Kitchen Table Theology
Where Coffee, Conversation, and Theology Meet. During my 40 years in ministry, I’ve developed an increasing burden for what I sense to be an increase in biblical illiteracy, not only among those in our churches, but also in the young men and women entering the ministry. Conversely, I am hopeful, because I also sense a hunger from people to learn and know biblical truth and the things of God has revealed to us in Scripture. Our Kitchen Table Theology team has developed a list of over 150 doctrinal topics which I, along with one of my cohosts, Jen Denton or Tiffany Coker, examine weekly. Our goal is to educate and share biblical truth on the same level as if we were sitting at your kitchen table with a Bible and a pot of southern pecan coffee in front of us. Welcome to the table!
Kitchen Table Theology
248 The Wesleyan Church | Abolition, Women in Ministry & Scriptural Holiness with Dr. Bob Black
From abolitionist roots to women behind the pulpit, the Wesleyan Church stands as a significant case study in how theological conviction shapes a church. In this episode, Pastor Jeff sits down with Dr. Bob Black to unpack the history and theology of the Wesleyan denomination. They explore its stand against slavery, the legacy of John and Charles Wesley, and what sets Wesleyan churches apart today.
🎉 Make sure to listen to Part 2 of our interview with Dr. Bob Black on the Wesleyan Church next week!
Here’s What We Discussed:
02:00 How the Wesleyan Church Began
Born in 1843 from a group of abolitionist Methodists, the Wesleyan Church formed as a response to the Methodist church’s silence on slavery.
04:24 Wesleyans and Women’s Ordination
Wesleyans were the first to ordain women in America, driven by a conviction rooted in Scripture, not modern feminism.
06:23 The Pilgrim Holiness Merger
The modern Wesleyan Church was formed in 1968, when the Wesleyan Methodists merged with the Pilgrim Holiness Church.
12:18 John Wesley & the Rise of Evangelicalism
John and Charles Wesley’s 1738 conversions sparked the Wesleyan Revival in England, shaping evangelicalism worldwide and influencing generations with their emphasis on holiness and Scripture.
16:29 – Other Notable Wesleyan Figures
From abolitionist leaders like Luther Lee to heroes like Sergeant Alvin York and innovators like the founder of Welch’s Grape Juice, the Wesleyan movement has impacted faith, culture, and history in unexpected ways.
Key Quote:
"The Wesleyan Church began as an anti-slavery movement—these were people who were willing to be arrested, mocked, even attacked, for what they believed Christ was calling them to do." – Dr. Robert Black
To learn more, visit: https://www.swu.edu/office-directory/member/903493/
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Remember, the real power of theology is not only knowing it but applying it. Thanks for listening!