose as a derogatory term, referencing their disciplined 'method' of living.

2. The Great Awakening & the Rise of Field Preaching (01:18–02:54)

• Transatlantic Revival (1740s):
  • The movement gained momentum during the Great Awakening, with leaders preaching "The Almost Christian" sermon.
  • Their challenging message—“Do you know who the Almost Christian is? Well, it’s you” (01:36)—alienated Anglican ministers, resulting in the Wesleys and Whitefield being barred from pulpits.
    • Nichols describes politely (01:55):

      "...they found themselves uninvited from pulpits, and they simply turned to the open fields and began field preaching.”

  • They attracted vast crowds in outdoor gatherings, sometimes facing heckling and outright hostility:
    • Memorable moment (02:19):

      “Tomatoes and even rocks were thrown at them. And sometimes they had to escape in carriages and were carried away.”

  • Despite opposition, Methodism thrived among the “forgotten poor”—especially coal miners, where gospel preaching met visible, heartfelt repentance.
    • Poignant image (02:34):

      “Tears leave these streaks through the coal smudges on their face.”

3. Methodism Crosses the Atlantic: The Christmas Conference (02:54–03:38)

• Expansion to America:
  • Francis Asbury is sent as a circuit rider, traversing the Eastern seaboard.
  • In 1784 (after the Treaty of Paris), John Wesley ordains Thomas Coke as superintendent for America. Coke joins Asbury in Delaware, then they travel to Baltimore.
  • The Christmas Conference marks the formal birth of Methodism in the United States.

4. Training and Resources for Lay Preachers (03:38–04:17)

• Wesley’s Christian Library:
  • Recognizing the need for educated lay leadership, John Wesley compiles a "Christian Library"—a collection of 50 portable volumes of practical divinity for Methodist teachers and preachers.
    • Description (03:58):

      "A library of 50 books... consisting of extracts and abridgments of Practical Divinity, which have been published in the English tongue."

5. Frontier Methodism & the Road Ahead (04:18–04:39)

• While only briefly mentioned, Nichols highlights the upcoming topic of Methodism’s spread to the American frontier—at this time, “Pittsburgh and points west.”
  • Concludes with anticipation (04:30):

    “But we’ll have to pick up this story next time on Five Minutes in Church History.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On early Methodist discipline:

  “They were following a strict method for their lives. And so it was a bit of a derogatory term aimed at them—Methodism.” (00:50)

• On intense field preaching:

  “Whitefield, by far, was a much more dramatic preacher than the Wesley brothers. It was said sometimes...they would watch [the Wesleys] preach and then they would finally see an arm move. And that's how they knew they were not statues.” (02:10)

• On evangelizing the poor:

  “Picture the audience, these hardtack coal miners... covered in the soot of the coal mines... tears leave these streaks through the coal smudges on their face.” (02:34)

• On the formation of the Methodist Church in America:

  “John Wesley ordains Thomas Koch as superintendent for the U.S. He goes to America... we have the Christmas Conference and we have Methodism in the United States.” (03:18)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:05: Methodism’s Oxford beginnings and the Holiness Club
• 01:18: The Great Awakening, “The Almost Christian,” and the shift to field preaching
• 02:54: Francis Asbury, Thomas Coke, and the Christmas Conference in America
• 03:38: Wesley’s Christian Library for lay teachers
• 04:18: Hint at future topic—Methodism reaching the American frontier

Tone and Style

Nichols maintains an informative, vivid, and compassionate narrative, using concrete imagery and gentle humor to convey early Methodism’s fervor, difficulties, and grassroots appeal. His anecdotes and descriptive language evoke empathy for both Methodist leaders and their hearers, making church history lively and accessible.

Conclusion

This brisk yet thorough episode introduces listeners to the foundational moments of Methodism, from academic rigor and spiritual searching at Oxford, to mass revival meetings on both sides of the Atlantic, to the structured training of leaders for a fast-growing movement. The story’s next chapter—Methodism on the American frontier—awaits in a future episode.