Reach Out ¢ Missions Rev Teresa Wilborn was formerly The Methodist Missions Society (MMS) Area Director for Timor-Leste and Cambodia. She is now the Consultant for Timor-Leste. She worships at Aldersgate Methodist Church.
The legacy of John Wesley for 21st century missions
J
ohn Wesley made it his life’s mission to proclaim the gospel wherever he was. He was a man of passion, prayer and perseverance. Yet, in this writer’s opinion, his preaching
and practice of holiness and social justice distinguish him from other evangelical leaders. Historians frequently use the word theopraxis to describe this aspect of Wesley’s theology. Theopraxis is a combination of two Greek words: “theos” meaning God and “praxis” meaning to do or practice. Unlike theology, which focuses on the study of God and religion, theopraxis is understood as observing, experiencing, and knowing God in the context of His actions towards us and the world He created. 1 It has been said that John Wesley united “theos” and “praxis” more successfully than any other theologian in Church history. His sermons were not academic treatises; rather, they spoke plainly to the thousands of converts to whom he gave personal guidance, spiritual direction, and hope. 2 People listened to Wesley because he spoke to their needs and because they observed him doing good.
In short, Wesley preached what
God had done and continues to do in the world, and Wesley practised what he preached. John Wesley believed that genuine holiness is an integration of both spiritual and physical needs. People might be able to do good without inner transformation, but there could be no inner transformation that is not expressed in outward action. 3 Wesley’s concept of outward action is characterised by works of mercy, justice, truth and love. A statue of John Wesley in the centre of Reynolds Square Park, Savannah, Georgia, USA
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METHODIST MESSAGE May 2022
