The Radical Wesley

by Howard A. Snyder

In the late 1700s, a massive revival broke out across Britain and the United States in which more than 100,000 people saw their lives changed in a monumental move of the Spirit of God. John Wesley's Methodist system of small groups, circuit riders, societies, and lay leadership was foundational to this renewal, and the thought and practice behind Wesley's work is still a movement maker in today's world.
The Radical The Patterns and Practices of a Movement Maker is not simply a biographical sketch of John Wesley. It's much more than that. In this book, Howard Snyder skillfully takes Wesley's model and uses it as an outline for analysis of church renewal through the centuries.

Genres: Church, Biography, Church History, Christian, Theology, Leadership, Nonfiction

234 pages, Paperback

First published May 24, 2014

About the author

Howard A. Snyder serves as Professor of Wesley Studies, at Tyndale Seminary in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Previously he was Professor of the History and Theology of Mission in the E. Stanley Jones School of World Mission and Evangelism at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky, 1996-2006. He has also taught at United Theological Seminary, Dayton, Ohio, and pastored in Chicago, Detroit, and São Paulo, Brazil.

Reviews

[Bob · Rating 4 out of 5]

I expected this to be a biography, and while it does start with a very brief overview of his early life and the start of the Methodist movement, it does not spend much time there. It is mostly a discussion of the themes that John Wesley emphasized, how they played out, and how they relate to us today. This book was very helpful for me in understanding the roots of Methodism. It is well-written in that it is obviously admiring of John Wesley but does not mind pointing out weaknesses and faults in his system, and it moves quickly and logically and is well-researched.

[Jonny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice, simple overview of Wesley. Very affirming and reminiscent of the things we're doing in Circle of Hope. Recommended for church planters and movement makers.

[Hope · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very readable analysis of John Wesley's views of the church. According to Snyder, he was radical in the sense that he was innovative and creative while still remaining true to the Anglican church. He shows Wesley's progression from "high church" to a more apostolic model (patterned after the first century church.)

[Will Waller · Rating 3 out of 5]

an excellent overview especially of Wesley's utilization of band, class, and small group ministry. this is where his radical nature especially shines in the 18th century and by extension are 21st century. Wesley was a utilizer of the biblical concept of the priesthood of all believers and thus, the need for Christian koinonia. because we are all accountable to God and all people are God's creation thus we are also accountable to one another. Wesley understood this and encouraged all people serious about their faith to present themselves one to each other for mutual aid and upkeep. while staying within the bounds of his Anglican upbringing, Wesley experimented with this structure which proved to be his lasting impact on christianity. this book is superb in laying out the theological and sociological impact of such a move. it also delves into other aspects of Wesley's radical nature including how sanctification does not supersede justification and vice versa. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in class meetings and what is distinct about methodism.

this quote gives a great picture of Wesley and his understanding of the dichotomy of sovereign/free will thought. on page 144 he says "it is what scripture affirms: God is sovereign, besides him there is no other god, all salvation depends on his initiative and working. but humans even though they are sinful, still have a measure of freedom. and if they turn to god, they can be his coworkers in the concerns of the Kingdom."

[J.D. King · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Radical Wesley Truly Defines New Testament Christianity

I read this book twenty years ago and recently returned to it for historical research. I am still struck by Snyder’s historical and theological analysis. Perhaps now more than ever, leaders need to consider the conclusions of this book. In many ways, The Radical Wesley provides an unencumbered pathway for those who have lost their way.

[Circle of Hope Pastors · Rating 4 out of 5]

Snyder's Methodist-grounded books have stood the test of time. John Wesley was very influential on the methods of Circle of Hope. Reading how he did it -- in practice and passion, is inspiring. We appreciated this book so much we did an entire Doing Theology based on it. http://thewayofjesus.circleofhope.net... -- Rod

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whether you’re interested in Wesley or not this summary with a focus on his practices, radical passion and synthesis of thought is a gem for 1. Understanding him 2. Exposure to a movement of renewal in the last 300 years and 3. Real practical examples and inspiration for discipleship and formation environments the church can still implement today.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to know more about the Wesleyan tradition, this is a really good book to read. Howard Snyder starts with the foundations and ends with how the modern church has changed and been impacted by those changes. If you're interested in the history of the Methodist Church, this is the book for you.

[Bree Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

A life-giving read

As someone who hasn’t grown up in the Wesleyan tradition, I found this to be a helpful synthesis of Wesley’s life and ministry. A great justification for small covenant communities in todays church, marked by and living out Gods love to their communities!

[Jordan Southerland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great summary of Wesley’s life and emphases. My favorite thing about Wesley is his view of the kingdom of God as “the present experience of God in Christ.” It is always about the sacrament of the present moment and the life of God within the soul.

[Mickey Stanfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essential reading for anyone seriously thinking about church growth and essential reading for anyone curious about John Wesley.

[Deborah Porras · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gives a lot more detail about the how, why, etc of Wesley’s ministry. I use this often.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wanted to learn more about John Wesley because I grew up Methodist. Really good book to get a basic understanding of the founder of the Methodist religion.

[Ryan Young · Rating 1 out of 5]

religious not historical. and seldom the twain meet.

[Joshua Foote · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book about the life of Wesley. But as a Methodist I have read many books on the founder of Methodism and they all pinpoint the same things and there were very few new insights in this book