2022 has been an eventful year on the Pan-Wesleyan Movement. There have been many stories in 2022: Russia’s attack on Ukraine, Will Smith’s slap, Elon Musk buying Twitter, and answered prayer of the Dobbs decision to name a few.  I have put together a list of the top ten stories of the year connected to the broader Pan-Wesleyan movement. 

Check on this list in podcast form here: Audio and YouTube. 

10. Wesley House of Studies - Baylor 

An R1 university in the Baptist tradition adds a new emphasis for training students in the Wesleyan tradition. Jason Vickers is appointed as the Billy Abraham Chair for this program.

9. Asbury Theological Seminary Celebrates 100 Years 

Henry Clay Morrison ‘walked across the street’ to start ATS 100 years ago this year.

8. Growth of Smaller Methodist Denominations 

Affiliate Initiative from the Congregational Methodist Church

Association of Independent Methodist

7. Denominations Grapple with Woke-ism 

For example, see this podcast.

6. African Bishops Align with Liberal UMC  

There is ‘more to the story,’ but check out this story at People Need Jesus and Juicy Ecumenism

5. The Growth of WBS 

As many historic seminaries have struggled with financial challenges and have had to liquidate assets, Wesley Biblical Seminary has set records while retaining its commitment to the inerrancy of scripture and an emphasis on the doctrine of entire sanctification. See President Matt Ayars’ CT editorial here.

www.wbs.edu

4. The Global Methodist Church is Born, May 1, 2022 

May 1, 2022 marked the birth of what will likely become the largest Wesleyan Denomination. See Keith Boyette’s article here. 

See my conversations with Keith Boyette, Rob Renfro, Jeff Greenway and Mike Lowry, and Brain Jones. 

3. 2200 Congregations Exit the UMC 

See this series of tweets from Mark Tooley

2.  The Next Methodism Summit  

60 Wesleyan scholars came together in January to produce a document called The Faith Once For All Delivered: A Wesleyan Witness. 

#1. Our Great Redeemer’s Praise Hymnal 

The reason I see this publication as number one is because it has the potential to to unite the Pan-Weslayn movement through a shared worship resource. When many Wesleyan institutions are struggling, this resources shares important theological emphases and distinctives from many Wesleyan denomination.   The publication will likely have a wider and deeper impact than any of the above stories because it will physically and spiritually mark Wesleyan mission, theology, and worship for decades. Check out this conversation with Jonathan Powers for more. Get a copy here.