Why Wesley’s Methodism survives and Whitefield’s does not - GBC Bulletin Column #20

Two of the most influential preachers of by-gone days are George Whitefield and John Wesley, founders of the Methodists. The men had significant differences theologically. Whitefield leaned towards Calvinism and so would - as far as his beliefs concerning salvation are concerned – be more consistent with our beliefs at Grace Baptist Church; Wesley meanwhile was inclined to Arminianism. Having started out together, the two Christians found themselves bitterly opposing one another for a time, before they were reconciled (though they still disagreed on how to articulate the roles of God and man in salvation). Their differences led to the development of two different branches of Methodism that may be referred to as Whitefieldian and Wesleyan. Modern Methodism is so weakened spiritually these days that it bears little resemblance to either of these branches, but it would trace its beginnings to Wesley. Whitefieldian Methodism has died out. When it is taken into consideration that the Calvinistic Methodists of Wales developed before and independently of Whitefield – although they undoubtedly had a good, strong relationship with him – it becomes even more apparent just how quickly Whitefieldian Methodism came to an end. There are several things to which this may be attributed. Whitefield’s influence was shortened by his life for one thing – he was born in 1714 and died in 1770 whereas Wesley was born in 1703 and died in 1791. But among other such logical explanations, there is a more intriguing additional reason that some have offered for Wesleyan Methodism’s continuation and Whitefieldian Methodism’s death: organisation. 

Wesley was an organisational genius. He established Methodist societies (for which he often provided chapels) which were further organised into small groups (normally of twelve) called classes. These societies were grouped by twos or more into circuits, belonging to larger districts. The societies were superintended by designated Local Preachers (often laymen) and Travelling Preachers (fully dedicated ministers). Wesley himself would visit each society regularly and they were expected to adhere to a set of General Rules. Much more could be said, but suffice it to say there was a structure, and within this structure there was discipline, order, and an emphasis on discipleship.

If Wesleyan Methodism had organisation, Whitefieldian Methodism had…Whitefield. Whitefield in Britain, Whitefield in America, Whitefield back in Britain (Repeat the cycle a few times – in total he spent approximately two years of his life at sea); Whitefield in the chapels, Whitefield in the open air, Whitefield opening an orphanage in Georgia, Whitefield opening a few churches in England; Whitefield preaching and Whitefield writing. Whitefield did it all, everywhere. Although three churches were opened in his name, and a “Connexion” of churches was formed by one of his supporters - Selina Hastings, the Countess of Huntingdon - Whitefield was not seriously accountable to or responsible for a local church: his two London chapels were left in the charge of laymen who were not to consult him about anything unless absolutely necessary – even when he was in the city. His real passion was open-air preaching (which he introduced to Wesley), and he continued faithfully in this ministry until his death, but no lasting organisation or church was left behind. Unremarkable in expository prowess, it was Whitefield’s personality, his passion and power, that drew the crowds…crowds that sadly disappeared when Whitefield died.

George Whitefield was undoubtedly used by God in a great way to bring many to Himself, but if lasting fruit is sought, the death of Whitefield’s Methodism with Whitefield the man is a cautionary tale. Ministries should not be built around men – who will die, however strong their personalities. Rather they should be built around Christ and his body, the church. And we must do away with emphasising exhortation over organisation or preaching over leading – all are important and by the Spirit’s power Christ’s under-shepherds can balance these aspects of ministry.

This was printed in the worship bulletin of Grace Baptist Church (Wood Green) on 08/09/2013.