JOHN WESLEY MOMENTS
DAVE HANSON
The German colonists who traveled to Georgia with General Oglethorpe influenced John Wesley in many ways. One of those ways was to give him guidance in how to deal with women. He actually asked the German bishop for advice in this area. Actually, John Wesley needed a lot of advice in how to deal with women!
The German bishop, Spandenburgh, advised John Wesley to not to talk with women “overmuch.”
Billy Graham and his staff met together early in his evangelistic ministry in Modesto, California. The purpose of this gathering was to plan to avoid problems that had destroyed many such ministries. They published what has been called the “Modesto Manifesto.” The essence of the Modesto Manifesto was:
- Avoid any financial questions. Billy Graham must never touch the offerings. He will be given a salary. Other expenditures must be honest and above board.
- Do not talk overmuch with women. Never spend time alone with a woman except relatives.
- Never hold crusades without the approval of the local ministerial associations.
- All races must always be welcome.
The German’s advice to John Wesley is still good advice for ministers today.
The Rev. Dave Hanson is a retired pastor and John Wesley scholar.
