The Enduring Relevance Of The Wesleys

Here’s something I should have blogged about several days ago, but as I’ve said, ministry is rather crazy this week.

Last Saturday, we hosted at Broomfield a production of Tony Jasper‘s play Charles Wesley 1707. It was an outstanding evening. The play was superbly written. The acting was of the highest order. Such a shame, then, that despite much publicity, only thirty-eight people bought tickets to see this excellent event.

We had taken the date on the tour at relatively short notice – about a month or so. But I took it, hoping it would help people engage with their ‘spiritual DNA’, and see some contemporary connections. Tony had promised the script would do the latter, and it certainly delivered. Here are some of the issues the play touched on, which we face today:

* To what extent should participants in a new move of the Spirit seek to renew and reform the existing denominations and structures?

* Do Methodists really absorb their theology from Charles’ hymns, or do we just like the words and the tunes? I.e., do we – as is often claimed – truly ‘sing our theology’, or do we have shallower reasons for liking these hymns?

* How do we combine an evangelistic ministry with a ministry to the poor and an emphasis on social justice?

There are still a few dates left on the tour. If you get a chance to see it, you really should not miss the opportunity. Trust me, this is one Christian production where the quality will not embarrass you.

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