These past eight weeks have been very stimulating, informative, and thought-provoking. This course has challenged my theological knowledge, redefined my theological perspective, and encouraged more intentional and holistic ministry. When I reflect on my expectation of the class some eight weeks earlier, there are some themes I wish to interact with, and how they have evolved over the period.
Without any doubt or question, I have a clearer understanding of the doctrine of salvation, especially the lens of John Wesley. At the first encounter with the course content and objectives, I thought the course was more focused on developing faith through the lens of the writer of Hebrews. However, the course dealt more with the process of salvation according to John Wesley. During the course, I was exposed to the term, Way of Salvation (Ordo salutis/Via salutis). I also learned that the means of grace, the ecosystems of grace work to facilitate the necessary growth in the Christian.
Additionally, while I knew of the means of grace, the course offered other categories of grace that I was unfamiliar with. Now I know of the prudential means of grace, which are also called works of mercy, the extraordinary means of grace which capture those practices that began with John Wesley and were not intended to continue indefinitely. These means of grace help to maintain the centrality of God in the process of salvation and faith formation. This cements a thought I had at the start of the class that the believer must have absolute trust in who God is for the believer to experience the full and permanent reality of salvation. The course content discussed this truth at lengths, and emphasized God’s love for us and the love that he has for humanity, not just now, but also at the end of this life. I understand that I do not deserve God’s grace, but he continues to offer and extend to his creation regardless of personal background.
In addition, this course did well to emphasize the importance of love for others, and community. John Wesley practiced that by ensuring that every new convert was a part of a group within the ecosystem of believers. This practice is a familiar one and is still being practiced today in the Wesleyan Church in the Caribbean. It was interesting to read that John Wesley was not only interested in evangelism and conversion (although he preached). He was interested in discipleship, and overall growth. This is important because it has inspired me to be strategic for impact as I serve the church and the community.
Finally, this course has deepened my understanding and appreciation for God. To think that a God who is all-powerful and all-knowing, who created the world by his words, chose to pursue me is wonderful. My only response to God and his unconditional love for me is to love God dearly and serve him faithfully. I believe that is what God wants, and what John Wesley and Randy Maddox want to convey.