The AC Podcast Denominations Series: Wesleyans with AJ Thomas
Mar 6, 2026
AJ Thomas, an ordained Wesleyan pastor known for preaching and church planting, joins to explore Wesleyanism. They unpack John Wesley’s methods, the three-tier discipleship system, and the idea of entire sanctification. Conversations hit preaching’s central role, sacraments as means of grace, and how standards aim to protect and serve the vulnerable.
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Use Layered Small Groups For Deep Discipleship
- Use structured small groups to drive discipleship: large worship, medium 'class' check-ins, and small 'bands' for intense accountability.
- AJ lists the five-question check including confessing sins and reporting temptations to prevent secret sin.
Sanctification Focuses On Willful Rebellion
- Entire sanctification targets freedom from willful, known rebellion rather than flawless behavior; Wesley distinguishes 'sins of infirmity' from 'sin properly so-called.'
- AJ emphasizes sanctification as a watershed of mature love, not literal sinless perfection.
Perfect Love Not Flawless Perfection
- Wesley preferred the phrase 'perfect love' meaning mature, complete love empowered by grace, not flawlessness.
- AJ frames Wesleyan optimism: God enables commands and believers can grow toward loving God wholly by cooperating with grace.