In 2003 we celebrate the 300th anniversary of John Wesley's birth. He was born on June 17, 1703. However, in 1752, Great Britain shifted from the ancient Julian calendar to the current Gregorian calendar. This change caused an eleven-day adjustment to historical dates. This means that, beginning in June 1752, Wesley celebrated his birthday on June 28. I'm including this information because many people have been inquiring about the date of Wesley's birth and finding both dates. Nonetheless, in 2003 we celebrate his 300th birthday.

We see this year as an opportunity to raise awareness of John Wesley and his contributions to understanding and living Christian faith. Each of the four issues of the Covenant Discipleship Quarterly this year will contain an article by a United Methodist scholar reflecting on what the church in 2003 can learn from Wesley's ministry and teachings. We want to explore some of the ways a man who lived through most of the eighteenth century can illuminate and inform our lives and ministries in the twenty-first century.

The first article is by Dr. Sarah Lancaster, Associate Professor of Theology at the Methodist Theological School in Ohio (Delaware, Ohio). Dr. Lancaster writes about the doctrine that distinguishes Methodism from other Protestant denominations: Christian perfection. She thoughtfully explains what Wesley meant when he used the words Christian perfection in a way that makes this doctrine come to life. Dr. Lancaster helps us see why Christian perfection was central to Wesley's understanding of Methodist mission and ministry and encourages us to reclaim it for our mission and ministry today.

Future articles will be written by Dr. Elaine Robinson ("The Place of the 'Quadrilateral' in Christian Formation," Spring 2003), Dr. Paul Chilcote ("Social Holiness in a Postmodern World," Summer 2003), and Dr. Steve Harper ("How Is Wesley a 'Theologian of the Gaps'?" Fall 2003).

The General Board of Discipleship's Worship Website features resources that will help your congregation plan for teaching about John Wesley and observing the 300th anniversary of his birth: at www.gbod.org/worship click on Wesley Tercentennial Resources. Additional information is available from the British Methodist Church: www.wesley2003.org.uk.

We welcome your ideas and reflections about what Wesley has to say to us in the twenty-first century. Please send your ideas to smanskar@gbod.org or Steve Manskar, General Board of Discipleship, PO Box 340003, Nashville, TN 37203-0003. We'd like to hear how you and your congregation are observing Wesley's 300th birthday.

See "Covenant Discipleship Wesley Study Trip to England" for information about an exciting opportunity to explore our Wesleyan heritage this summer.

Steve Manskar (smanskar@gbod.org) is the Director of Accountable Discipleship for the General Board of Discipleship of The United Methodist Church.