Outreach Essay ( The 18th century)

In the 18th century, significant spiritual movements were arising from the stagnating orthodoxy of the
Reformation. The Pietists influenced the Moravians in Germany which in turn influenced the Methodist revivals
in England led by John Wesley. The preaching of George Whitefield who came from England joined with that of
Jonathan Edwards in America to launch the Great Awakening. These evangelical movements impacted huge
social reforms such as the abolition of the slave trade and world missions. During the 18th and 19th centuries
the church also faced opposition from new ideas such as evolution, higher biblical criticism, liberalism and
Marxism, the effects of which continue today.
Briefly discuss evangelicalism and revivalism in England and America. Note the influence of Pietism and the
Moravians on the Wesleyan revival in England. Discuss the Great Awakening in America, noting key
personalities and results (Shelley, 2013, Chapters 33-35).
Briefly discuss some of the practical outreaches of revival such as social reforms in England, the world
missions movement and the Second Great Awakening in America (Shelley, 2013, Chapters 37-38).
Briefly discuss the intellectual movements that arose to challenge the church in the 18th & 19th centuries and
how the church reacted to these (Shelley, 2013, Chapters 39-41).
What important “take-aways” do you glean from these discussions that are applicable to the church today
and/or your own spiritual development?