John Wesley returned to Oxford and was introduced to the Bible study club led by his younger brother, Charles Wesley. This small yet dedicated group of students sought to deepen their faith through prayer, scripture study, and disciplined Christian living. Recognizing John's strong leadership and deep theological insight, the brothers mutually agreed that John should take over the leadership of the group. Under his guidance, the club became more structured and purposeful, strengthening its commitment to spiritual growth and practical Christian service.
The group, later known as the "Holy Club," was devoted to pursuing personal holiness and religious discipline. They followed a strict routine of prayer, fasting, Bible reading, and self-examination, believing that faith should be actively lived out in daily life. However, their dedication extended beyond personal devotion; they believed that true Christianity involved serving others and spreading the gospel.
As part of their commitment to Christian outreach, the group engaged in regular prison visits, where they ministered to inmates by sharing the message of God’s love, grace, and redemption. They provided spiritual encouragement, prayed with the prisoners, and sought to uplift their lives through acts of kindness. Their concern for the marginalized did not stop there soon, they expanded their work to poorhouses, reaching out to the destitute and neglected members of society.
To support their growing ministry, they established a special fund to assist the poor. This fund was used to purchase medicine for the sick and cover medical expenses for those who could not afford care. Additionally, they preached regularly at various establishments, ensuring that God’s word reached those who needed hope and encouragement the most.
John Wesley’s leadership transformed the Holy Club into more than just a student Bible study group it became a movement of active faith, emphasizing both spiritual discipline and social action. Their methodical approach to Christian living earned them the nickname “Methodists”, a term initially used mockingly but later embraced as the foundation of what would become the Methodist movement.
Through their efforts at Oxford, prisons, and poorhouses, John and Charles Wesley laid the groundwork for a revival that would spread across England and beyond, shaping the course of Christian history.
