She Offered Them Christ: The Legacy of Women Preachers in Early Methodism

Twentieth-century United Methodist women will meet some of their female predecessors in this fascinating account of early Methodism. For decades, the role of women in early Methodism has been overshadowed by that of their male counterparts. She Offered Them Christ is a piece of United Methodist family history that serves as a link between today’s women in The United Methodist Church and their predecessors in the early history of The Methodist Church. Women preachers in John Wesley’s day had his support, encouragement, and formal approval to travel and preach. Wesley valued the full involvement of women in the life of early Methodism. Unfortunately, Wesley’s support for women was not shared by other male leaders of the movement; and shortly after Wesley’s death, women preachers were censured. Paul W. Chilcote has collected in one volume the stories of Methodism’s early women preachers - including excerpts from their diaries and journals - and introduces a segment of women’s (and United Methodist) history that will enlighten today’s church as it fosters an understanding of John Wesley’s appreciation of and support for women in early Methodism. Today’s United Methodists will find She Offered Them Christ to be a rich legacy of John Wesley’s power and vision for the role of women in The Methodist Church. Wesley’s message reached across the decades to provide today’s United Methodists - especially women - with affirmation, encouragement, and support.