Minister’s Workshop: Six Churches Highlight Common Ground in Wesleyan-Holiness Movements

The article explores the shared characteristics of six thriving congregations in the western United States, highlighting their common emphasis on community and spiritual growth. These churches, though distinct in their denominational affiliations and practices, share a commitment to fostering a sense of belonging and active participation among members. The author, who spent part of a study sabbatical visiting these congregations, observed that their approaches to church life reflect a broader movement within the Wesleyan-Holiness tradition, emphasizing personal faith, small group involvement, and a focus on spiritual renewal.

One of the churches studied was the Our Heritage Wesleyan Church in Scottsdale, Arizona. Founded in the 1960s as part of the denomination’s church-development program, it has grown to include over 300 members. The church operates thirty small groups, known as “Little Churches,” which meet weekly. Approximately 70 percent of members participate in one or more of these groups. The church’s young median age reflects a trend seen in many body life churches, which prioritize active engagement and spiritual growth among younger congregants.

Another congregation examined was Calvary Chapel in Santa Ana, California. This non-denominational church, which had an attendance of around 10,000 at the time of the visit, grew from a small 150-member congregation. Its current multi-block facility and large staff, along with numerous unpaid volunteers, reflect its rapid expansion. The church offers nineteen weekly services and Bible studies, as well as fifty small groups meeting in homes. Membership in these groups averages forty, underscoring the importance of community and fellowship in its ministry.

The Peninsula Bible Church in Palo Alto, California, is noted for popularizing the term “body life,” a concept that resonates with the practices of the other churches studied. Founded nearly three decades earlier by five laymen seeking more spiritually enriching experiences, the church now has a membership exceeding 2,000. It maintains a large staff and budget relative to its size, with a traditional Sunday-morning service and a more dynamic Sunday-evening format. Over 100 small groups, ranging in size from four to twenty members, contribute to the church’s emphasis on personal and communal spiritual development.

These congregations, though varying in size and structure, share a common focus on fostering active participation and spiritual growth. Their approaches reflect a broader trend within the Wesleyan-Holiness tradition, which values personal faith, small group involvement, and a commitment to community. The author suggests that these churches, while independent in their practices, have converged on similar principles that promote a vibrant and engaged church life. This shared emphasis on community and spiritual renewal underscores the enduring relevance of these practices in contemporary Christian ministry.

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