WESLEY SPEAKS IN 2001 TO
MEMBERS OF THE ORDER OF THE FLAME

On March 14, 1736, Charles Wesley preached for the first time at Fort Frederica, Ga. on "Singleness of Intention" (Matthew 6: 22-23) Exactly on the same day, 265 years later, 150 young leaders from the Methodist Movement in North America, gathered under the same great oaks in the same place, listened to the same Scripture and heard "Wesley" challenge them to make "disciples of Christ" today. They were reminded by "Wesley" to "offer Christ" and "spread scriptural holiness" across the land.

The Order of the Flame, sponsored by World Methodist Evangelism, the World Methodist Council, brings together specially selected young leaders from the "people called Methodist" in North America for training and commitment to "do the work of an evangelist, to carry out your ministry fully." (2 Timothy 4:5)

The Order of the FLAME (Faithful Leaders as Mission Evangelists), started by World Evangelism Director Eddie Fox in 1996, now has over 500 members whose vision is to be faithful in spreading the good news of Christ Jesus.

In February, 2001, specially selected young leaders from the African Methodist Episcopal, African Methodist Episcopal Zion, Christian Methodist Episcopal, Free Methodist, Nazarene, United Methodist, Kenya Methodist, and Ireland Methodist denominations heard World Evangelism Leaders from North America, England and Brazil at the annual training conference for candidates to the Order of the FLAME. These international evangelism leaders called the young candidates to the Order of the FLAME to focus their ministries on leading their congregations in doing the work of evangelism and mission in the world.

The international leaders included Dr. Jeff Spiller, Christ Church, Mobile; Dr. Lyle Pointer, Nazarene Seminary; Dr. Phil Clark, England; Dr. Daryl Starnes, AMEZion Evangelism Director; Dr. Grace Imathiu, Bible Scholar from Kenya and Green Bay, Wisconsin; Dr. Wilson Bonfim, EvangeMed Director and Physician from Brazil; Rev. Matt Hook, pastor and musician from Michigan; Bishop Nathaniel Linsey, Senior Bishop of CME Church and North America Regional Secretary of World Evangelism; and World Evangelism Leaders, Dr. H. Eddie Fox, World Evangelism Director; Dr. Joe Hale, General Secretary of World Methodist Council, Dr. Maxie D.Dunnam, Chair of World Evangelism; Dr. George Morris, Dan and Lil Hankey Senior Professor; Dr. Winston Worrell, Director of WMEInstitute; Dr. James Thurman, World Evangelism Associate; and Dr. Don Adams who performed as John Wesley.

The young candidates for the Order of the FLAME expressed gratitude for a "life-changing event." Comments from members of the Order of the Flame included:

"I go away from here prepared better than ever to be the 'spiritual leader' of my congregation"

"My life is has been changed in such a way that I cannot help but go making disciples."

"I am greatly encouraged for the future of the people called Methodists. I have seen the Lord's hand in this conference."

"I will train my people in Faith-Sharing. It was refreshing to see the Methodist movement, in the different denominations, committing to evangelize the world."

"I have renewed strength and vision to carry out the great commission."

"I will share the gospel with all people. I am reminded of who I am and called to be."

"My horizons are broadened."

"I loved meeting 'Wesley' at Fort Frederica. It was powerful."

"We feel like royalty."

Fox said, "The face of the Methodist Movement in North America is being changed. We are seeing a new leadership for the new millennium being raised up who will do the work of an evangelist and carry out the ministry fully."

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