John Wesley's 22 Questions
Objective: The objective of John Wesley’s 22 Questions is to foster deep spiritual reflection, personal accountability, and growth in holiness. Originally used in small groups called “class meetings” within the Methodist movement, these questions were designed to help believers examine their hearts honestly before God and one another. The aim is not guilt, but transformation—creating space to confess, be encouraged, and pursue Christlikeness more intentionally. By regularly engaging with these questions, individuals grow in self-awareness, spiritual discipline, and a life shaped by love, humility, and obedience to Jesus.
How To Do This
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Choose a regular time each week (or day) when you can reflect without distraction—15 to 30 minutes is a good start.
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Begin with a short prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to guide your thoughts, reveal truth, and bring clarity as you reflect.
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Go through the 22 questions one by one. You don’t have to answer all in one sitting—focus on a few that stand out or feel most relevant.
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Write down or mentally note your responses. Be honest with yourself and with God. The goal isn’t perfection, but growth and awareness.
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End with prayer. Confess anything that needs forgiveness, thank God for His grace, and ask for strength to grow in specific areas. Consider sharing insights with a trusted friend or group for encouragement and accountability.
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 13:5, Psalm 139:23-24, James 5:16, 1 John 1:9, Hebrews 10:24-25
Origin: The origin of John Wesley’s 22 Questions dates back to the early days of the Methodist movement in the 18th century, led by John Wesley, an Anglican priest and reformer. These questions were developed as part of the "Holy Club" at Oxford University, where Wesley and a small group of students committed themselves to disciplined spiritual growth, Bible study, prayer, fasting, and service.
As the Methodist movement grew, Wesley introduced “class meetings”—small, weekly gatherings where believers would reflect on their lives and hold one another accountable in their walk with Christ. The 22 questions became a tool to guide these reflections, helping people examine their spiritual condition and practice intentional discipleship.
The purpose was not to promote guilt or legalism, but to cultivate spiritual self-awareness, encourage confession and honesty, and keep believers centered on loving God and neighbor. These questions remain a powerful resource today for anyone seeking deeper transformation and Christlikeness.