May 4, 1814 - Thomas Coke Dies at Sea

Thomas Coke, Methodist bishop. Public domain.

The first bishop of the Methodist Church, Thomas Coke was an early leader in global Methodism and missions. Both an attorney and the mayor of Brecon, Wales, he was ordained by John Wesley and was a key agent in spreading Methodism beyond England. Following the American Revolution, he traveled to America where he and Francis Asbury were the first superintendents of the Methodist Church in America. The pair was appointed at the Christmas Conference, which formally established the Methodist Episcopal Church in America. Originally, the term “Superintendent” was used instead of “Bishop” so as to avoid Anglican associations- even though the roles were equal. Coke made multiple transatlantic trips in order to support the American church. He fostered a strong passion for mission work, working in the Caribbean. He planned to continue Methodist Missions in India; however, he passed away at sea on May 4, 1814. Both Coke and Asbury have a legacy that lives on in the Cokesbury Bookstore, which has provided Christian books, church supplies, and curriculum for over 200 years.

Coke lived a life that represented the importance of global evangelism. Because of his willingness to model sacrificial leadership and commitment to spreading the Gospel, Christians are encouraged to be willing to go wherever God calls, even at great personal cost. Furthermore, his co-leadership with Asbury is an example of the value of partnership in ministry. The church has always been mission-minded, and it is imperative that believers invest in missions both locally and globally. Through the Cokesbury Bookstore, believers are continually inspired to invest in resources that support spiritual growth within themselves and others, reflecting the message of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20).