A great history lesson

The biggest difference between 18^th century Wesleyans and 20^th century American Protestants is that the Wesleyans made a priority commitment to holy living, (worship and edification), and to the poor (mission). Most of the Wesleyans remained Anglican and attended Anglican churches. However, they participated in Wesleyan societies, or small groups. For example Robert Raikes, who hired the first teachers to go into the streets on Sundays and teach street kids, (i.e. the father of the Sunday School Movement) was a Anglican who had been influenced by Wesley.

The early Wesleyan Societies provided a “ministry passion outlet” for lay people similar to the “ministry passion outlet” that America Parachurch organizations have provided  since World War II. The body of Christ, i.e. the church, is organic and if the organizational structures do not provide an outlet for “ministry passion” the larger body will create one.