The Young John Wesley as Cross-Cultural Witness: Investigations into Wesley's American Mission Experience and Implications for Today's Mission

Abstract

The article investigates the cross-cultural witness of John Wesley in Savannah, Georgia, from 1736–1737. This work examines how Wesley's family background and training shaped his pre-Savannah theology. The research then demonstrates from previously untranslated German documents how cross-cultural interactions with Indian groups, ecumenical encounters with the Moravians, social action among oppressed groups, and political intrigue all decisively transformed Wesley's mission theology and praxis. The paper concludes by identifying insights Wesley won during the Savannah mission, which have made lasting contributions not only to the Wesleyan theological tradition, but which also anticipated and illuminated recurring themes for the worldwide mission movement.