Chapter One

This book interprets Wesley as a preaching theologian who serves as an examplary witness to the task of assisting the work of the Holy Spirit in the ministry of the Word. It discusses the practical wisdom that characterized Wesley's preaching ministry in eighteenth-century England; a ministry that entailed a renewal and reintegration of Christian devotion, doctrine, and discipline. Contrary to much contemporary homiletic wisdom, the truth and goodness of Christian doctrine is relevant to neither evangelism nor the building up of Christian communities through the proclamation of the Word. Rather, knowing and loving the Triune God is necessary if the church is to be formed in the pattern of its crucified and risen Lord. In other words, the truth we know, love, and proclaim is embodied by faith in the activity of the Father through the Son who rules and indwells the church through the presence and work of the Holy Spirit.

Although the efficacy of preaching is dependent upon the voice of the risen Christ that is made audible by the work of the Holy Spirit, it will also include the participation of preachers who have been formed by the practical wisdom intrinsic to faith in the Word that works through love. In other words, the practical wisdom of preaching receives its shape in knowing and loving the truth and goodness embodied by Christ and the witness of Scripture, according to "the analogy of faith." This presumes, however, that the source and goal of preaching is love of God and neighbor—or holiness—that is the gift of the indwelling Spirit through which we know and bear witness to Christ and