Methodist and Wesleyan churches belong to a family shaped by John and Charles Wesley. The label Methodist began as a nickname for the disciplined habits of early participants. Wesleyan names their theological inheritance, which also influenced Holiness churches and Pentecostal movements.
Where it came from
The movement began within the eighteenth-century Church of England. The Wesleys encouraged prayer, Bible study, small groups, and preaching that reached people beyond ordinary parish life. It developed into separate churches; American Methodists organized the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1784.
History also includes divisions driven by injustice. Richard Allen and other Black Christians sought freedom from racial discrimination in white-controlled Methodist institutions. Their organizing led to the African Methodist Episcopal Church in 1816. Its origin concerned dignity and self-government, alongside a shared Methodist faith. Other Black Methodist denominations have their own related histories.
What it emphasizes
Grace is God's freely given love and help. Wesleyans describe prevenient grace as God's activity before a person consciously responds; justifying grace as forgiveness and a restored relationship with God; and sanctifying grace as growth in a life shaped by love. These terms describe connected ways God works in a person's life.
Salvation is offered to everyone, with a response made possible by grace. Holiness means growing in love of God and neighbor, expressed through prayer, service, and care for those in need. Wesley's language of Christian perfection concerns love and maturity; it should not be read as claiming people become incapable of mistakes. Compare Salvation and works and Election and perseverance.
Worship and organization
Services commonly include preaching, hymns, prayer, baptism, and Communion. Infant and adult baptism are practiced. Many Methodist churches welcome a broad range of Christians to Communion, though policies differ. See Baptism and Communion.
Methodism is often connectional: congregations share responsibilities through regional conferences and wider structures. Some denominations have bishops. Small groups and coordinated service have been important throughout its history.
Differences within the family
The family includes the United Methodist, African Methodist Episcopal, Methodist, Wesleyan, and other churches. Holiness bodies place particular emphasis on sanctification. Churches differ about the timing and meaning of spiritual growth, biblical interpretation, ministry, and sexual ethics.
Recent divisions should be understood through the positions of the churches involved, rather than assuming one Methodist policy applies everywhere. Compare Biblical authority and Women and ministry.
Sources & further reading
A question in the margin is a good place to begin.