John Wesley

John Wesley was an English Anglican priest, theologian, and evangelist who became one of the founders of the Methodist movement. Born in Epworth England, he studied at Oxford University and was ordained in the Church of England. Wesley became known for his itinerant preaching and leadership in the evangelical revival of the eighteenth century. Although his brother Charles Wesley wrote most Methodist hymn texts, John Wesley played an important role in editing and publishing hymn collections for Methodist societies. His compilation A Collection of Hymns for the Use of the People Called Methodists helped shape Methodist congregational singing. Wesley influence on hymnody therefore came primarily through editorial leadership and theological guidance within Methodist worship.