What Methodist Small Groups Looked Like (Kevin Watson)

What are some keys to a better small group experience? In this Seven Minute Seminary, Kevin Watson shares insights from the early Methodist small group practices.

The social religion that John Wesley advocated was not synonymous with "social justice." Rather, it was a call for Christians to pursue holiness by living in shared community, including the class meeting and the bands. These were two key ways that contributed to renewal of the church and revival in the 18th century, and could very well lead to renewal again in the 21st century.

[Jujashan]

Seedbed .... How are things going now 7 years later?

[michaelkingsbury]

We need a Methodist Revival over here in the Episcopal Church too!

[tomanthony]

I believe that in the last 500 years England has experience two great spiritual revivals which were both based on small group Christian fellowship. The first one occurred in the 1500’s when the Puritans, who were Anglicans (albeit dissenters to some extent), would gather in small groups outside of church in order to share Christian fellowship. The second occurred in the 1700’s with John Wesley’s formation of the Methodist societies. I believe that both movements resulted in great spiritual awakenings.

I personally believe that small group Christian fellowship, where there is dialog and discussion, is the very essence of the church of Jesus Christ. I do not believe that Jesus ever intended that the local assembly of believers be primarily structured where one or even a few clergymen be the only teachers. I do not believe that He ever intended His followers to gather on a regular basis to listen to a single man preach in front of a group of lay people. Frankly, although I certainly do believe in overseers or elders, I do not see anywhere in the New Testament where a distinction between clergy and laity is specified.

In Mathew 23:8-12 Jesus defines how a local assembly of his followers should relate to one another. In this passage, which I have never heard a single theologian ever cite, Jesus explicitly states that His followers should regard one another as brothers meaning that they should regard one another as equals or peers. Jesus also states that we should not consider anyone in the assembly of believers our rabbi or teacher. Sadly, this is indeed a radical concept to most present-day Christians that few will ever recognize.

[kyleroderick]

Kevin, our Sunday School class is reading your book on this subject (The Class Meeting). My wife is leading the book study, and we're optimistic about the potential future for class meetings at FUMC Waxahachie. I hope you're able to get this message through to more churches that have become quiet and complacent in their sanctification.

[shawngregory]

If the Weslyan church was like this is you describe I would join you today