Step into a Wesleyan church on any given Sunday, and you might hear a Charles Wesley hymn followed by a modern worship chorus. In Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Bob Black, we explore how this fusion of tradition and modernity reflects the church’s core convictions. You’ll learn how Wesleyans approach grace, baptism, communion, leadership, and what it means to pursue holiness today.

🎉 If you missed Part 1 of our conversation on the history of the Wesleyan Church, be sure to listen to Episode 248!

Here’s What We Discussed:

00:18 What to Expect in a Wesleyan Worship Service
Wesleyan churches often blend traditional and contemporary elements, reflecting John Wesley’s love for both liturgical order and frontier freedom.

04:08 How Big Is the Wesleyan Church?
With nearly 2,000 churches in the U.S. and large congregations like 12Stone in Atlanta, the denomination punches above its weight in influence and size.

06:00 How the Wesleyan Church Is Governed
The denomination operates under a representative model. They balance local church autonomy with accountability to the district and general conferences.

09:37 Baptism & Communion in Wesleyan Churches
Wesleyans practice both infant and believer’s baptism, and offer open communion to all who follow Christ. Multiple modes of baptism are honored, including immersion, sprinkling, and pouring.

13:32 What Is Prevenient Grace?
A hallmark of Wesleyan theology, prevenient grace is the idea that God’s grace goes before salvation, preparing the heart to respond freely to Christ.

16:00 Can You Lose Your Salvation?
Wesleyan theology affirms free will throughout life, including after conversion. Believers can walk away from faith, though God provides keeping grace to sustain us.

19:41 Lay Empowerment & Women in Ministry
From its founding, the Wesleyan Church has insisted on lay equality, with voting power shared 50/50 between clergy and laity and full support for women in pastoral leadership.

Key Quote:

“Wesleyan theology wouldn’t work unless God is at work ahead of time in the heart of an unbeliever, not to make the decision for them, but to prepare them and give them the opportunity to respond.” – Dr. Robert Black

To learn more, visit: https://www.swu.edu/office-directory/member/903493/

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Remember, the real power of theology is not only knowing it but applying it. Thanks for listening!