The Wesley Brothers: Faithful in Devotion and Action

I have always admired those who, even when disillusioned by the church, choose to stay engaged—wrestling with their doubts until they discover renewed faith. In my experience, these individuals often emerge with a deeper, more resilient spirituality and a commitment to making the church a more welcoming place for all. Charles and John Wesley exemplify this steadfast faithfulness.

Following their ordinations, John and Charles returned to Oxford University, where they joined Robert Kirkham and William Morgan in a small religious study group mockingly dubbed the “Methodists” for their methodical approach to spiritual discipline. This “Holy Club” practiced a structured faith—attending frequent communion services, fasting twice weekly, and engaging in regular prayer and study. By 1730, their devotion extended beyond personal piety—they embraced social outreach by visiting prisoners, teaching them to read, paying off their debts, and helping them secure jobs. The Methodists also ministered to the poor by providing food, clothing, medicine, and books, and even running a school for children in need.

The Wesley brothers journeyed to the American colonies as missionaries, only to find their time in Georgia deeply disheartening. They were profoundly disturbed by the horrors of slavery. Consequently, they not only spoke out against the practice but also studied the slave trade in detail. Their moral and legal arguments condemned both the institution of slavery and the traders themselves, boldly calling upon God to hold those complicit accountable. This courage to confront injustice became a hallmark of their ministry.

John and Charles Wesley offer a blueprint for Christian devotion that families can follow today. By centering our lives on Christ, we can cultivate a spirit of gratitude—offering prayers of thanks for the sunrise, the meals we share, the schools our children attend, and the work we are called to do. We can carve out time for Bible study, either as a family or alongside our church community. Inspired by the Wesleys’ legacy, we can weave spiritual practices into the fabric of our daily routines.

Spiritual growth requires intentionality. Just as we set goals to excel in school or advance in our careers, we must also be deliberate in nurturing our relationship with Christ. This may mean committing to daily prayer, immersing ourselves in Scripture, participating in church activities, and surrounding ourselves with fellow believers who encourage and challenge our faith.

When we face moments of disillusionment—when wars rage, when the most vulnerable are neglected, and when the rights of women and people of color are undermined—we can draw strength from the Wesley brothers’ unwavering faith. Their response to injustice was not to retreat but to lean further into their devotion. Similarly, our faith becomes a steady anchor when we remain rooted in Christ’s love and work tirelessly to extend hope and justice to others.

By following the Wesleys’ example, we transform disillusionment into action, embracing a faith that is both thoughtful and transformative. In doing so, we not only deepen our relationship with God but also help build a church and a world that mirror Christ’s boundless compassion.

[Image Credit: Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons]