ABOUT

The Wesleyan Church is a global Christian denomination rooted in revival, justice, and spiritual transformation. We trace our heritage back to John Wesley, whose encounter with God’s grace in 1738 sparked a movement that emphasized both personal holiness and active love for others. That same spirit continues to guide us today.

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In 1843, when most churches stayed silent on the issue of slavery, Wesleyan Methodists took a bold stand. They called for an immediate end to slavery, supported the Underground Railroad, and planted anti-slavery churches—even in the South. Their passion for justice didn’t stop there.

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Wesleyans have long championed the role of women in the church and in society.  The first women’s rights convention in U.S. history was held in a Wesleyan chapel in Seneca Falls, New York. Wesleyans were among the very first to ordain women as ministers. One of our early leaders, Luther Lee, preached the ordination sermon for the first woman ever officially ordained to Christian ministry. Since then, Wesleyan women have led churches, preached the Gospel, started missions, and served their communities with courage and conviction. For over 150 years, we’ve affirmed and empowered women to lead fully in the life and mission of the Church.

 

In 1968, the Wesleyan Methodist Church joined with the Pilgrim Holiness Church—two like-minded movements passionate about holiness, outreach, and the value of every person. Their merger created the modern-day Wesleyan Church.

 

Today, nearly 600,000 Wesleyans gather weekly in churches across 99 countries. Together, we are a diverse and growing community committed to loving God, loving others, and making disciples of Jesus Christ. We believe the Gospel transforms hearts, homes, and entire communities—and that both men and women are called and gifted to help lead that transformation around the world.