Charting a religious awakening that reshaped a nation
The Rise of Methodism examines how a movement sparked by Wesley and his companions grew from small Bible study groups into a major religious force. It presents the social climate, key personalities, and bold steps that defined the early years of Methodism and its spread across America and beyond.
This volume weaves together historical context and vivid anecdotes to show how steadfast faith, open preaching, and lay leadership helped shape a new church. It highlights the period’s challenges, from conflict with established churches to the emergence of organized societies and the spread of itinerant preaching.
- How early Methodists organized, preached, and built communities outside traditional church structures
- Profile sketches of influential leaders and lay workers who expanded the movement
- Accounts of the movement’s growth across American frontier regions
- Notes on the beliefs, practices, and developing governance of Methodism
Ideal for readers of church history and those curious about how religious movements take root, grow, and adapt in changing times.