Jesus is Coming - The Circuit Rider
by Denny Karchner
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A "circuit," nowadays is called a "charge," was a geographical area that encompassed two or more local churches. Local Methodist pastors would met with their bishops annually for appointment to either a new circuit or remain at the same one, most often they were moved to another circuit. Once a pastor was assigned a circuit, it was his responsibility to visit each church in his charge at least once a year in addition to possibly erecting new churches. Because of the long distance between churches, the preachers would
ride on horseback. They were called "circuit riders" or
"saddlebag preachers." They traveled with few possessions,
carrying only what would fit in their saddlebags. They traveled through
wilderness and villages, they preached every day at any place available
such as peoples' cabins, courthouses, fields, meeting houses, later,
even basements and street corners. Unlike preachers of settled
denominations, Methodist preachers were always on the move (most
circuits were so large that it would take 5 to 6 weeks to cover their
assignment). This is what boosted Methodism into the largest Protestant
denomination at the time; bringing the church to the common people. |
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