Worship in the Middle of a Storm.

By Richard Cannon in All Sorts

faith that brings peace

The storm that changed Methodism forever.

Before there were Methodist churches, there was a terrified young priest on a ship in a violent storm. That priest was John Wesley.
The year was 1736, John Wesley was sailing from England to the American colony of Georgia. He was a missionary, a Church of England clergyman, and very serious about his faith. But here’s the thing — he didn’t yet have the deep inner assurance of faith that he would later preach about.
During the voyage across the Atlantic, a massive storm hit the ship. Waves crashed over the deck. Sails tore. Everyone on board thought they might die. Everyone ... except one small group.
The People Who Sang in the Storm
On board were a group of Moravian Christians (a Protestant group from Central Europe). While the English passengers screamed in fear, the Moravians calmly gathered together and they started to sing hymns. Not panicked singing. Not desperate praying. Just quiet, steady, peaceful worship — right in the middle of the chaos. Wesley was stunned. Later, he asked one of their leaders, “Were you not afraid?” The Moravian replied, “No.” Wesley pressed further, “But weren't your women and children afraid?” The answer was: “No, our women and children are not afraid to die.” That moment shook Wesley to the core.
The Realisation
Wesley realised something painful but life-changing: He had religion ... but he didn’t yet have that kind of faith. The kind that brings peace in a storm. That question stayed with him for years. It led to his famous experience at Aldersgate Street in 1738, when he wrote: “I felt my heart strangely warmed... I felt I did trust in Christ, Christ alone for salvation.” That moment is often seen as the spiritual birth of the Methodist movement.
Why This Matters for Methodists Today
Methodism didn’t begin with power, buildings, or big crowds. It began with a man who knew about God but wanted a faith in God that transcended life’s trials and tribulations. It began with ordinary believers whose quiet faith became a powerful witness.
Worship in the Middle of a Storm
That’s a beautiful image for a 150th celebration, because it reminds us: Methodism was born from real people, experiencing real struggles in a turbulent world who still managed to worship and celebrate. It spread because faith was lived, not just preached, and its heart has always been peace, assurance, and practical faithfulness.
This is the first of several powerful little stories as we countdown to our 150th anniversary celebration here at Mornington Methodist Church in Sept 2026.
Richard Cannon, based on material provided by Rod Mitchell.