In our experience, the pilgrimage is most meaningful when pilgrims have done some reading ahead of time to learn (or be reminded) about the history of the Methodist movement, the lives of the Wesleys, and the theology they taught and lived. If you have been to seminary, you may have read (and may even already own) many of these titles.

Note: You do not need to bring these books with you to England. The only book you need to bring with you is your Pilgrim’s Journal, which will be mailed to you a few weeks before departing for England. Your Pilgrim’s Journal will include resources for study, small group discussion, note-taking, and daily worship.

Required Reading

These books offer an overview of the Wesleys’ theology and the history of Methodism.

• Recapturing the Wesley’s Vision:  An Introduction to the Faith of John and Charles Wesley by Paul W. Chilcote (Intervarsity Press, ISBN O-8308-2743-9)
• John & Charles Wesley:  Selections from Their Writings and Hymns – Annotated & Explained by Paul W. Chilcote (Skylight Paths Publishing, ISBN 978-1-59473-309-3)
• Disciples Making Disciples: Guide for Covenant Discipleship Groups and Class Leaders by Steven W. Manskar (Discipleship Resources, ISBN 978-0-88177-774-1)
• A Perfect Love:  Understanding John Wesley’s ‘A Plain Account of Christian Perfection’ by Steven W. Manskar, et. al. (Discipleship Resources, ISBN 978-0881773880)

Recommended Reading

Methodist History and Theology

• The Early Methodist Class Meeting:  Its Origins and Significance by David Lowes Watson (Wipf & Stock, ISBN 1-57910-939-X)
• Remembering Our Baptism: Discipleship and Mission in the Wesleyan Spirit by Philip R. Meadows (Discipleship Resources, ISBN 978-1-98163-533-7)
• A Faith That Sings: Biblical Themes in the Lyrical Theology of Charles Wesley by Paul W. Chilcote (Cascade Books, ISBN 1-4982-3182-9)
• Praying in the Wesleyan Spirit:  52 Prayers for Today by Paul W. Chilcote (Upper Room Books, ISBN 0-8358-0950-1)
• The Sermons of John Wesley: A Collection for the Christian Journey edited by Kenneth Collins & Jason Vickers (Abingdon Press, ISBN 978-1426742316)
• Wesley and the People Called Methodists (Second Edition) by Richard P. Heitzenrater (Abingdon Press, ISBN 978-1426742248) 
• The Radical Wesley: Patterns and Practices of a Movement Maker by Howard Snyder (Seedbed Publishing, ISBN 978-1628240870)

Pilgrimage

• The Art of Pilgrimage:  The Seeker’s Guide to Making Travel Sacred by Phil Cousineau (Conari Press, ISBN 1573245097)

Travel

• Rick Steves’ England Guidebook (2024) (ISBN 978-1641716116)

Fiction

• Sarum:  The Novel of England by Edward Rutherfurd (ISBN 0517223546)
• Adam Bede by George Eliot (ISBN 0140431217)