What are the beliefs of the Wesleyan Church?

Historical Context and Influence

The Wesleyan Church traces its roots to the teachings of John Wesley (1703–1791), whose ministry emphasized practical holiness, scriptural fidelity, and personal relationship with God. Wesley sought to revitalize the Church in a way that would lead to genuine conversion of heart and transformation of life. Over time, various Methodist traditions emerged, and The Wesleyan Church officially formed in 1968 from the merger of the Wesleyan Methodist Church and the Pilgrim Holiness Church, both of which carried John Wesley’s emphasis on holy living and scriptural authority.

Authority of Scripture

The Wesleyan Church believes that the Bible is God’s inspired Word and the final authority in all matters of faith and practice. In affirming this, leaders and members turn to passages such as 2 Timothy 3:16: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” This high view of Scripture includes the conviction that the canonical books—recognized from Genesis to Revelation—faithfully and accurately communicate God’s revelation to humanity.

The Nature of God and the Trinity

The Wesleyan Church holds a traditional Christian understanding of the Trinity, affirming that God is one Being in three Persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (cf. Matthew 28:19: “…baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit…”). This belief underscores the eternal deity of Jesus Christ and the personhood of the Holy Spirit. In line with orthodox theology, the Wesleyan tradition proclaims that the three Persons share all divine attributes—omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence—united yet distinct in their persons.

Humanity and the Effects of Sin

According to Wesleyan doctrine, all humans experience the effects of original sin, as indicated in Romans 3:23: “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” This emphasis recognizes that although human beings are made in the image of God, they are also fallen and in need of redemption. Wesleyan teaching underscores that humanity’s sinful condition can only be healed by the grace and mercy of God through Christ.

Salvation and Grace

Wesleyan theology is historically Arminian, focusing on God’s prevenient, justifying, and sanctifying grace.

• Prevenient Grace: God’s grace at work in a person’s life before conscious faith, enabling the sinner to move toward God.

• Justifying Grace: The moment of conversion when a believer, by faith in Christ’s atoning work, is pardoned and declared righteous before God (see Romans 5:1: “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”).

• Sanctifying Grace: The ongoing work of the Holy Spirit, conforming the believer more fully into Christ’s image. This includes the distinctive Wesleyan emphasis on entire sanctification, where, by the power of the Holy Spirit, love for God and neighbor becomes the driving principle of one’s life (cf. 1 Thessalonians 5:23).

Holiness and Christian Perfection

A significant hallmark of The Wesleyan Church is its emphasis on living a holy life empowered by the Holy Spirit. While recognizing that absolute sinlessness belongs to God alone, Wesleyan doctrine teaches that believers can experience a profound level of consecration and freedom from willful sin, described as “Christian perfection” or “entire sanctification.” This does not mean human infallibility but points to a heart fully oriented toward God’s love and purposes.

The Person and Work of Jesus Christ

Central to Wesleyan belief is the full deity and humanity of Jesus Christ, acknowledging that He came to earth, lived a sinless life, died bearing humanity’s sin, and rose again bodily from the grave (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:3–4). His resurrection stands as the ultimate source of salvation and the proof of eternal life for all who believe. Faith in the risen Christ offers assurance of forgiveness and reconciliation with God.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Wesleyan Church acknowledges the ongoing, transforming presence of the Holy Spirit in the believer’s life. The Spirit not only convicts individuals of sin but also empowers them for holy living, service, and witness. Passages such as Acts 1:8 frequently underscore the church’s mission to carry the gospel forward through the Holy Spirit’s strength: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses…”

Doctrine of the Church

In Wesleyan thought, the Church is the community of all true believers in Christ, called to worship, edify one another, and serve the world. Congregations often emphasize accountability, small group discipleship, and strong community ties, reflecting John Wesley’s practice of forming “societies” and “classes” where believers encourage each other in spiritual growth and good works (Hebrews 10:24–25). The mission is to spread scriptural holiness and extend the gospel’s message to all nations.

Sacraments (Ordinances)

The Wesleyan Church typically identifies two sacraments or ordinances:

• Baptism: A means of testifying to God’s saving grace, whether administered to believers making a public profession of faith or to children in a dedicatory or covenantal context.

• The Lord’s Supper (Communion): A remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice, symbolizing the body and blood of the Lord (cf. 1 Corinthians 11:23–26). Believers participate reverently, emphasizing the reminder of Christ’s atoning work and the unity of the Church.

Practical Holiness and Social Witness

Reflecting John Wesley’s original heart for both inward and outward holiness, The Wesleyan Church stands for moral clarity and social conscience. This includes concern for the poor, the oppressed, and the marginalized. Historically, Wesleyan forebears opposed slavery, advocated for temperance, and championed societal reforms. Today, many Wesleyans continue to engage in ministries demonstrating compassion and mercy, in alignment with Christ’s command to love one’s neighbor (Mark 12:31).

Worship and Spiritual Disciplines

Wesleyan congregations often practice a blend of traditional and contemporary worship styles. The focus remains on personal transformation through prayer, Bible reading, communal singing and praise, and the public proclamation of the Word. Spiritual disciplines such as fasting, personal devotions, small group discipleship, and corporate worship are encouraged to deepen one’s walk with God.

Church Governance

The Wesleyan Church employs a representative form of government that balances congregational participation with hierarchical leadership structures. Conferences (local, district, and general) guide the church on matters of doctrine, ministry strategy, and accountability. Church leaders—bishops, district superintendents, and pastors—are charged with overseeing the spiritual welfare and organizational well-being of church members, while local congregations actively undertake evangelism and discipleship.

Future Hope and Eschatology

Wesleyans affirm the future bodily return of Jesus Christ to establish His kingdom in full glory, judging the living and the dead (cf. 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17). They view history as moving toward a divine culmination, with the promise of eternal life for all who have trusted in Christ and participated in God’s redemptive plan. This hope motivates a life of active obedience and anticipation of God’s ultimate renewal of creation.

Summary of Core Emphases

1. High Regard for Scripture: Infallible and final in authority.

2. Arminian Theology: Stress on free will and God’s universal offer of grace.

3. Holiness: A strong emphasis on entire sanctification and Christlike living.

4. Prevenient, Justifying, and Sanctifying Grace: The work of God from drawing the sinner to final conformity to Christ.

5. Bodily Resurrection and Eternal Hope in Christ: Salvation rests on the historical fact of Christ’s resurrection and His promise to return.

In all of this, The Wesleyan Church invites believers and seekers alike to experience forgiveness of sin through faith in Jesus Christ, to grow in grace, and to live in holiness of heart and life for the glory of God. By combining personal piety, social responsibility, and scriptural fidelity, Wesleyans continue the centuries-old tradition of “spreading scriptural holiness” around the world.