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What Participants Say About
the John Wesley Academy...
“As I write this, we are about halfway through the Academy. We have found it to be a superb way for lay and clergy alike (we have one
pastor in the class) to get to know John Wesley and the roots of Methodism. Tom Fuller's lively text, with his important, pointed
questions and considerable scholarship have combined in a study that can't help but add vitality and meaning to modern United Methodism
wherever it is undertaken. It might even succeed in becoming a foundation of the reform Dr. Fuller (and I) fervently hope for!”
----Kent Barnard, Helper, First United Methodist Church, Bakersfield, California
"Thank you, thank you for compiling this marvelous study. I've
been in lots of studies, but I believe this is the most comprehensive and
easy-to-read and interesting one. Session 15, "John Wesley's
Beliefs," is my favorite chapter so far. I wish all Methodists would
read it. It would surely strengthen any person's faith."
--Mary Sheridan, layperson, Oakwood United Methodist Church, Lubbock,
TX
"The John Wesley Adventure is informative and inspiring. It
challenges us to rekindle our determination to continue the adventure of
making and developing disciples of Jesus Christ."
---- Charles Whittle, Executive Evangelist
National Association of United Methodist Evangelists
"The class on John Wesley was outstanding. It is too bad that
every Methodist cannot attend your class. I feel I know more about what a
true Methodist is than many people who have been in church most of their
lives. John Wesley was the most dedicated, committed person I have ever
read about. He had a love for God that never has been equaled. I am
convinced that we have to get back to the way he taught we should live and
worship. Tom, I can never thank you enough for giving us a look at what
true Methodists and believers in God really are. "
---- R.L. Layman, layperson, First United Methodist Church, Hereford,
TX
"Through this in-depth study of the life of John Wesley, I have
learned what it really means to give my life to Christ, to live a
Christian life. Most of us live an apathetic existence in the name of
Christianity. The church (no matter the denomination) has drifted into
complacency, and if we were to live for Christ as John Wesley did, the
church would be revolutionized. The John Wesley Academy, when studied in
prayer, will bring about a revival in your church, living the life Christ
intended: loving your enemy, feeding the poor, sharing the Gospel, tending
the sick, visiting the imprisoned!"
----Alice Langehennig, music minister, First United Methodist Church,
Hereford, TX
"I signed up because I was interested in learning about John
Wesley, his beliefs and the establishment of the Methodist church. I
wanted to gain an understanding of what drew my ancestors to Wesley and
Methodism. This study has answered those questions and given me much more
insight into my own beliefs. It is full of lots of interesting facts about
the society and culture that Wesley lived in, and the people who
influenced him. Tom has done a good job of describing the culture and
events of Wesley's times. It has been comforting to know that Wesley
struggled with some of the same issues and questions I struggle with
today.
John Wesley's basic beliefs and teachings are as relevant today as
they were over 200 years ago. He founded the Methodist church on biblical
principals that still apply today. Wesley was not about being a Methodist,
he was about being a Christian. His methods for teaching and discipleship
were extremely successful. This study reminds us that we must not lose
sight of Wesley's vision."
----Robyn Skelton, layperson, Kingswood United Methodist Church,
Amarillo, TX
"My class got a lot out of the John Wesley Academy. They really
enjoyed reading and learning something new each week about John Wesley and
our rich Methodist heritage. It was a real eye opener and a great blessing
to us all. We all came to realize that if we could just renew our passion
for Jesus and the ministry God has called us to, like Wesley did, our
church could come alive and experience true revival once again."
----Eddie Marcum, former pastor, Means Memorial United Methodist
Church, Andrews, TX
"I have been a Methodist all my life and I know John Wesley was
the founder of our church, but until I took this course I did not know who
he really was--his discipline, dedication and his great love for God and
all mankind. I can see that God was by his side all of his life. I am so
glad I was able to take this course."
----Maxine Hyden, layperson, Means Memorial United Methodist Church,
Andrews, TX
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