Methodism Explained

Why were the first Methodists mocked for being so methodical, and how did a small Anglican renewal movement become a global Christian family?

Methodism Explained offers a clear and readable introduction to the history, beliefs, worship, and spiritual practices of the Methodist and wider Wesleyan tradition. It follows the movement from John Wesley's disciplined Oxford years and failed mission in Georgia to the open-air preaching, class meetings, hymns, revivals, and global churches that grew from his work.

Along the way, the book explains the ideas that give Methodism its distinctive character: prevenient grace, the new birth, assurance of faith, sanctification, Christian perfection, the means of grace, personal holiness, and social holiness.

Inside, you will discover:

• why Methodism began as a movement rather than a separate denomination;
• what Methodists believe about grace, free will, salvation, and holiness;
• how Methodist baptism, Communion, worship, hymns, and small groups developed;
• how Methodism compares with Anglican, Lutheran, Reformed, Baptist, and Pentecostal Christianity;
• how the Wesleyan tradition influenced the Holiness and Pentecostal movements;
• why Methodist churches have divided over theology, authority, sexuality, race, and church government;
• how to evaluate a Methodist congregation before joining it.

The book does not treat one denomination as the whole of Methodism. It introduces the wider global family, including British Methodism, the United Methodist Church, African Methodist churches, the Global Methodist Church, Free Methodism, Wesleyan and Holiness churches, and related traditions.

Written for newcomers, young adults, students, curious Christians, and readers comparing denominations, Methodism Explained asks the practical question at the heart of the Wesleyan movement: can Christian faith become a disciplined way of life that changes character, relationships, churches, and society?