Methodists commemorate John Wesley Day today

May 24 marks John Wesley Day, a significant occasion for Methodists worldwide as they commemorate a pivotal moment in the life and ministry of the Rev. John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist Movement.

On this day in 1738, Wesley experienced a profound spiritual awakening, which he described as receiving an “assurance” of salvation.

He famously wrote:
“In the evening, I went very unwillingly to a society in Aldersgate Street, where one was reading Luther’s preface to the Epistle to the Romans.

About a quarter before nine, while he was describing the change which God works in the heart through faith in Christ, I felt my heart strangely warmed.

I felt I did trust in Christ, Christ alone for salvation, and an assurance was given me that he had taken away my sins, even mine, and saved me from the law of sin and death.”

Born into a devout Anglican family, Wesley was the son of Rev. Samuel Wesley and Susanna Wesley, who instilled strong religious and moral values in their 19 children.

A brilliant scholar, Wesley studied at Oxford University, where he was ordained and joined a group led by his brother Charles. This group committed to a disciplined spiritual life, including weekly Communion, daily prayer, prison ministry, and intensive Bible study.

Although he remained an Anglican priest until his death in 1791, John Wesley’s influence sparked a revival of scriptural holiness and led to the global spread of Methodism.

In Ghana, John Wesley Day is observed with events such as evangelism outreaches and school-based activities.