John Wesley on Methods of Ministry and Discipleship - Research Paper Example

JOHN WESLEY ON METHODS OF MINISTRY AND DISCIPLESHIP Theological foundation always explores the theology as critical dialogue existing between contemporary human experience and Christian traditions. It always requires an individual to explore diverse perspective on bible scriptures, traditions, reason and experiences as they enlighten religious faith. In doing so theological and biblical foundations, regularly addresses fundamental ethical themes that challenge religious faith and society at large.

Wesley is by fact one of the most respected individuals in the divine world whose work is still held with great importance with both religious and theological scholars and believers. He wrote a lot about discipleship and ministry. This paper particularly explores the theological or biblical foundations that led to John Wesley to his views and techniques of discipleship and ministry. The doctrinal analysis he had analysis and techniques and most importantly the experiences that contributed to his method and views concerning discipleship and ministry basing on his work “The Essential Works of John Wesley”.

Social background of Wesley that comprised of religious parents this essentially boosted his understanding of the biblical scripture and fundamentals of Christian life and discipleship. John Wesley laid emphasis was on being a disciple to be considered a follower of Jesus with scripture backing. Through his style of controversial divinity, he was induced that discipleship was the true identity of a Christ believer. He came up with 3-Strand of Discipleship stages to assert the importance for involvement and real participation among Christians this can be directly linked to his theological believes.

Furthermore, John Wesley was of the view that Christ left a crucial mission that is a concern on making more disciples rather than converting individuals to Christianity. The basis of Wesley theological foundation can be attributed to the fact that he believed that the central core of the Christian faith was shown in biblical Scripture. Adding that scripture was the main foundational source of doctrinal development and theological. The centrality of Scripture was so essential for Wesley that he labeled himself "a man of one book”.

Throughout his life experiences, he never separated himself with a call for true discipleship and the biblical doctrines and this is best highlighted by his message in “The Essential Works of John Wesley”. Closely related to this was the fact that Wesley asserted to the view that a part of the theological method should comprise experiential faith. In other words, certainty and facts would be seen in personal experience of Christians if it were the truth. And that every doctrine should be in all ways being defended rationally.

John Wesley theological foundation was sourced to the fact that he never divorces the faith from reason. Wesley argued that the tradition, reason and experience, however were subject always to biblical scriptures since only there is the Word of God shown. This is the central message that John Wesley wanted to put across especially in his discipleship work “The Essential Works of John Wesley”. In conclusion, it is worth noting that John Wesley is credited with founding a sound Christian faith principle that accentuates discipleship.

His theological believes and biblical foundations led him to establishing a link between true discipleship and Christian faith in this contemporary society, and this is vivified in “The Essential Works of John Wesley”.ReferencesTop of FormWesley, John, and Alice Russie. The Essential Works of John Wesley Selected Sermons, Essays, and Other Writings. Uhrichsville, Ohio: Barbour, 2011. . Bottom of Form