Wesley's Theology of Preaching and Its Implications for Worship

Abstract

The centrality of preaching in the exercise of Wesley's evangelistic, pastoral and theological formation (that is, the way he viewed theology and preaching) is beyond question. Justifiably, much has been written about the style (the "plain" versus the "fine" or "ornate"), content, heroic circumstances (especially in the early going of the Revival), biblical texture and literary sources of his preaching. His understanding, however, of the way in which the actual theological/ spiritual dynamics are played out in the preaching event (theology of preaching) has received surprisingly little attention. Furthermore, eyewitness testimony regarding the actual dynamics of his preaching and even Wesley's own detailed testimony about what seemed to be happening during his preaching is scant. Though he often speaks of the visible effects of his preaching on his audience (and they did record in their diaries and letters how they were attracted to or repulsed by him as a preacher), there is very little testimony that is reflective or analytical regarding what seemed to be happening from a theological perspective.