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{{short description|Methodist church}}
''"Wesleyan" has been used in the title of a number of historic and current denominations, although the subject of this article is the only denomination to use that specific title. For a list of other denominations with Wesleyan in their title, please see [[Wesleyan Church (disambiguation)]].''
{{hatnote|"Wesleyan" has been used in the title of a number of historic and current denominations, although the subject of this article is the denomination titled "The Wesleyan Church". For a list of other denominations with Wesleyan in their title, please see [[Wesleyan Church (disambiguation)]].}}
{{Expand|date=January 2010}}
{{Citations missing|article|date=January 2010}}
{{Infobox Christian denomination
{{Infobox Christian denomination
| name = The Wesleyan Church
| name = The Wesleyan Church
| image = TWLogobw.png
| image = TWC_Horizontal_Color_Logo.png
| imagewidth = 100px
| imagewidth =
| imagealttext =
| alt =
| caption = Wesleyan Church logo
| main_classification = [[Protestant]]
| main_classification = [[Protestant]]
| orientation = [[Holiness movement|holiness]]
| orientation = [[Holiness movement|Holiness]] [[Methodist movement|Methodist]]
| polity = [[Connectionalism]]
| polity = [[Connexionalism]]
| structure =
| structure =
| leader/moderator =
| leader/moderator =
| leader =
| leader =
| fellowships =
| fellowships =
| founder = [[John Wesley]] (spiritually)
| associations =
| founded_date = 1843
| area =
| founded_place = [[Utica, New York]], U.S.
| website = [http://www.wesleyan.org/]
| separated_from =
| founder = [[Orange Scott]], et al
| separations = [[Wesleyan Methodist Church (Allegheny Conference)|Allegheny Wesleyan Methodist Connection]] (1968)<ref name="KurianLamport2016">{{cite book|last1=Kurian|first1=George Thomas|last2=Lamport|first2=Mark A.|title=[[Encyclopedia of Christianity in the United States]]|date=10 November 2016|publisher=Rowman & Littlefield Publishers|language=en |isbn=9781442244320|page=45|quote=The merger between the Wesleyan methodist Church and the Pilgrim Holiness Church passed unanimously. The newly formed denomination took the name 'The Wesleyan Church.' The Allegheny Conference refused to join the merged group.}}</ref><br>[[Bible Methodist Connection of Churches]] (1968)<ref name="Lewis2002">{{cite book|last=Lewis|first=James R.|title=The Encyclopedia of Cults, Sects, and New Religions|year=2002|publisher=Prometheus Books, Publishers|language=en|isbn=9781615927388|page=356|quote=The Bible Methodist Connection of Tennessee, the Bible Holiness Church, and the Bible Methodist Connection of Churches were formed as a result of the opposition to the merger of the Wesleyan Methodist Church and the Pilgrim Holiness Church into the Wesleyan Church (1968).}}</ref><br>[[Bible Methodist Connection of Tennessee]] (1968)<ref name="Lewis2002"/><br>[[Pilgrim_Holiness_Church#Pilgrim_Holiness_Church_of_NY,_Inc._Est._1963|Pilgrim Holiness Church of New York]] (1963)<ref>{{cite book |last1=Melton |first1=J. Gordon |title=Religious Bodies in the U.S.: A Dictionary |date=7 December 2018 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-1-135-52353-4 |language=en}}</ref><br>[[Pilgrim Holiness Church#Pilgrim Holiness Church, Inc. (Midwest), Est. 1966|Pilgrim Holiness Church of the Midwest]] (1967)<ref name="1979Piepkorn">{{cite book|last=Piepkorn|first=Arthur Carl|title=Profiles in belief: the religious bodies of the United States,Canada and Brasil|year=1979|publisher=Harper & Row|language=en|isbn=9780060665814|page=[https://archive.org/details/trackingmazefind00pinn/page/59 59]|url=https://archive.org/details/trackingmazefind00pinn/page/59}}</ref>
| founded_date = 1843
| merger = [[Wesleyan Methodist Church (United States)|Wesleyan Methodist Church]] and [[Pilgrim Holiness Church]] (1968)<br />Standard Church of America (2003)
| founded_place = [[Utica, New York]]
| parent =
| separated_from = [[Methodist Episcopal Church]]
| hospitals =
| parent =
| nursing_homes =
| merger = [[Wesleyan Methodist Church]] <br/> Alliance of Reformed Baptists of Canada <br/> [[Pilgrim Holiness Church]]
| aid =
| separations = [http://www.awmchurch.org/ Allegheny Wesleyan Methodist Connection of Churches] <br/> [[Bible Methodist Connection of Churches]]
| associations = [[Christian Holiness Partnership]], [[National Association of Evangelicals]], [[Wesleyan Holiness Connection]], [[World Methodist Council]]
| hospitals =
| area = Worldwide
| nursing_homes =
| aid =
| congregations =
| ministers =
| associations = [[Christian Holiness Partnership]], [[National Association of Evangelicals]], [[World Methodist Council]]
| missionaries =
| area = Worldwide
| temples =
| congregations = 5,000 (1,731 North America)
| ministers =
| primary_schools =
| secondary_schools =
| missionaries =
| tax status =
| temples =
| primary_schools =
| tertiary =
| headquarters = [[Fishers, Indiana|Fishers]], [[Indiana]], U.S.
| secondary_schools =
| members =
| tax status =
| website = {{Official URL}}
| tertiary =
| footnotes =
| members = worldwide: 411,000 (194,000 North America)
| website = [http://www.wesleyan.org/ wesleyan.org]
| website2 =
| footnotes =
}}
}}
'''The Wesleyan Church''' is a [[Holiness movement|holiness]] [[Christian denomination]] in the United States, Canada, South Africa, Namibia and [[Wesleyan Methodist Church of Australia|Australia]]. The church is part of the [[holiness movement]] and has roots in the teachings of [[John Wesley]]. The church is [[Wesleyanism|Wesleyan]] and [[Arminianism|Arminian]] in doctrine.


The '''Wesleyan Church''', also known as the '''Wesleyan Methodist Church''' and '''Wesleyan Holiness Church''' depending on the region, is a [[Methodist]] [[Christian denomination]] in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Namibia, [[Sierra Leone]], [[Liberia]], Indonesia, and Australia. The church is aligned with the [[Wesleyan-Holiness movement]] and has roots in the teachings of [[John Wesley]]. It adheres to [[Wesleyan-Arminian theology|Wesleyan-Arminian doctrine]] and is a member of the [[World Methodist Council]].
The Wesleyan Church has over 411,000 adherents in over 5,000 churches worldwide and is active in almost 100 nations. As of 2005, in the United States there were 128,385 members in 1,626 congregations.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.thearda.com/Denoms/D_1466.asp| title = 2008 ''Yearbook of American & Canadian Churches''|publisher = The National Council of Churches|accessdate = 2009-12-04}}</ref> In the United States, membership is concentrated in the Midwest.<ref name="2000 Religious Congregations and Membership Study">{{cite web|url = www.thearda.com/mapsReports/maps/map.asp?variable=455&state=101&variable2=| title = 2000 Religious Congregations and Membership Study|publisher = Glenmary Research Center|accessdate = 2009-12-04}}</ref> ''Wesleyan Life'' is the official publication. The Wesleyan Church world headquarters is in [[Fishers, Indiana]].

In 2017, there were 140,954 members in 1,607 congregations in North America, and an average worship attendance of 239,842.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wesleyan.org/gb-update|title=General Board celebrates 50 years of The Wesleyan Church|last=Vernon|first=Janelle|date=May 7, 2018|website=The Wesleyan Church|access-date=October 26, 2018}}</ref>

In 2020, the number of congregations in the United States was 1,463.<ref>https://www.usreligioncensus.org/sites/default/files/2023-10/2020_US_Religion_Census.pdf</ref>

''Wesleyan Life'' is the official publication. Global Partners is the official non-profit missions organization. The Wesleyan Church world headquarters are in [[Fishers, Indiana]], United States.


== History ==
== History ==
[[File:First Wesleyan Church Huntington WV.jpg|right|thumb|400px|First Wesleyan Church in [[Huntington, West Virginia]], a congregation belonging to the Wesleyan Church]]
===Background to formation of the Wesleyan Church===
The Wesleyan Methodist Connection was officially formed in 1843 at an organizing conference in [[Utica, New York]], by a group of ministers and laymen splitting from the [[Methodist Episcopal Church]]. The split was primarily over their objections to slavery, though they had secondary issues as well. [[Orange Scott]] presided as the meeting formed a federation of churches at first calling themselves the [[Wesleyan Methodist Church|Wesleyan Methodist Connection]], a name chosen to distinguish themselves from the British Wesleyan Methodists. Other leaders at the organizing conference were LaRoy Sunderland, who had been tried and defrocked for his antislavery writings, Lucious C. Matlack, and Luther Lee, a minister who later operated an [[Underground Railroad]] station in [[Syracuse, New York]].
The [[Wesleyan Methodist Church (United States)|Wesleyan Methodist Connection]] was officially formed in 1843 at an organizing conference in [[Utica, New York]], by a group of ministers and laymen splitting from the [[Methodist Episcopal Church]]. The split was primarily over their objections to slavery, though they had secondary issues as well, such as ecclesiastical polity. [[Orange Scott]] presided as the meeting formed a federation of churches at first calling themselves the [[Wesleyan Methodist Church (United States)|Wesleyan Methodist Connection]], a name chosen to emphasize the primacy of the local church, and the intended nature of the denomination as a [[Connexionalism|connection of churches]].<ref>{{cite book|last1=Haines|first1=Lee M|last2=Thomas|first2=Paul William|title=An Outline History of the Wesleyan Church|year=2000|publisher=Wesleyan Publishing House|isbn=0-89827-223-8|page=72|chapter=History of the Wesleyan Methodist Church of America, 1843–1968}}</ref> Other leaders at the organizing conference were [[La Roy Sunderland]], who had been tried and defrocked for his antislavery writings, Lucious C. Matlack, and [[Luther Lee]], a minister who later operated an [[Underground Railroad]] station in [[Syracuse, New York]].


The denomination sponsored traveling preachers on the frontier and into Canada, where they appealed to workingmen and farmers. Typical was Rev. [[James Caughey]], an American sent to [[History of Ontario|Ontario]] by the Wesleyan Methodist Church from the 1840s through 1864. He brought in converts by the score, most notably in the revivals in Canada West 1851–53. His technique combined restrained emotionalism with a clear call for personal commitment, coupled with follow-up action to organize support from converts. It was a time when the [[Holiness Movement]] caught fire, with the revitalized interest of men and women in [[Christian perfection]]. Caughey successfully bridged the gap between the style of earlier [[camp meeting]]s and the needs of more sophisticated Methodist congregations in the emerging cities.<ref>Peter Bush, "The Reverend James Caughey and Wesleyan Methodist Revivalism in Canada West, 1851–1856", ''Ontario History,'' Sept 1987, Vol. 79 Issue 3, pp 231–250</ref>
In 1966 the denomination merged with the Alliance of Reformed Baptists of Canada and 1968 with the [[Pilgrim Holiness Church]]. It spread through revivals emphasizing a deepening experience with God called [[Holiness movement|holiness or sanctification]]. Heart purity was a central theme. During this period of time, many small churches developed through revivals and the emphasis of sanctification (taught by John Wesley, but not emphasized by many Methodists). As many as 25 or 30 small denominations were formed and eventually merged with other groups to enlarge the church. The church was strong in missionary and revival emphasis. The merger took place in 1968 at Anderson University, Anderson, Indiana.


In addition to advocating for [[abolitionism]], the early Wesleyan Methodists championed the rights of women. In 1848, the Wesleyan Chapel in [[Seneca Falls (town), New York|Seneca Falls, New York]], hosted the [[Seneca Falls Convention]], the first [[women's rights]] convention. It is commemorated by the Women's Rights National Historical Park in the village today. Luther Lee, General President in 1856, preached at the ordination service of [[Antoinette Brown Blackwell|Antoinette Brown (Blackwell)]], the very first woman ordained to the Christian ministry in the United States. The Alliance of Reformed Baptists of Canada ordained the very first woman to the ministry in Canada in the late 1800s. At General Conference in 1867, a resolution was adopted favoring the right of women to vote (as well as the right of freedmen—blacks). This was 44 years before the US constitution was amended to ensure women voting privileges.<ref>Caldwell, Wayne E. ed. Reformers and Revivals: History of the Wesleyan Church. Indianapolis, Indiana: Wesley Press, 1992</ref>
[[File:First Wesleyan Church Huntington WV.jpg|right|thumb|200px|First Wesleyan Church in [[Huntington, West Virginia]].]]
In addition to anti-slavery, the early Wesleyan Methodists championed the rights of women. The Wesleyan Chapel in [[Seneca Falls, New York]] hosted the first Women's Rights Convention in 1848, also known as the [[Seneca Falls Convention]]. It is commemorated by the Women's Rights National Historical Park in the village today. Luther Lee, General President in 1856, preached at the ordination service of [[Antoinette Brown Blackwell|Antoinette Brown (Blackwell)]] the very first woman ordained to the Christian ministry in the United States. The Alliance of Reformed Baptists of Canada ordained the very first woman to the ministry in Canada in the late 1800s. At the general conference in 1867, a resolution was adopted favoring the right of women to vote (as well as the right of freedmen &mdash; blacks). This was 44 years before the U.S. constitution was amended to allow women voting privileges.


In 1966 the Wesleyan Methodist Church merged with the Alliance of Reformed Baptists of Canada and in 1968 with the [[Pilgrim Holiness Church]]. It spread through revivals emphasizing a deepening experience with God called [[Holiness movement|holiness or sanctification]]. Heart purity was a central theme. During this period of time, many small churches developed through revivals and the emphasis of [[entire sanctification]] (taught by John Wesley, but not emphasized by some mainline Methodists). As many as 25 or 30 small denominations were formed and eventually merged with other groups to enlarge the church. The church was strong in missionary and revival emphasis. The merger took place in 1968 at Anderson University, Anderson, Indiana.<ref>An Outline History of the Wesleyan Church 5th revised edition, (2000) by L.M. and Thomas, P.W. Haines</ref> Some conferences and local churches of the Wesleyan Methodist Church objected to the merger, thus resulting in a schism of the [[Allegheny Wesleyan Methodist Connection]] with the Wesleyan Church,<ref name="KurianLamport2016"/> as well as the creation of the [[Bible Methodist Connection of Churches]] and [[Bible Methodist Connection of Tennessee]] around 1968.<ref name="Lewis2002"/> The [[Pilgrim Holiness Church#Pilgrim Holiness Church of NY, Inc. Est. 1963|Pilgrim Holiness Church of New York]] (formed in 1963) and [[Pilgrim Holiness Church#Pilgrim Holiness Church, Inc. (Midwest), Est. 1966|Pilgrim Holiness Church of the Midwest]] (formed in 1967) were also established around this time, with the former in response to the tendency of centralization of the larger Pilgrim Holiness Church and the latter in response to the merger.<ref name="Piepkorn1979">{{cite book|last=Piepkorn|first=Arthur Carl|title=Profiles in Belief: Holiness and Pentecostal|year=1979|publisher=Harper & Row|language=en|isbn=9780060665814|page=[https://archive.org/details/trackingmazefind00pinn/page/59 59]|url=https://archive.org/details/trackingmazefind00pinn/page/59}}</ref><ref name="1979Piepkorn"/>


==Beliefs==
==Beliefs==
{{Methodism}}
{{Methodism}}
{{Main|Wesleyan-Arminian theology}}
The Wesleyan Church believes in the following core values:<ref>http://www.wesleyan.org/beliefs |title=Our Core Values and Beliefs |publisher=www.wesleyan.org |accessdate=2010-01-17}}</ref>
The Wesleyan Church has the following core values:<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wesleyan.org/beliefs |title=Our Core Values and Beliefs |publisher=www.wesleyan.org |access-date=2010-01-17}}</ref>
*[[Biblical authority]]
* [[Biblical authority]]
*Christlikeness
* Christlikeness
*[[Disciple (Christianity)|Disciple-making]]
* [[Disciple (Christianity)|Disciple-making]]
*Local church-centered
* Local church-centered
*[[Servant leadership]]
*[[Unity in diversity]]
* [[Servant leadership]]
* [[Unity in diversity]]

In addition, the Wesleyan Church holds to the following articles of religion:

*'''Faith in the Holy [[Trinity]]''' — There is one true God, united in three persons: the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

* '''[[God the Father|The Father]]''' — the Father created all things, and that all humans are created in the [[image of God]]. God, in love, seeks out and receives penitent sinners.

* '''[[God the Son|The Son of God]]''' — [[Jesus Christ]] is the Son of God, [[Annunciation|conceived by the Holy Spirit]], [[Virgin birth of Jesus|born of the Virgin Mary]], [[Hypostatic union|fully God and fully man]]. He [[Crucifixion of Jesus|died on the cross]] and was buried as a [[sacrifice]] both for [[original sin]] and all [[Sin|human transgression]] [[Reconciliation (theology)|and to reconcile us to God]]. [[Resurrection of Jesus|He was raised bodily from the dead]], [[Ascension of Jesus|ascended into heaven]], and [[solus Christus|intercedes]] at the Father's right hand, [[Second Coming|until he returns]] [[Last Judgment|to judge all humanity]].

* '''[[Holy Spirit|The Holy Spirit]]''' — The Holy Spirit administers [[Grace in Christianity|grace]] to all and is the agent in conviction for sin, in [[regeneration (theology)|regeneration]], in [[sanctification]], and in [[glorification]].

*'''The [[Sufficiency of Scripture|sufficiency]] and full authority of the [[Bible|Holy Scriptures]] for [[salvation]]''' — The Old and New Testaments are the [[Biblical inspiration|inspired]] and [[Infallibility|infallible]] [[Authorship of the Bible|Word of God]], [[Biblical inerrancy|inerrant]] in their original [[manuscript]]s, [[Biblical authority|superior to any human authority]] and sufficient for all things necessary to salvation. The Bible has been transmitted to the present without corruption of any essential doctrine.

*'''God's Purpose for Humanity''' — The divine law is summarized in the [[Great Commandment|commands to love God with all one's heart]] and to love one's neighbor as oneself. All persons, therefore, ought to seek to obey God and to preserve and promote for others the exercise of every [[Natural and legal rights|natural right]].

*'''[[Marriage]] and the [[Family]]''' — People are made in the [[image of God]]. Marriage is designed by God as a metaphor for His relationship with His [[chosen people|covenant people]]. Therefore, human sexuality ought only to be expressed in [[Heterosexuality|heterosexual]] [[monogamy]]. Marriage has the highest priority among social organizations, and was divinely designed for [[reproduction]]. [[Extramarital sex|Extramarital]] and [[Same-sex relationship|same-sex]] relationships are [[Immorality|immoral]] and sinful.

*'''[[Free will in theology|Personal Choice]]''' — Humans were created with the ability to choose between right and wrong. But, since the [[fall of Man|fall]], humans [[total depravity|cannot choose right]] on their own, because of original sin. Humans are inclined toward sin and cannot, on their own, call on God or exercise faith. But God, through Christ, provides to each person [[prevenient grace]], allowing each to choose salvation.

* '''Sin: Original, Willful, and Involuntary''' — All of creation suffers the consequences of [[Adam]] and [[Eve|Eve's]] disobedience and groans for [[Redemption (theology)|redemption]]. Each person is born with a bent toward sinning, which manifests itself in outward acts of unrighteousness. Failures in judgment and involuntary flaws are not to be equated with willful sin but still require the atonement of Christ for forgiveness. Willful sin is when a free moral agent volitionally chooses to transgress a known law of God. Such sin will result in a loss of fellowship with God, self-absorption, an inability to live righteously, and, ultimately, eternal separation from God. The atonement of Christ is the only remedy for sin, whether original, willful or involuntary.

* '''The Atonement''' — Christ's crucifixion allows [[unlimited atonement|redemption for the whole world]]. It is the only foundation of salvation from sin. The atonement covers those who mentally cannot choose salvation, but individuals who are mentally accountable must accept the gift of salvation of their own free will.

*'''Repentance and Faith'''
**Affirms that salvation is [[sola gratia|by grace alone]] but must be [[conditional election|accepted by the believer]]. Denies the Reformed view of [[unconditional election]].
** Affirms that [[Repentance (theology)|repentance]] precedes saving [[Faith in Christianity|faith]].
** Affirms that faith is the [[sola fide|only condition]] for salvation. Directly negates any need for [[good works]] to attain salvation. Does not negate [[good works]] as evidence of salvation.
** Affirms that saving faith publicly acknowledges Christ as Lord.
** Affirms that the saved will identify with the church.

*'''Justification, Regeneration, and Adoption''' — Asserts that when one [[Repentance (theology)|repents]] and has saving [[Faith in Christianity|faith]] in Christ, in that same moment that person is:
**[[Justification (theology)|Justified]]: Granted full pardon for all sin, guilt, and penalty of sins.
**[[Regeneration (theology)|Regenerated]]: Reborn spiritual life in Christ with a distinct capacity for love and obedience to God.
**[[Adoption (theology)|Adopted]]: Given full rights, privileges, and responsibilities of a child of God.

*'''Good Works''' — Reaffirms that humankind is [[justification (theology)|justified by faith]] and affirms that [[good works]] are evidence of salvation.

*'''Sin After Regeneration''' — Affirms it is possible for a believer to sin after [[Regeneration (theology)|regeneration]] in salvation and that there is grace and forgiveness for repentant believers.

*'''[[Sanctification]]'''
** Initial: The work of the Holy Spirit in the moment of conversion in a new believer to be separated from sin to God.
** Progressive: The continual work of the Holy Spirit to grow the believer in love and more perfect obedience.
** Entire" The perfecting of the believer in love and empowerment for service. It follows in lifelong growth in grace and knowledge.

*'''The Gifts of the Spirit''' — Asserts that the Holy Spirit gives gifts to people, for the benefit of the Church, but that the Holy Spirit himself is the most desirable gift.

*'''The Church''' — The Christian Church is the entire body of believers (both living and those died and in heaven). Jesus Christ is the founder and only head of the Church, which is not identified with any particular institution or denomination. The Church is called to preach the Word of God, administer the sacraments, and live in obedience to Christ. A local church is a body of believers formally organized for the purposes of evangelism, discipleship, and worship. The Wesleyan Church is a denomination within the greater, [[invisible Church]], and that invisible church encompasses Christians who hold to a variety of differing beliefs, not just Wesleyan beliefs.

*'''The Sacraments'''
**[[Baptism]] — Baptism is a sacrament commanded by our Lord and administered to believers. It works as a symbol and as part of the new covenant of grace.
**[[Eucharist|The Lord's Supper]] — The Lord's Supper is a sacrament of our redemption by Christ's death, our hope in his return, and a sign of Christian love for one another.

*'''The Second Coming of Christ''' — Asserts that Christ will [[second coming|return]], fulfilling numerous [[eschatology|biblical prophecies]] and that this certain event should inspire proper living and [[evangelization]].


*'''Resurrection of the Dead''' — Asserts that all will be [[resurrection|raised from the dead]] at Christ's return, [[damnation]] for the lost and [[heaven|life]] for the saved, and that the resurrection body will be a spiritual body but still personally recognizable.
In addition, they believe in the following articles of religion:
# Faith in the Holy [[Trinity]]
#* [[God the Father|The Father]]
#** This article emphasizes that God relates to humanity as a father, not a [[mother goddess|mother]]
#** This article also asserts that humans are created in the [[image of God]]
#* [[God the Son|The Son of God]]<br/>This article indicates the following beliefs
#** [[Jesus Christ]] is the Son of God
#** [[Annunciation|Conceived by the Holy Spirit]]
#** [[Virgin birth of Jesus|born of the Virgin Mary]]
#** [[Hypostatic union|Truly God and truly man]]
#** He [[Crucifixion of Jesus|died on the cross]] and was buried<br/>Note the assertion of Jesus' physical death prior to burial
#*** [[Substitutionary atonement|As a sacrifice both for original sin and all human transgression]]
#*** [[Reconciliation (theology)|and to reconcile us to God]]
#** [[Resurrection of Jesus|He rose bodily from the dead]]
#** [[Ascension of Jesus|He ascended into heaven]]
#** He [[solus Christus|intercedes]] at the Father's right hand
#** [[Second Coming|Until he returns]]
#** [[Last Judgment|to judge all humanity]]
#* [[Holy Spirit|The Holy Spirit]]<br/>This article asserts the Holy Spirit's role as [[paraclete]]
# The sufficiency and full authority of the Holy Scriptures for Salvation<br/>This article asserts the following beliefs
#* [[Sola scriptura]]
#** [[Biblical infallibility]]
#** [[Biblical inerrancy]], including [[Biblical inerrancy#Sufficiency|sufficiency]] in all things necessary for [[salvation]]
#** [[Biblical authority]]
#* The Bible has been transmitted to the present without corruption of any essential doctrine
#* Christ is the [[solus Christus|sole mediator]] between God and humanity<br/>This directly negates [[Marian devotions]], [[Intercession of saints]], and [[Worship of angels]]<br/>This also directly negates teaching of any other path to God through other religions
#* This article explicitly lists the 66 books accepted as biblical canon by the Wesleyan Church<br/>This is the same list traditionally accepted by the majority of Protestant denominations, and excludes [[deuterocanonical]] and [[Biblical apocrypha|apocryphal]] texts
# God's Purpose for Humanity<br/>This article asserts that everyone should order their entire lives around what Jesus identified as the two greatest commandments (Matt. 22: 36 - 40):
#* Love the Lord your God with all your heart (Deut. 6:5)
#* Love your neighbor as yourself (Lev. 19:18)
# Marriage and the Family
#* Reasserts that man is made in the [[image of God]]
#* Asserts [[marriage]] as designed by God as a metaphor for God's relationship with His [[chosen people|covenant people]]
#* Asserts [[chastity]] before marriage, [[fidelity]] within marriage
#* Asserts marriages only between one man and one woman
#* Asserts marriage as the intended structure for birthing and raising children
#* No indication is given in the article of any gender hierarchy in marriage<br/>Rather, it is asserted that both partners submit their selves to the larger whole
# Personal Choice
#* Asserts individual choice in making moral decisions<br/>Thus asserts the Arminian belief in [[free will in theology|free will]] and<br/>Opposes the Calvinist belief in [[predestination]]
#* Asserts that free will also implies [[moral responsibility]] for the choices we make
#* Asserts that after the [[fall of Man|fall]], humans [[total depravity|cannot choose right on their own]]<br/>This view of total depravity is common to Arminian tradition
#* Asserts that every person receives [[prevenient grace]], allowing each to choose salvation<br/>This Arminian doctrine that the individual chooses salvation is opposed to the Calvinist doctrine of [[irresistible grace]]
# The Atonement
#* Asserts the Arminian view that Christ's crucixion allows [[unlimited atonement|redemption for the whole world]]<br/>This doctrine negates the Calvinist doctrine of [[limited atonement]]
#* Asserts the Protestant belief in [[solus Christus]], that salvation is only found in Christ's death and resurrection
#* Asserts that the atonement covers those who mentally cannot choose salvation
#* Individuals who are mentally accountable must accept the gift of salvation of their own [[free will in theology|free will]]
# Repentance and faith
#* Affirms that salvation is [[sola gratia|by grace alone]]<br/>but must be [[conditional election|accepted by the believer]]<br/>Denies the Calvinist view of [[unconditional election]]
#* Affirms that [[Repentance (theology)|repentance]] precedes saving [[Faith in Christianity|faith]]
#* Affirms that faith is the [[sola fide|only condition]] for salvation<br/>Directly negates any need for [[good works]] to attain salvation<br/>Does not negate [[good works]] as evidence of salvation
#* Affirms that saving faith publicly acknowledges Christ as Lord
#* Affirms that the saved will indentify with the church
# Justification, regeneration and adoption
# Good Works
#* Reaffirms that salvation is [[sola fide|by faith alone]]
#* Affirms that [[good works]] are evidence of salvation
# Sin After regeneration
# Sanctification
#* Initial
#* Progressive
#* Entire
# The gifts of the Spirit
# The church
# The sacraments
#* Baptism
#* The Lord's Supper
# The Second Coming of Christ
#* Asserts that Christ will [[second coming|return]], fulfilling numerous [[eschatology|Biblical prophecies]]
#* Asserts that this certain event should inspire proper living, and [[evangelization]]
# The resurrection of the dead
#* Asserts that all will be [[resurrection|raised from dead]] at Christ's return
#* Asserts [[damnation]] for the lost, and [[heaven|life]] for the saved
#* Asserts that the resurrection body will be a spiritual body, but still personally recognizable
# The judgment of all persons
#* Asserts a [[final judgment]] for all humans before God, regardless of the individual's beliefs
#* Asserts God's [[omniscience]] and eternal justice
# Destiny


*'''Judgment of All Persons''' — Asserts a [[final judgment]] for all humans before God, regardless of the individual's beliefs, and asserts God's [[omniscience]] and eternal justice.
==Organizations & relations==
Local churches are organized into a network of districts with equal representation of clergy and laity at their annual conferences. Each has an elected administrator known as the district superintendent and has a district board of administration with both lay and clergy serving. National and multi-national networks are called general conferences with very strong national leadership and meet every four years. The North American General Conference has three general superintendents and each of them have about a third of the church under their administrative oversight.


*'''Destiny''' — Asserts that Scripture teaches there is life after death, and the fate of each person is determined by God's grace and their individual response, evidenced through moral character rather than arbitrary decree of God. Heaven and Christ's presence is the place for those who choose God's salvation given through Christ, but hell and separation from Christ is the resulting place for those who neglect the great salvation.
Currently, general conferences exist in the Philippines, the Caribbean, and North America, though the Wesleyan Church has recently begun a process of "internationalization" in which areas and regions of the world have the opportunity to form their own general conferences. Though it is too early to predict which general conferences will be formed in the coming years, the eventual shift is inevitable. The overarching goal of the internationalization process is to create a global network of partnership and not a "top-down" leadership structure within the worldwide church.


==Organizations and relations==
===Official Names by Region===
Local churches are organized into a network of districts with equal representation of clergy and laity at their annual conferences. Each has an elected administrator known as the district superintendent and has a district board of administration with both lay and clergy serving. National and multi-national networks are called general conferences and meet every four years. General conferences exist in the Philippines, the Caribbeans, and North America.{{Citation needed|date=October 2024}}
According to the 2004 Wesleyan Church Discipline, the official name of the denomination is ''The Wesleyan Church'', however different names may be used by different units of the church for practicality and localization. The following are the official names of the denomination, for the various organizational units:<ref>http://www.westmichigandistrict.com/img/The%202004%20Discipline.pdf |title=The Discipline of the Wesleyan Church 2004 |date=2005 |publisher=The Wesleyan Publishing House |accessdate=2010-01-30}}, p. 80</ref>


===Official names by region===
According to the 2012 Wesleyan Church Discipline, the official name of the denomination is ''The Wesleyan Church''. However, different names may be used by different units of the church for practicality and localization. The following are the official names of the denomination, for the various organizational units:<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.westmichigandistrict.com/img/The%202004%20Discipline.pdf |title=The Discipline of the Wesleyan Church 2004 |year=2005 |publisher=The Wesleyan Publishing House |access-date=2010-01-30}}, p. 80</ref>
* Australia: ''[[Wesleyan Methodist Church of Australia|The Wesleyan Methodist Church of Australia]]''
* Australia: ''[[Wesleyan Methodist Church of Australia|The Wesleyan Methodist Church of Australia]]''
* Bougainville: ''The Wesleyan Methodist Church of Bougainville''
* Bougainville: ''The Wesleyan Methodist Church of Bougainville''
* Brazil: ''Igreja Evangelica Wesleyana''
* Brazil: ''Igreja Evangélica Wesleyana''
* British Isles: ''The Wesleyan Holiness Church''
* British Isles: ''The Wesleyan Holiness Church''
* Cambodia: 'The Wesleyan Church of Cambodia'
* Canada: ''The Wesleyan Church''
* Caribbean: ''The Wesleyan Holiness Church of the Caribbean''
* Caribbean: ''The Wesleyan Holiness Church of the Caribbean''
* Chile: ''Ministerio Evangelistico y Misionero “Cristo es la Unica Respuesta”''
* Chile: ''Ministerio Evangelistico y Misionero “Cristo es la Unica Respuesta”''
Line 170: Line 150:
* India, East: ''The Wesleyan Methodist Church of East India''
* India, East: ''The Wesleyan Methodist Church of East India''
* India, Western: ''The Wesleyan Methodist Church of Western India''
* India, Western: ''The Wesleyan Methodist Church of Western India''
* Indonesia: ''Yayasan Gereja Wesleyan Indonesia''
* Indonesia: ''Gereja Wesleyan Indonesia (GWI)''
* Lahore: "The Wesleyan Methodist Church in Pakistan"
* Liberia: ''The Wesleyan Church of Liberia''
* Liberia: ''The Wesleyan Church of Liberia''
* Mexico: ''Iglesia Evangélica de los Peregrinos''
* Mexico: ''Iglesia Evangelica Los Peregrinos''
* Mozambique: ''Igreja Emmanuel Evangelica Wesleyana''
* Mozambique: ''Igreja Emmanuel Evangelica Wesleyana''
* Myanmar: ''The Wesleyan Methodist Church''
* Myanmar: ''The Wesleyan Methodist Church''
*Namibia: The Wesleyan Church in Namibia
* New Zealand: ''Wesleyan Methodist Church of New Zealand''
* New Zealand: ''Wesleyan Methodist Church of New Zealand''
* Nicaragua: ''Asociación Mundial de Iglesias Wesleyanas de Nicaragua''
* Nicaragua: ''Asociación Mundial de Iglesias Wesleyanas de Nicaragua''
* Pakistan: ''The Wesleyan Church in Pakistan''
* Panamá: ''Iglesia Cristiana Wesleyana de Panamá''
* Peru: ''Iglesia Wesleyana Peregrina''
* Peru: ''Iglesia Wesleyana Peregrina''
* Philippines: ''The Wesleyan Church of the Philippines''
* Philippines: ''The Wesleyan Church of the Philippines''
* Poland: ''Ewangeliczny Kościół Metodystyczny w Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej''
* Puerto Rico: ''Iglesia Evangélica Wesleyana''
* Puerto Rico: ''Iglesia Evangélica Wesleyana''
* Sierra Leone: ''The Wesleyan Church of Sierra Leone''
* Sierra Leone: ''The Wesleyan Church of Sierra Leone''
Line 184: Line 169:
* South Africa: ''The Wesleyan Church of Southern Africa''
* South Africa: ''The Wesleyan Church of Southern Africa''
* Suriname: ''De Wesleyaanse Gemeente''
* Suriname: ''De Wesleyaanse Gemeente''
* United States and Canada: ''The Wesleyan Church
* Tonga: ''Free Wesleyan Church''
* United States: ''The Wesleyan Church''
* Venezuela: ''Iglesia Evangélica Wesleyana''
* Venezuela: ''Iglesia Evangélica Wesleyana''
* Zambia: ''Pilgrim Wesleyan Church of Zambia''
* Zambia: ''Pilgrim Wesleyan Church of Zambia''
* Zimbabwe: ''The Wesleyan Church''
* Zimbabwe: ''The Wesleyan Church''


===Sister denominations and fraternal relations===

==Organizations & relations==
Local churches are organized into a network of districts with equal representation of clergy and laity at their annual conferences. Each has an elected administrator known as the district superintendent and has a district board of administration with both lay and clergy serving. National and multi-national networks are called general conferences with very strong national leadership and meet every four years. The North American General Conference has three general superintendents and each of them have about a third of the church under their administrative oversight.

Currently, general conferences exist in the Philippines, the Caribbean, and North America, though the Wesleyan Church has recently begun a process of "internationalization" in which areas and regions of the world have the opportunity to form their own general conferences. Though it is too early to predict which general conferences will be formed in the coming years, the eventual shift is inevitable. The overarching goal of the internationalization process is to create a global network of partnership and not a "top-down" leadership structure within the worldwide church.

===Sister denominations & fraternal relations===
{{Main|Holiness movement#Denominations|l1=Holiness movement}}
{{Main|Holiness movement#Denominations|l1=Holiness movement}}
The Wesleyan Church is a part of the holiness movement, and as such, follows many of the same teachings as similar denominations that follow [[Wesleyanism|Wesleyan]] traditions. At times in its history, it has sought merger with both the [[Church of the Nazarene]] and the [[Free Methodist Church]], both of which practice very similar doctrine.
The Wesleyan Church is a part of the holiness movement, and as such, follows many of the same teachings as similar denominations that follow [[Wesleyanism|Wesleyan]] traditions. At times in its history, it has sought merger with both the [[Church of the Nazarene]] and the [[Free Methodist Church]], both of which practice very similar doctrine.


The Wesleyan Church is a member of the following organizations:
The Wesleyan Church is a member of the following organizations:
* [[Christian Holiness Partnership]]
* [[National Association of Evangelicals]]
* [[National Association of Evangelicals]]
* [[World Methodist Council]]
* [[World Methodist Council]]


===Seminaries, universities, colleges, and schools in the U.S. and Canada===
Affiliated with The Wesleyan Church are five universities and one seminary:<ref>{{cite web |title=Higher Education |url=https://www.wesleyan.org/about/higher-education |website=The Wesleyan Church |access-date=18 January 2023}}</ref>
* [[Houghton University]] ([[New York (state)|New York]])
* [[Indiana Wesleyan University]] ([[Indiana]])
* [[Kingswood University]] ([[New Brunswick]])
* [[Oklahoma Wesleyan University]] ([[Oklahoma]])
* [[Southern Wesleyan University]] ([[South Carolina]])
* [[Wesley Seminary]] ([[Indiana]])


===Theological seminaries===
===Wesleyan Publishing House===
The Wesleyan Church runs its own publishing house located in Indianapolis, Indiana. Its mission is to "be a leader in communicating the message of holiness through the publication of quality resources for local churches and ministries around the world."<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.wesleyan.org/wph/about_us | title= About Us: The Wesleyan Publishing House|publisher = The Wesleyan Church|access-date = 2010-11-10}}</ref>
*[[Wesley Seminary]] at Indiana Wesleyan University ([[Indiana]])


===Districts===
===Universities, colleges, and schools===
The Wesleyan Church in North America is organized in the following 22 districts:<ref>{{cite web |title=District Directory |url=https://www.wesleyan.org/about/districts |website=The Wesleyan Church |access-date=18 January 2023}}</ref>
*[[Bethany Bible College]] ([[New Brunswick]])
* Atlantic (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, and the US state of Maine)
*[[Houghton College]] ([[New York]])
* Central Canada (central and western Canada)
*[[Indiana Wesleyan University]] ([[Indiana]])
* Chesapeake (Delaware, Maryland, Northern Virginia, Washington D.C.)
*[[Oklahoma Wesleyan University]] ([[Oklahoma]])
* Crossroads (North and Central Indiana)
*[[Southern Wesleyan University]] ([[South Carolina]])
* Florida
* Great Lakes (Michigan, Illinois and Wisconsin)
* Greater Ohio
* Indiana South
* Kansas
* Kentucky-Tennessee
* Mountain Plains (Colorado, Nebraska, Texas, Louisiana, and New Mexico)
* North Carolina East
* North Carolina West
* Northeast (Eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Eastern New York (including the NYC Metro Area & Long Island), Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Vermont & Massachusetts)
* Northwest (Alaska, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming)
* Pacific Southwest (California, Arizona, Nevada, Hawaii)
* Penn York (Central New York, Western Pennsylvania)
* Shenandoah (Virginia and West Virginia)
* South Carolina
* South Coastal (Georgia, Alabama, and much of Mississippi)
* Tri-state (Oklahoma, Arkansas and Missouri)
* Western New York

===Wesleyan Church of Sierra Leone===

[[John Augustus Abayomi-Cole]], a [[Sierra Leone Creole people|creole]] from [[Freetown]] attended the 1887 General Conference of the [[Wesleyan Methodist Church (United States)|Wesleyan Methodist Church]] of the United States. He implored the Connection to send missionaries to Sierra Leone. This led to a small mission led by Rev. Henry Johnston being dispatched there in 1889.<ref name="DWC">{{cite web|title=The Discipline of the Wesleyan Church of Sierra Leone|url=https://www.wesleyan.org/d/3IBjfsV/1985-TWC-Sierra-Leone-Discipline.pdf|website=www.wesleyan.org|publisher=Annual District Conference of The Wesleyan Church of Sierra Leone|access-date=17 April 2017|date=1985}}</ref> This was the first step towards the foundation of the Wesleyan Church of Sierra Leone.


== Notable people ==
== Notable people ==
=== Academics ===
=== Academics ===
* [[Keith Drury]] - prolific writer and Professor of Religion at Indiana Wesleyan University
* [[Keith Drury (theologian)|Keith Drury]] – writer and professor of religion at Indiana Wesleyan University
* [[Ronald Enroth]] – Christian author and professor of sociology at [[Westmont College]], and graduate of Houghton College {{Citation needed|date=January 2011}}

* [[Ken Schenck]] – New Testament scholar
* [[Ronald Enroth]] - Christian author and professor of Sociology at [[Westmont College]], and graduate of Houghton College
* [[Jerry Pattengale]] – founder of purpose-guided education, director of Green Scholars Initiative, executive director at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C., [[Indiana Wesleyan University]] graduate

* [[Richard Mouw]] - Current president of [[Fuller Theological Seminary]] and graduate of Houghton College

* [[Ken Schenck]] - New Testament scholar, currently serving as dean of Wesley Seminary


=== Athletes ===
=== Athletes ===
* [[Erik Lefebvre]] - goalkeeper for the [[Charlotte Eagles]] [[association football|football]] team, formerly played for Houghton College
* [[Erik Lefebvre]] – goalkeeper for the [[Charlotte Eagles]] [[association football|soccer]] team, formerly played for Houghton College {{Citation needed|date=January 2011}}
* [[Brandon Beachy]] – pitcher for the [[Atlanta Braves]], [[Major League Baseball]] team, formerly played for Indiana Wesleyan University<ref>{{cite web|title=Brandon Beachy Stats, Bio, Photos, Highlights|url=http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=545404#sectionType=career&statType=2&season=2011&gameType=%27R%27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101208015451/http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=545404#sectionType=career&statType=2&season=2011&gameType='R'|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 8, 2010|work=Braves.com: Team." The Official Site of The Atlanta Braves|publisher=Braves.com: Homepage.|access-date=4 April 2011}}</ref>


=== Authors ===
=== Authors ===
* [[Mary Ann Lyth]] – English missionary, teacher, translator of the Bible into Fijian
* [[Laurell K. Hamilton]] - fantasy author, graduate of Marion College (now Indiana Wesleyan University)


=== Clergy ===
=== Clergy ===
* [[Adam Crooks (Wesleyan Methodist)|Rev. Adam Crooks]] - early Wesleyan Methodist minister, responsible for a number of early church plants in the denomination
* [[Adam Crooks (Wesleyan Methodist)|Adam Crooks]] – early Wesleyan Methodist minister, responsible for a number of early church plants in the denomination.
* [[Frank Ritchie (broadcaster)|Frank Ritchie]] – Pastor of Commoners Church, A Wesleyan Methodist Community in New Zealand. "Rev. Frank is an ordained Wesleyan Methodist minister. He’s convinced that as we open our lives to the presence of God, the natural outcome is a world more tuned towards justice."<ref>{{cite web |title=Servant Leaders |url=http://commoners.church/servants/ |website=Commoners Church}}</ref>

* [[Rufus Lumry]] – American circuit preacher, outspoken abolitionist and leading Illinois organizer of the Wesleyan Methodist Connexion, which eventually became the Wesleyan Church.
<!-- If Bart is truly notable, create his wikipedia page first. Being a pastor of one of many Wesleyan churches is not sufficient for notability
* [[Jo Anne Lyon]] – pastor, author, international leader, founder of World Hope International, global advocate, general superintendent emeritus.
* [[Bart Hall]] - pastor extraordinaire at Central Wesleyan Church of Jackson, Michigan
* [[John C. Maxwell]] – prolific writer and former senior pastor at [[Skyline Church]].
-->
* [[Orange Scott]] – president of the convention that formed the Wesleyan Methodist Connexion, which eventually became the Wesleyan Church.
* [[John C. Maxwell]] - prolific writer and former senior pastor at [[Skyline Church]], currently serving as a member of Indiana Wesleyan University's Board of Trustees

* [[Orange Scott|Rev. Orange Scott]] - president of the convention that formed the Wesleyan Methodist Connexion, which eventually became the Wesleyan Church

* [[Dan Seaborn]] - founder of the [[What Would Jesus Do]] movement, and frequent speaker at [[Promise Keepers]] rallies


=== Politicians ===
=== Politicians ===
* [[Joseph Kofi Adda]] – Member of Parliament in Ghana, graduate of [[Indiana Wesleyan University]]
* [[Neil MacBride]] - [[United States Attorney]] for the Eastern District of Virginia, and [[magna cum laude]] graduate of Houghton College
* [[Jean Breaux]] – Indiana state senator representing the 34th District, graduate of [[Indiana Wesleyan University]]

* [[George McGovern]] - United States senator and presidential nominee, son of a Wesleyan Methodist minister
* [[Ghassan Hitto]] – former opposition prime minister of Syria, graduate of [[Indiana Wesleyan University]]
* [[Randy Truitt]] – Indiana state representative from the 26th District, graduate of [[Indiana Wesleyan University]]


=== Scientists and inventors ===
=== Scientists and inventors ===
* [[Thomas Bramwell Welch]] – a Methodist Episcopal pastor, developed a pasteurization process to prevent grapes from fermenting, thus creating grape juice instead of wine <ref>{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/entrepreneurmaga00hall|title=Entrepreneur magazine : encyclopedia of entrepreneurs|last=Hallett, Anthony, 1956–|date=1997|publisher=Wiley|others=Hallett, Diane, 1955–|isbn=0-471-17536-6|location=New York|oclc=36949906|url-access=registration}}</ref>
* [[Ira Sprague Bowen]] - United States astronmer, and alumnus of Houghton College; discovered the true nature of [[nebulium]]


==References==
* [[Douglas Comer]] - writer and professor and graduate of Houghton College involved in early development of the [[internet]]
{{reflist}}

* [[Thomas Bramwell Welch]] - developed a pasteurization process to prevent grapes from fermenting, thus creating grape juice instead of wine


==Further reading==
=== Singers and musicians ===
* {{cite book |last=Smith |first=George |title=History of Wesleyan Methodism |volume=I |authorlink= |publisher=Longman, Brown, Green, Longmans, and Roberts |location=London |year=1859 |isbn= |url=https://archive.org/details/historyofwesley01smituoft/page/n5/mode/2up |ref=smith1859a}}
* [[Wilfred Conwell Bain]] - University level music school administrator and opera theater director, former head of music departments at both Southern Wesleyan University and Houghton College


* {{cite book |last=Smith |first=George |title=History of Wesleyan Methodism |volume=II |authorlink= |publisher=Longman, Brown, Green, Longmans, and Roberts |location=London |year=1859 |isbn= |url=https://archive.org/details/historyofwesley02smituoft/page/n7/mode/2up |ref=smith1859b}}
* [[Eric Nelson (musician)|Dr. Eric Nelson]] - American music clinician, conductor, and composer, and graduate of Houghton College


==External links==
* [[David Ott]] - American composer and former faculty member of Houghton College
* {{Official website}}
* {{Official website|www.wesleyan.org.nz}} of the Wesleyan Church in New Zealand
* [http://www.arohanuicc.org.nz/gracefellowship.html Official website of the Grace Fellowship Churches in New Zealand]
* [http://www.wesleyan.org/wph/ Wesleyan Publishing House]
* [http://www.ku.edu/heritage/um/time~1.html Methodist History Bookmarks] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060219154209/http://www.ku.edu/heritage/um/time~1.html |date=2006-02-19 }}
* [http://www.thearda.com/Denoms/D_1466.asp Wesleyan Methodist Church – Association of Religion Data Archives]


{{Evangelical Protestantism in the United States}}
* [[George Beverly Shea]] - acclaimed singer and hymn composer who often performed with the Billy Graham crusades
{{Evangelicalism in the United States}}

==References==
<references/>

==External links==
* [http://www.wesleyan.org Official website of the denomination]
* [http://www.ku.edu/heritage/um/time~1.html Methodist History Bookmarks]
* [http://www.thearda.com/Denoms/D_1466.asp Profile of the Wesleyan Church on the Association of Religion Data Archives website]


[[Category:Wesleyan Church| ]]
[[Category:1843 establishments in New York (state)]]
[[Category:Methodist denominations established in the 19th century]]
[[Category:History of Methodism in the United States]]
[[Category:History of Methodism in the United States]]
[[Category:Religious organizations established in 1843]]
[[Category:Holiness denominations]]
[[Category:Holiness denominations]]
[[Category:Members of the National Association of Evangelicals]]
[[Category:Methodist denominations in North America|Wesleyan]]
[[Category:Methodist denominations in North America|Wesleyan]]
[[Category:Christian denominations, unions, and movements established in the 19th century]]
[[Category:Religious organizations established in 1843]]

[[sv:Wesleyanska kyrkan]]

Latest revision as of 11:34, 23 October 2024

"Wesleyan" has been used in the title of a number of historic and current denominations, although the subject of this article is the denomination titled "The Wesleyan Church". For a list of other denominations with Wesleyan in their title, please see Wesleyan Church (disambiguation).
The Wesleyan Church
ClassificationProtestant
OrientationHoliness Methodist
PolityConnexionalism
AssociationsChristian Holiness Partnership, National Association of Evangelicals, Wesleyan Holiness Connection, World Methodist Council
RegionWorldwide
HeadquartersFishers, Indiana, U.S.
FounderJohn Wesley (spiritually)
Origin1843
Utica, New York, U.S.
Merger ofWesleyan Methodist Church and Pilgrim Holiness Church (1968)
Standard Church of America (2003)
SeparationsAllegheny Wesleyan Methodist Connection (1968)[1]
Bible Methodist Connection of Churches (1968)[2]
Bible Methodist Connection of Tennessee (1968)[2]
Pilgrim Holiness Church of New York (1963)[3]
Pilgrim Holiness Church of the Midwest (1967)[4]
Official websitewww.wesleyan.org Edit this at Wikidata

The Wesleyan Church, also known as the Wesleyan Methodist Church and Wesleyan Holiness Church depending on the region, is a Methodist Christian denomination in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Namibia, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Indonesia, and Australia. The church is aligned with the Wesleyan-Holiness movement and has roots in the teachings of John Wesley. It adheres to Wesleyan-Arminian doctrine and is a member of the World Methodist Council.

In 2017, there were 140,954 members in 1,607 congregations in North America, and an average worship attendance of 239,842.[5]

In 2020, the number of congregations in the United States was 1,463.[6]

Wesleyan Life is the official publication. Global Partners is the official non-profit missions organization. The Wesleyan Church world headquarters are in Fishers, Indiana, United States.

History

[edit]
First Wesleyan Church in Huntington, West Virginia, a congregation belonging to the Wesleyan Church

The Wesleyan Methodist Connection was officially formed in 1843 at an organizing conference in Utica, New York, by a group of ministers and laymen splitting from the Methodist Episcopal Church. The split was primarily over their objections to slavery, though they had secondary issues as well, such as ecclesiastical polity. Orange Scott presided as the meeting formed a federation of churches at first calling themselves the Wesleyan Methodist Connection, a name chosen to emphasize the primacy of the local church, and the intended nature of the denomination as a connection of churches.[7] Other leaders at the organizing conference were La Roy Sunderland, who had been tried and defrocked for his antislavery writings, Lucious C. Matlack, and Luther Lee, a minister who later operated an Underground Railroad station in Syracuse, New York.

The denomination sponsored traveling preachers on the frontier and into Canada, where they appealed to workingmen and farmers. Typical was Rev. James Caughey, an American sent to Ontario by the Wesleyan Methodist Church from the 1840s through 1864. He brought in converts by the score, most notably in the revivals in Canada West 1851–53. His technique combined restrained emotionalism with a clear call for personal commitment, coupled with follow-up action to organize support from converts. It was a time when the Holiness Movement caught fire, with the revitalized interest of men and women in Christian perfection. Caughey successfully bridged the gap between the style of earlier camp meetings and the needs of more sophisticated Methodist congregations in the emerging cities.[8]

In addition to advocating for abolitionism, the early Wesleyan Methodists championed the rights of women. In 1848, the Wesleyan Chapel in Seneca Falls, New York, hosted the Seneca Falls Convention, the first women's rights convention. It is commemorated by the Women's Rights National Historical Park in the village today. Luther Lee, General President in 1856, preached at the ordination service of Antoinette Brown (Blackwell), the very first woman ordained to the Christian ministry in the United States. The Alliance of Reformed Baptists of Canada ordained the very first woman to the ministry in Canada in the late 1800s. At General Conference in 1867, a resolution was adopted favoring the right of women to vote (as well as the right of freedmen—blacks). This was 44 years before the US constitution was amended to ensure women voting privileges.[9]

In 1966 the Wesleyan Methodist Church merged with the Alliance of Reformed Baptists of Canada and in 1968 with the Pilgrim Holiness Church. It spread through revivals emphasizing a deepening experience with God called holiness or sanctification. Heart purity was a central theme. During this period of time, many small churches developed through revivals and the emphasis of entire sanctification (taught by John Wesley, but not emphasized by some mainline Methodists). As many as 25 or 30 small denominations were formed and eventually merged with other groups to enlarge the church. The church was strong in missionary and revival emphasis. The merger took place in 1968 at Anderson University, Anderson, Indiana.[10] Some conferences and local churches of the Wesleyan Methodist Church objected to the merger, thus resulting in a schism of the Allegheny Wesleyan Methodist Connection with the Wesleyan Church,[1] as well as the creation of the Bible Methodist Connection of Churches and Bible Methodist Connection of Tennessee around 1968.[2] The Pilgrim Holiness Church of New York (formed in 1963) and Pilgrim Holiness Church of the Midwest (formed in 1967) were also established around this time, with the former in response to the tendency of centralization of the larger Pilgrim Holiness Church and the latter in response to the merger.[11][4]

Beliefs

[edit]
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Christianity • Protestantism

icon Christianity portal
Main article: Wesleyan-Arminian theology

The Wesleyan Church has the following core values:[12]

In addition, the Wesleyan Church holds to the following articles of religion:

  • Faith in the Holy Trinity — There is one true God, united in three persons: the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
  • The Father — the Father created all things, and that all humans are created in the image of God. God, in love, seeks out and receives penitent sinners.
  • God's Purpose for Humanity — The divine law is summarized in the commands to love God with all one's heart and to love one's neighbor as oneself. All persons, therefore, ought to seek to obey God and to preserve and promote for others the exercise of every natural right.
  • Personal Choice — Humans were created with the ability to choose between right and wrong. But, since the fall, humans cannot choose right on their own, because of original sin. Humans are inclined toward sin and cannot, on their own, call on God or exercise faith. But God, through Christ, provides to each person prevenient grace, allowing each to choose salvation.
  • Sin: Original, Willful, and Involuntary — All of creation suffers the consequences of Adam and Eve's disobedience and groans for redemption. Each person is born with a bent toward sinning, which manifests itself in outward acts of unrighteousness. Failures in judgment and involuntary flaws are not to be equated with willful sin but still require the atonement of Christ for forgiveness. Willful sin is when a free moral agent volitionally chooses to transgress a known law of God. Such sin will result in a loss of fellowship with God, self-absorption, an inability to live righteously, and, ultimately, eternal separation from God. The atonement of Christ is the only remedy for sin, whether original, willful or involuntary.
  • The Atonement — Christ's crucifixion allows redemption for the whole world. It is the only foundation of salvation from sin. The atonement covers those who mentally cannot choose salvation, but individuals who are mentally accountable must accept the gift of salvation of their own free will.
  • Justification, Regeneration, and Adoption — Asserts that when one repents and has saving faith in Christ, in that same moment that person is:
    • Justified: Granted full pardon for all sin, guilt, and penalty of sins.
    • Regenerated: Reborn spiritual life in Christ with a distinct capacity for love and obedience to God.
    • Adopted: Given full rights, privileges, and responsibilities of a child of God.
  • Sin After Regeneration — Affirms it is possible for a believer to sin after regeneration in salvation and that there is grace and forgiveness for repentant believers.
  • Sanctification
    • Initial: The work of the Holy Spirit in the moment of conversion in a new believer to be separated from sin to God.
    • Progressive: The continual work of the Holy Spirit to grow the believer in love and more perfect obedience.
    • Entire" The perfecting of the believer in love and empowerment for service. It follows in lifelong growth in grace and knowledge.
  • The Gifts of the Spirit — Asserts that the Holy Spirit gives gifts to people, for the benefit of the Church, but that the Holy Spirit himself is the most desirable gift.
  • The Church — The Christian Church is the entire body of believers (both living and those died and in heaven). Jesus Christ is the founder and only head of the Church, which is not identified with any particular institution or denomination. The Church is called to preach the Word of God, administer the sacraments, and live in obedience to Christ. A local church is a body of believers formally organized for the purposes of evangelism, discipleship, and worship. The Wesleyan Church is a denomination within the greater, invisible Church, and that invisible church encompasses Christians who hold to a variety of differing beliefs, not just Wesleyan beliefs.
  • The Sacraments
    • Baptism — Baptism is a sacrament commanded by our Lord and administered to believers. It works as a symbol and as part of the new covenant of grace.
    • The Lord's Supper — The Lord's Supper is a sacrament of our redemption by Christ's death, our hope in his return, and a sign of Christian love for one another.
  • Resurrection of the Dead — Asserts that all will be raised from the dead at Christ's return, damnation for the lost and life for the saved, and that the resurrection body will be a spiritual body but still personally recognizable.
  • Judgment of All Persons — Asserts a final judgment for all humans before God, regardless of the individual's beliefs, and asserts God's omniscience and eternal justice.
  • Destiny — Asserts that Scripture teaches there is life after death, and the fate of each person is determined by God's grace and their individual response, evidenced through moral character rather than arbitrary decree of God. Heaven and Christ's presence is the place for those who choose God's salvation given through Christ, but hell and separation from Christ is the resulting place for those who neglect the great salvation.

Organizations and relations

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Local churches are organized into a network of districts with equal representation of clergy and laity at their annual conferences. Each has an elected administrator known as the district superintendent and has a district board of administration with both lay and clergy serving. National and multi-national networks are called general conferences and meet every four years. General conferences exist in the Philippines, the Caribbeans, and North America.[citation needed]

Official names by region

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According to the 2012 Wesleyan Church Discipline, the official name of the denomination is The Wesleyan Church. However, different names may be used by different units of the church for practicality and localization. The following are the official names of the denomination, for the various organizational units:[13]

  • Australia: The Wesleyan Methodist Church of Australia
  • Bougainville: The Wesleyan Methodist Church of Bougainville
  • Brazil: Igreja Evangélica Wesleyana
  • British Isles: The Wesleyan Holiness Church
  • Cambodia: 'The Wesleyan Church of Cambodia'
  • Canada: The Wesleyan Church
  • Caribbean: The Wesleyan Holiness Church of the Caribbean
  • Chile: Ministerio Evangelistico y Misionero “Cristo es la Unica Respuesta”
  • Colombia: La Iglesia Wesleyana de Colombia
  • Costa Rica: Iglesia Wesleyana Internacional de Costa Rica
  • Egypt: The Standard Wesleyan Church
  • Ghana: The Standard Wesleyan Church
  • Guyana: The Wesleyan Church
  • Haiti: L’Eglise Wesleyenne d’Haiti
  • Honduras: Mision Methodista Sión
  • India, Central: The Wesleyan Methodist Church of Central India
  • India, East: The Wesleyan Methodist Church of East India
  • India, Western: The Wesleyan Methodist Church of Western India
  • Indonesia: Gereja Wesleyan Indonesia (GWI)
  • Lahore: "The Wesleyan Methodist Church in Pakistan"
  • Liberia: The Wesleyan Church of Liberia
  • Mexico: Iglesia Evangelica Los Peregrinos
  • Mozambique: Igreja Emmanuel Evangelica Wesleyana
  • Myanmar: The Wesleyan Methodist Church
  • Namibia: The Wesleyan Church in Namibia
  • New Zealand: Wesleyan Methodist Church of New Zealand
  • Nicaragua: Asociación Mundial de Iglesias Wesleyanas de Nicaragua
  • Pakistan: The Wesleyan Church in Pakistan
  • Panamá: Iglesia Cristiana Wesleyana de Panamá
  • Peru: Iglesia Wesleyana Peregrina
  • Philippines: The Wesleyan Church of the Philippines
  • Poland: Ewangeliczny Kościół Metodystyczny w Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej
  • Puerto Rico: Iglesia Evangélica Wesleyana
  • Sierra Leone: The Wesleyan Church of Sierra Leone
  • South Korea: Jesus Korea Wesleyan Church
  • South Africa: The Wesleyan Church of Southern Africa
  • Suriname: De Wesleyaanse Gemeente
  • Tonga: Free Wesleyan Church
  • United States: The Wesleyan Church
  • Venezuela: Iglesia Evangélica Wesleyana
  • Zambia: Pilgrim Wesleyan Church of Zambia
  • Zimbabwe: The Wesleyan Church

Sister denominations and fraternal relations

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Main article: Holiness movement

The Wesleyan Church is a part of the holiness movement, and as such, follows many of the same teachings as similar denominations that follow Wesleyan traditions. At times in its history, it has sought merger with both the Church of the Nazarene and the Free Methodist Church, both of which practice very similar doctrine.

The Wesleyan Church is a member of the following organizations:

Seminaries, universities, colleges, and schools in the U.S. and Canada

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Affiliated with The Wesleyan Church are five universities and one seminary:[14]

Wesleyan Publishing House

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The Wesleyan Church runs its own publishing house located in Indianapolis, Indiana. Its mission is to "be a leader in communicating the message of holiness through the publication of quality resources for local churches and ministries around the world."[15]

Districts

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The Wesleyan Church in North America is organized in the following 22 districts:[16]

  • Atlantic (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, and the US state of Maine)
  • Central Canada (central and western Canada)
  • Chesapeake (Delaware, Maryland, Northern Virginia, Washington D.C.)
  • Crossroads (North and Central Indiana)
  • Florida
  • Great Lakes (Michigan, Illinois and Wisconsin)
  • Greater Ohio
  • Indiana South
  • Kansas
  • Kentucky-Tennessee
  • Mountain Plains (Colorado, Nebraska, Texas, Louisiana, and New Mexico)
  • North Carolina East
  • North Carolina West
  • Northeast (Eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Eastern New York (including the NYC Metro Area & Long Island), Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Vermont & Massachusetts)
  • Northwest (Alaska, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming)
  • Pacific Southwest (California, Arizona, Nevada, Hawaii)
  • Penn York (Central New York, Western Pennsylvania)
  • Shenandoah (Virginia and West Virginia)
  • South Carolina
  • South Coastal (Georgia, Alabama, and much of Mississippi)
  • Tri-state (Oklahoma, Arkansas and Missouri)
  • Western New York

Wesleyan Church of Sierra Leone

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John Augustus Abayomi-Cole, a creole from Freetown attended the 1887 General Conference of the Wesleyan Methodist Church of the United States. He implored the Connection to send missionaries to Sierra Leone. This led to a small mission led by Rev. Henry Johnston being dispatched there in 1889.[17] This was the first step towards the foundation of the Wesleyan Church of Sierra Leone.

Notable people

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Academics

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Athletes

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Authors

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  • Mary Ann Lyth – English missionary, teacher, translator of the Bible into Fijian

Clergy

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  • Adam Crooks – early Wesleyan Methodist minister, responsible for a number of early church plants in the denomination.
  • Frank Ritchie – Pastor of Commoners Church, A Wesleyan Methodist Community in New Zealand. "Rev. Frank is an ordained Wesleyan Methodist minister. He’s convinced that as we open our lives to the presence of God, the natural outcome is a world more tuned towards justice."[19]
  • Rufus Lumry – American circuit preacher, outspoken abolitionist and leading Illinois organizer of the Wesleyan Methodist Connexion, which eventually became the Wesleyan Church.
  • Jo Anne Lyon – pastor, author, international leader, founder of World Hope International, global advocate, general superintendent emeritus.
  • John C. Maxwell – prolific writer and former senior pastor at Skyline Church.
  • Orange Scott – president of the convention that formed the Wesleyan Methodist Connexion, which eventually became the Wesleyan Church.

Politicians

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Scientists and inventors

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  • Thomas Bramwell Welch – a Methodist Episcopal pastor, developed a pasteurization process to prevent grapes from fermenting, thus creating grape juice instead of wine [20]

References

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  1. ^ a b Kurian, George Thomas; Lamport, Mark A. (10 November 2016). Encyclopedia of Christianity in the United States. Rowman & Littlefield Publishers. p. 45. ISBN 9781442244320. The merger between the Wesleyan methodist Church and the Pilgrim Holiness Church passed unanimously. The newly formed denomination took the name 'The Wesleyan Church.' The Allegheny Conference refused to join the merged group.
  2. ^ a b c Lewis, James R. (2002). The Encyclopedia of Cults, Sects, and New Religions. Prometheus Books, Publishers. p. 356. ISBN 9781615927388. The Bible Methodist Connection of Tennessee, the Bible Holiness Church, and the Bible Methodist Connection of Churches were formed as a result of the opposition to the merger of the Wesleyan Methodist Church and the Pilgrim Holiness Church into the Wesleyan Church (1968).
  3. ^ Melton, J. Gordon (7 December 2018). Religious Bodies in the U.S.: A Dictionary. Routledge. ISBN 978-1-135-52353-4.
  4. ^ a b Piepkorn, Arthur Carl (1979). Profiles in belief: the religious bodies of the United States,Canada and Brasil. Harper & Row. p. 59. ISBN 9780060665814.
  5. ^ Vernon, Janelle (May 7, 2018). "General Board celebrates 50 years of The Wesleyan Church". The Wesleyan Church. Retrieved October 26, 2018.
  6. ^ https://www.usreligioncensus.org/sites/default/files/2023-10/2020_US_Religion_Census.pdf
  7. ^ Haines, Lee M; Thomas, Paul William (2000). "History of the Wesleyan Methodist Church of America, 1843–1968". An Outline History of the Wesleyan Church. Wesleyan Publishing House. p. 72. ISBN 0-89827-223-8.
  8. ^ Peter Bush, "The Reverend James Caughey and Wesleyan Methodist Revivalism in Canada West, 1851–1856", Ontario History, Sept 1987, Vol. 79 Issue 3, pp 231–250
  9. ^ Caldwell, Wayne E. ed. Reformers and Revivals: History of the Wesleyan Church. Indianapolis, Indiana: Wesley Press, 1992
  10. ^ An Outline History of the Wesleyan Church 5th revised edition, (2000) by L.M. and Thomas, P.W. Haines
  11. ^ Piepkorn, Arthur Carl (1979). Profiles in Belief: Holiness and Pentecostal. Harper & Row. p. 59. ISBN 9780060665814.
  12. ^ "Our Core Values and Beliefs". www.wesleyan.org. Retrieved 2010-01-17.
  13. ^ "The Discipline of the Wesleyan Church 2004" (PDF). The Wesleyan Publishing House. 2005. Retrieved 2010-01-30., p. 80
  14. ^ "Higher Education". The Wesleyan Church. Retrieved 18 January 2023.
  15. ^ "About Us: The Wesleyan Publishing House". The Wesleyan Church. Retrieved 2010-11-10.
  16. ^ "District Directory". The Wesleyan Church. Retrieved 18 January 2023.
  17. ^ "The Discipline of the Wesleyan Church of Sierra Leone" (PDF). www.wesleyan.org. Annual District Conference of The Wesleyan Church of Sierra Leone. 1985. Retrieved 17 April 2017.
  18. ^ "Brandon Beachy Stats, Bio, Photos, Highlights". Braves.com: Team." The Official Site of The Atlanta Braves. Braves.com: Homepage. Archived from the original on December 8, 2010. Retrieved 4 April 2011.
  19. ^ "Servant Leaders". Commoners Church.
  20. ^ Hallett, Anthony, 1956– (1997). Entrepreneur magazine : encyclopedia of entrepreneurs. Hallett, Diane, 1955–. New York: Wiley. ISBN 0-471-17536-6. OCLC 36949906.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)

Further reading

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