1791 AD – Selina Hastings Countess of Huntingdon Endures Slander Yet Advances the Evangelical Revival cover art

1791 AD – Selina Hastings Countess of Huntingdon Endures Slander Yet Advances the Evangelical Revival

1791 AD – Selina Hastings Countess of Huntingdon Endures Slander Yet Advances the Evangelical Revival

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 1791 – Selina Hastings, Countess of Huntingdon, Endures Slander Yet Advances the Evangelical Revival Published 8/22/2025 ------------------------------------------------------- Small Group Handout COACH: Church Origins and Church History Selina Hastings, Countess of Huntingdon (1791) Summary Selina Hastings used her wealth, influence, and courage to fuel the Evangelical Revival. She trained ministers through Trevecca College, sponsored chapels called the “Countess of Huntingdon’s Connexion,” and supported leaders like George Whitefield and John Wesley. As a woman leading boldly in the 18th century, she endured slander and ridicule — yet remained steadfast until her death in 1791. Her life reminds us that revival comes through faithfulness, generosity, and endurance, not comfort or reputation. Scripture for Reflection 1 Peter 4:14 — “If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed…” Hebrews 13:16 — “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” Galatians 6:9 — “Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” Discussion Questions Selina faced constant ridicule — would you keep serving Christ if your reputation was attacked? How can ordinary believers today use their resources (money, homes, influence, skills) to advance the gospel? Selina trained ministers and emphasized holy living. How can our churches better prepare leaders to endure slander, temptation, and pressure? Revival in her day reached coal miners and servants as well as nobles. How can the church today better reflect that same gospel inclusiveness? She lived for God’s approval, not society’s. What pressures tempt us to live for people’s praise instead of God’s pleasure? Application Personal: Ask yourself — what sacrifice am I willing to make if mocked for my faith? Group: Commit to praying for someone in leadership who faces criticism or spiritual attack. Church: Discuss how your community can use generosity, prayer, and hospitality to strengthen revival today. Prayer Prompt “Lord, give us courage to endure slander, wisdom to use what we have for Your kingdom, and hearts that value faithfulness over reputation. May we, like Selina Hastings, live for Your pleasure alone.” -------------------------------------------------------------- 50-Word Description In 1791, Selina Hastings, Countess of Huntingdon, died after decades of championing the Evangelical Revival. She built chapels, founded Trevecca College, and defended preachers like Whitefield and Wesley. Though mocked and slandered, she endured with faith. Her legacy birthed churches, missions, and a bold witness that shaped Protestant evangelicalism. 150-Word Description In 1791, Selina Hastings, Countess of Huntingdon, died, leaving a legacy that fueled the Evangelical Revival. Using her wealth and influence, she founded Trevecca College, built chapels for her Connexion, and supported preachers like Whitefield and Wesley. Facing relentless slander as a woman in leadership, she persevered, modeling stewardship and courage. Her work birthed churches and missions, shaping Protestant evangelicalism. Her endurance under ridicule mirrors modern challenges to live boldly for Christ. Rooted in Hebrews 12:14, this episode asks if we’d press on despite scorn, inspiring steadfast faith. Keywords (≤500 characters) Selina Hastings, Countess of Huntingdon, Evangelical Revival, Trevecca College, Countess of Huntingdon’s Connexion, George Whitefield, John Wesley, Augustus Toplady, Henry Venn, William Romaine, Methodist movement, 18th century evangelicalism, church history, patron of revival, women in ministry history, Methodist chapels, Wesley journals, Whitefield letters, slander in church history. Hashtags #ChurchHistory #EvangelicalRevival #SelinaHastings #Wesley #Whitefield Transcript The year was 1791. England was alive with spiritual fire—yet just as often, with suspicion. John Wesley had only months to live. George Whitefield was long in the grave. But one figure still stood at the center of the Evangelical Revival: a widowed noblewoman whose name carried weight in courts and chapels alike—Selina Hastings. Her money built chapels. Her vision sent preachers across Britain. Her determination opened the doors of Trevecca College to train the next generation of ministers. Yet for all her generosity, she was mocked relentlessly. Pamphlets ridiculed her faith. Satirists painted her as a meddling fanatic. Rumors whispered that her zeal was nothing but vanity in disguise. A woman in 18th-century England who dared to lead was already a target. A woman who dared to lead in the name of Christ became a lightning rod. Still, Selina pressed forward. She believed the gospel was worth her reputation. Which leaves us with a haunting question: If you were slandered for your faith, would you retreat into silence… or keep pressing on, even when...
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