Journey Phase 3 · Declared Candidate

Reflecting on Wesley's Historic Questions

A brief written reflection on Wesley's three historic questions (¶310.1d), submitted to your S/PPRC.

Write: A brief reflection · Goes to the S/PPRC

Wesley's Historic Questions can be found in the 2020/2024 Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church ¶310.1d

Do they know God as a pardoning God? Have they the love of God abiding in them? Do they desire nothing but God? Are they holy in all manner of conversation?
Have they gifts, as well as evidence of God's grace, for the work? Have they a clear, sound understanding; a right judgment in the things of God; a just conception of salvation by faith? Do they speak justly, readily, clearly?
Have they fruit? Have any been truly convinced of sin and converted to God, and are believers edified by their service?

Prayerful Reflection

John Wesley's Historic Questions have long been used by the United Methodist Church as a means of discerning the character, faith, gifts, and fruitfulness of those who are called to ordained ministry. Take time to prayerfully reflect on Wesley's Historic Questions. You do not need to respond to each bullet point individually. Instead, use the questions as a framework for examining your own life and call. You may reflect on the questions in whatever way is most helpful to you—through journaling, prayer, conversation, or personal examination.

Consider where these questions affirm the work of God's grace in your life, challenge you, reveal areas for continued growth, or invite you into deeper discernment. Pay attention not only to what you believe your answers are today, but also to how your answers have developed through your life and ministry.

1. Knowing and Loving God

“Do they know God as a pardoning God? Have they the love of God abiding in them? Do they desire nothing but God? Are they holy in all manner of conversation?” Reflect on your relationship with God and the ways God's grace has shaped your life.

Consider:

How have you experienced God's grace, forgiveness, and transforming love?
How is your love for God reflected in your daily life and relationships?
What does it mean for you to desire God above all else?
Where do you see God shaping your character, choices, and way of life?
Where do you recognize areas where you are still growing?

2. Gifts and Understanding for Ministry

“Have they gifts, as well as evidence of God's grace, for the work? Have they a clear, sound understanding; a right judgment in the things of God; a just conception of salvation by faith? Do they speak justly, readily, clearly?” Reflect on the gifts, understanding, and experiences you believe God is developing in you for ministry.

Consider:

What gifts do you believe God has given you for ministry?
Where have you seen evidence of God's grace working through those gifts?
How has your understanding of God, salvation, and the Christian faith developed through your life and ministry?
How do you seek wisdom and discernment when making decisions?
How are you growing in your ability to communicate the gospel clearly and faithfully?

3. Fruitfulness in Ministry

“Have they fruit? Have any been truly convinced of sin and converted to God, and are believers edified by their service?” Reflect on the fruit you have seen—or hope to see—through your life and ministry.

Consider:

Where have you seen your ministry make a difference in the lives of others?
How have you seen people grow in faith, hope, love, or discipleship through your ministry?
What have you learned from moments when your ministry has not produced the fruit you hoped for?
How do you understand "fruit" in ministry beyond numbers, programs, or accomplishments?
What kind of fruit do you hope God will produce through your ministry?

Written Reflection on Wesley's Historic Questions ¶310.1d

After spending time reflecting on Wesley's Historic Questions, write a brief reflection to submit to the S/PPRC (or equivalent body) with your Statement of Call and Ministry Involvement Statement.

You may use the following prompts to guide your response:

As I reflect on Wesley's Historic Questions, I see God's grace at work in my life through...

I believe God is calling me to continue growing in...

The gifts and graces I believe I bring to ministry are...

The fruit I have seen—or hope to see—through my ministry is...

As I continue discerning and living into my call, I need the Church to help me...

Your reflection should be honest and personal. You are not expected to demonstrate perfection or have every answer. The purpose is to give the S/PPRC an opportunity to hear how you understand Wesley's questions in the context of your own faith, formation, and call to ministry.