John Wesley's Model of Christian Community - Rev Dr Lynette Sathiasingam

𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐦𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞.

John Wesley established a methodical approach to Christian discipleship through what he called "class meetings" - small groups of about 12 people who met weekly for mutual accountability and spiritual growth. These meetings emerged accidentally while collecting funds for a chapel in Bristol but soon became the "sinew of Methodism." The class meetings were mandatory for Methodist society members, where they would share their spiritual journeys, pray together, and answer the crucial question: "How goes it with your soul?" Members received tickets to attend, and three consecutive absences meant losing one's ticket, highlighting the high commitment expected.

Today's modern Christians, particularly Methodists, need to reclaim this practice of watching over one another in love through small groups. While many resist joining cell groups due to discomfort with sharing personal spiritual matters or fear of judgment, these meetings provide essential accountability and prevent people from falling through the cracks in church life. The speaker challenges the congregation to participate in an eight-week class meeting curriculum, emphasizing that these meetings are for anyone who desires to grow closer to God, focusing on transformation rather than just information.