Words from the Founder

DR. DENNIS F. KINLAW

Here are some answers that I've given to those who have asked, "Why did you form The Francis Asbury Society?"

 

We don't hear enough about living "wholly for God" these days. From pulpits, books, conferences, and training sessions, our task is to proclaim that it is possible to "live wholly for God."

 

We chose the name The Francis Asbury Society after Francis Asbury, the founder of Methodism in America because Asbury's watchword and cry was: "Be Wholly for God." He traveled more than 250,000 miles on horseback and preached 16,500 sermons to spread scriptural holiness throughout the land. Asbury's 18th century life and ministry is our model.

 

It is the purpose of The Francis Asbury Society to do all possible to bring renewal to the spiritual life of Christians and revival to the body of Christ. It is not our purpose to found a new church. Our ministry is to the church universal, not to any single denomination. We will do our best to remind Christians to live "wholly for God" in the settings where they are.

 

God has given us a very special staff of people who share the vision, doctrine, and spirit of Francis Asbury and of his mentor, John Wesley. The society provides a platform for them to offer their gifts to the Church.

 

I like to think that God has opened four avenues for us to call Christians to live "wholly for God," namely:

Evangelists - A biblical order of ministry: sharing, proclaiming, equipping, educating, and leading the body of Christ. What missionaries have done for other countries evangelists have to do for their own country.

 

Discipleship - deepening spiritual life through retreats and conferences

 

Missions - God has opened doors for teaching, preaching, and discipling around the world.

 

Publications - supporting the writing and dissemination of Wesleyan literature. Since the inception of our publishing ministry, we have had a shaping influence on more than a hundred titles supporting our mission.

 

 

For additional information on The Francis Asbury Society, and to read the document Who We Are in the Body of Christ, click here.