Wesley's Sermons Analysis

This week’s reading contained three of Wesley’s sermons and an extensive set of minutes from the Wesley brothers’ Christian conferences at various points during the 1700’s. The sermons this week provided a wrap up of the topics discussed in the Collins, Cobb, and Runyon text books in recent weeks.
The Scripture Way of Salvation began the wrap up with Wesley’s views on the fruits of faith; faith being the only item necessary to justify humans and by extension to sanctify humans. The second sermon, The Duty of Constant Communion, discussed the importance of coming to the Lord’s Supper regardless of the sinful condition of the person. This was no doubt written by Wesley in later years given the absolute inclusiveness that was not seen during
his time in Georgia. The final sermon for this week, The More Excellent Way, unveiled Wesley’s call for moderation. Wesley addressed human habits pertaining to six major areas (sleep, prayer, work, food, conversation, and diversions) which displayed the highest benefit to an individual.
The second portion of this week’s reading is difficult to summarize.
However, its purpose appears to be the practical application of Wesley’s theology and the care of those within the connection. What struck me about these minutes was their formal nature. The leaders of these conversations appeared to anticipate many obstacles which future class leaders and preachers would face and returned with eloquent and authoritative yet attentive responses. For instance, regarding those overcome with nostalgia for the former notion that a sin-free life is attainable, the Wesleyan conversation writes, “Exhort them to forget the things that are in the past and to watch and pray always, that God may search the ground of their hearts.” In regards to preaching houses, another conversation group implores, “Let all preaching houses be built plain and decent, but not more expensive than is absolutely unavoidable. Otherwise the necessity of raising money will make rich men necessary to us.” Surprisingly, I did not expect to find Wesley’s instituted and prudential means of grace within conversation
minutes.
There was little surprise that the readings discussed Wesley’s ideas on the care of others. Wesley used his interest for the care of the human body and mind in addition to the soul frequently in his sermon, The More Excellent Way. Several of the categories he discussed here were reminiscent of the deadly sins, such as sloth, gluttony, and greed. Greed and money are topics which Wesley continuously returns to on multiple occasions just as today’s church.
“Fix your purpose to ‘gain no more’.” This statement is easier said than done, especially in an economy still on the mend.
My context of rural northern Minnesota has the unfortunate experience of frequent lay-offs, due to the ebbs and flows of the mining industry, and an overabundance of part-time and casual employment. Today’s inflation rate causes most family systems to incorporate a minimum of two employed adults (equating to one and one half to two full-time positions) to balance their finances accordingly. If an adult is fortunate enough to attain two part-time positions that do not conflict with one another, that is when full-time employment is unavailable, then their chances of being able to care for their body and mind as Wesley instructs
decreases.
Churches are adding to this dilemma. As membership and giving decrease across the connection, the first significant cut to a church’s budget is jobs. Churches tighten the purse strings by decrease hours, consolidating positions, or even eliminating positions outright. On several occasions, Wesley implored people to seek employment which cultivated a loving relationship with neighbors and other tasks that would restore the creation to its original image. Certainly employment within the Methodist connection through supporting roles such as office and custodial staff would fit Wesley’s goal. Yet, many churches either cannot or do not sufficiently care for their staff in an economic way. How can a Methodist church claim to support Wesley’s theology and teachings when it cannot support its employees with living wages? How can it support Wesley’s ideals if it only meets the minimum wage standards set by government (worldly) agencies?
I fear I have no remedy for this predicament. I can only offer a call for all local churches to evaluate their mission to support their community. They can start by evaluating how they care for their own staff. Do they support them based on worldly standards? Or do they support them based on a more excellent way?