Declaring, The world is my parish, John Wesley traveled over 250,000 miles (mostly on horseback), preaching over 44,000 sermons, holding meetings, visiting the prisons, aiding the poor, championing social reforms and befriending the common people. He was a practical theologian—primarily concerned with develping a faith that worked in everyday living. Wesley gave himself daily to the spiritual disciplines of prayer, Bible study and devotion as the means to a vital relationship with God. It is said of him that his personal influence was greater perhaps than that of any private gentleman in the country.

A Chronology of John Wesley:

1703 - Born on June 17, in Epworth, Lincolnshire, England, the 15th child and second surviving son of Samuel and Susanna Wesley.

1709 - Rescued from the fire at Epworth rectory—"A brand plucked out of the burning."

1720 - Admitted to Oxford University; graduated in 1726.

1725 - Ordained a Deacon and preached his first sermon.

1729 - Returned to Oxford as a Fellow and, along with his brother, Charles, organized the Holy Club.

1736 - Arrived in Savannah, Georgia; served there until 1737; mission mostly failed.

1738 - Conversion experience at Aldersgate on May 24.

1739 - Open air service at Bristol where he preached to 3,000 people.

1744 - First Methodist Conference, in London.

1778 - Opened the City Road Chapel in London on October 2nd.

1791 - Wesley's last sermon was preached at Leatherhead, Surrey, England.

1791 - Died on March 2nd, in his 88th year.