How did Methodism begin?
The simple answer is out of John Wesleys search for God. His mother was responsible for the early education of all her large family, and she taught them to pray and examine their souls before God. Later, as a Fellow at Oxford University, Wesley continued to discipline himself to a pattern of prayer, fasting, Bible reading and good works. He and several other University men formed a religious club, variously nicknamed the Holy Club or the Methodists (because they were so methodical!) He was ordained deacon and priest, but still struggled to feel he was right with God. Through a series of events over several years, which included a storm at sea en route as a missionary to America, an unhappy love affair, being impressed with the vibrant faith of other Christians, a visit to St Pauls cathedral for evensong, and finally a Christian society meeting at a house in Aldersgate Street, London, on May 24th 1738, John Wesley felt his very soul kindled by the flame of Gods love and found peace in a
