Recapturing the Wesleys' Vision.... an inspiring read

Today I finished Recapturing the Wesleys' Vision: An Introduction to the Faith of John and Charles Wesley by Paul Wesley Chilcote.  This is one of the four required books for the next session in October of Academy #32. 

Truthfully, I wasn't sure how long this book would take me to read (though it only has 118 pages) or if it would be difficult reading.  Thankfully, I found this book to be refreshing, engaging, challenging, and inspiring.

At the end of each chapter there are questions for reflection (that could be used individually or in a group), Scripture references, a quote from John Wesley and a hymn from Charles Wesley.  By including these, the reader is able to balance learning with application.

The author discusses balance throughout the book in referring to the Wesleys and their views.  In the introduction, Chilcote uses the images of "salt and pepper", "balancing scale", "tightrope walker", and "oil and vinegar" to talk about the importance of holding two things together in balance. (18)  A statement I liked in particular by Chilcote referred to oil and vinegar earlier in the paragraph, but can be applied to many more situations: "And interestingly enough, sometimes we must shake things up in order to hold them together." (18)  [This past Sunday, in the contemporary worship service, Pastor Rowland said something very similar... he said we needed to "stir things up"... to which I replied "Amen!" from the upper balcony.  Though he wasn't expecting an "amen" to that, thankfully it didn't throw him off and he was able to keep going and even incorporate it into the sermon a few more times.  When he said the phrase again, I kept quiet.  However, there was a small chorus of "Amens" down below on the bottom level.  See?!  Shaking (or stirring) things up can be Holy!]

Back to the balance......When applying this to the discipleship and faith of the Wesleys, this balance is seen in discussions of "heart and mind", "hearts and hands", and "faith and works", among others. (19)

There are four main parts to the book with a short introduction to each part and two chapters for each part.  The parts are:

Part 1:  The Message (kerygma)
             The Height of Sovereign Grace
              1. Free Grace (Proclamation):  Faith and Works
              2. Inclusive Love (Preaching): Word and Spirit

Part 2:  The Community (koinonia)
             The Depth of Caring Relationship
              3. Shared Experience (Fellowship): Personal and Social
              4. Enthused Disciples (Partnership): Form and Power

Part 3: The Discipline (paideia)
            The Length of Christian Pilgrimage
            5. Holistic Formation (Instruction): Heart and Head
            6. Spiritual Nourishment (Guidance): Pulpit and Table

Part 4: The Servanthood (diakonia)
            The Breadkth of Compassionate Witness
            7. Transformational Vocation (Mission): Christ and Culture
            8. Incarnational Ministry (Service): Piety and Mercy

Also included in the book is an Introduction and Preface at the beginning, and and Epilogue, Selected Bibliography, and Scripture Index at the end.

I could post some, many, or all of the underlined nuggets from my reading of the book.  Yet, the things that grabbed me might not necessarily grab you. 

I am glad I had to read this book as it isn't one that has crossed my path up until this time.  It is one that has enlightened me as a disciple on the journey.

If you have the chance to read it, I recommend it.

Meanwhile, if you'd like to learn more about the author, here is one biography link you can check out.


Blessings on your journey!

~Debra