The Spirit of Methodsim

My first interaction, quite humorously, with a Methodist church was in youth group growing up as one of my friends yelled out, where is the baptistry!? I grew up Baptist, and this is my first memory of realizing committed followers of Jesus could have differences in their churches. The Spirit of Methodism by Jeffrey Barbeau is a great read to understand the history of the Methodist movement and what continues to reverberate in their Global Communion whether you are an “insider” or not. I found it fascinating, through a missiological lens, digesting the content with echoes of movement theology and contextualization in mind as Barbeau traces the expansion of Methodism.

The Spirit of Methodism traces the ministry of pivotal men and women through the history of Methodism from the holy clubs of John Wesley to the modern-day mosaic of Methodism. Part 1 deals with the origins of British Methodism, Part 2 describes the growth of North American Methodism, and Part 3 recounts the Expansion of World Methodism.

While not the main point of this book, the history of Methodism, specifically in North America, is a great case study for how contextualization can help fuel a movement. If you have ever driven through any part of the country and wondered how numerous Methodist churches got there, Barbeau’s history illuminates your imagination through the ministry combo of itinerant preachers and lay preachers that built the denomination. I also enjoyed Barbeau’s honesty in dealing with racial issues and how it affected the beginning and growth of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) churches. Throughout the historical sketch, Barbeau creates empathy on how deep divides were created spawning various church traditions and cultures. Understanding this history can help us pursue meaningful relationships built on respect today.

This book on Methodism comes in a frantic time particularly among United Methodists as a large split looms over gender and sexuality (although the formal vote has been delayed until 2022). I highly recommend Barbeau’s book for three reasons as an outsider during this time. One, it helps me appreciate the mission and mindset in Methodist history. Two, as Christianity in the Global South expands, Methodism is a big part of that growth. While North American Methodism may be declining, the movement is growing worldwide. As the reader interacts with global believers, the book provides a great primer to help engage current followers. Three, as conservative Methodist congregations leave the United Methodist church it would be a great opportunity to network with them for encouragement and mission.