Stories Sheep and Goats

The Methodist Movement

By Matthew Lickona | Published Wednesday, May 13, 2009

“The Methodist movement didn’t start as a church,” says United Methodist Communications chief executive, Rev. Larry Hollon. “John Wesley, during the Industrial Revolution, went out into the streets and preached to coal miners in Birmingham. The poor people were attracted to his preaching, and every study group was expected to have a dispensary for medicines. From the very beginning, there’s been a connection between the very practical needs of people and their spiritual needs. We would like to recapture that sense of the movement. Jesus taught in the synagogue, but He often taught on the street corner — with the woman at the well, with workers in a field. I think if Jesus were to speak to us about this campaign, He would say, ‘Welcome. I’ve been out here in the streets all along. I’m glad the United Methodist Church is joining Me once again. Go to it.’” Open the door and go outside.

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