STUFF ABOUT GOD AND CHRISTIANITY | DR. RON BRALEY
The last several articles have introduced you to six wonderful heroes of the faith. We learned about the early martyrs Justin Martyr and Perpetua. Next came the martyrs and disciple- makers John Hus and Dietrich Bonhoeffer.
Finally, you met Thomas Aquinas and John of the Cross, both intellectuals and first-class theologians. Here, you’ll encounter the disciple- making masterminds Count Nikolaus Ludwig von Zinzendorf and John Wesley, both of whom were influenced by John Hus (from the second part of this series).
Count Nikolaus Ludwig von Zinzendorf (1700–1760) “I have but one passion: it is He, it is He alone.”
A German nobleman, Zinzendorf devoted his life to advancing the gospel of Jesus Christ.
In 1722, he welcomed the Moravians (a small group of persecuted Christian refugees) to his estate, where they established the community of Herrnhut. The Moravian church emerged from the Hussite movement begun by John Hus, one of the first Christian heroes I presented to you. Under Zinzendorf’s spiritual leadership, the settlement experienced a revival that transformed it into a vibrant center of prayer, discipleship, and missions.
The believers at Herrnhut began a continuous prayer vigil, with members taking turns praying around the clock. This hourly intercession continued for more than 100 years.
Importantly, Zinzendorf recognized the need for a close-knit community to foster discipleship. He organized believers into small groups for prayer, Bible study, mutual encouragement and accountability, thereby nurturing both spiritual maturity and practical service.
His vision of a Christcentered, praying and mission-minded church influenced leaders such John Wesley (1703–1791)
“The gospel of Christ knows of no religion but social; no holiness but social holiness.”
After a life-changing experience in 1738, when he felt his “heart strangely warmed,” Wesley became convinced that salvation was God’s gracious gift, received by faith and expressed in holy living. He traveled thousands of miles on horseback across Britain, preaching wherever people would listen—even in fields and marketplaces when churches closed their doors to him.
Like Zinzendorf, Wesley understood that lasting spiritual growth flourishes within Christian community.
Consequently, he organized believers into small groups called classes and bands that fostered prayer, Bible study, accountability and charitable service. Members asked one another probing questions about their spiritual lives and encouraged each other to practice acts of mercy, generosity and personal holiness. His model of intentional discipleship has shaped churches everywhere and continues to influence modern small-group ministries.
His emphasis on personal transformation, evangelism and care for the poor sparked a revival that evolved into the Methodist movement, influencing millions of Christians worldwide.
I pray you’re enjoying learning about these Christian giants.
Of course, we’re only scratching the surface: So many wonderful, wise, generous and spiritually mature believers have come and gone over the past 2,000 years.
What’s next? Let’s see how John Chrysostom, Corrie ten Boom and Mother Teresa demonstrated incredible mercy and compassion.
Blessings and peace.
Braley, a local minister, Air Force veteran, husband and father, earned a Master of Divinity degree from Regent University in 2018 and a Doctor of Ministry from the same school in 2021.
