| John Wesley wrote over 230 books and 600 hymns, preached over 40,000 sermons, and led a dynamic revival movement that altered the course of English history. His theological heirs are the Methodists, Holiness-Wesleyans, Pentecostals, and charismatics, who comprise the largest body of Protestant Christians in the world today. Although he discipled many, he rarely used the term "discipleship." The purpose of this study was to examine both primary and secondary sources, and synthesize Wesley's understanding of Christian discipleship.;Wesley's family and social background provided a rich context for the data. His doctrine of sanctification buttressed the theological framework for his concept of discipleship. Wesley's well-structured small group ministry functioned as the milieu for spiritual growth in grace through accountability, and the spiritual disciplines---which he called the means of grace---were nourishment for the life-long journey toward Christian perfection. The three key elements of sanctification, small group ministry, and the spiritual disciplines intertwined symbiotically to form Wesley's paradigm for Christian discipleship. |
