Wesley Groups :: Central United Methodist Church ::

Sunday, September 5

WESLEY GROUPS

John Wesley founded a “methodical” small-group movement within a large state church, the Church of England. He wanted to encourage a more active Christian discipleship than was taking place on Sunday mornings. He challenged members to meet weekly in small gatherings to pray and to discuss with one another ways they could make the faith personal and powerful. Some study took place, as did nurture, but fundamentally these were accountability groups where disciples of Jesus helped each other be more intentional in their daily walks with Christ. What sets Wesley Groups apart from more typical “study” groups is the focus on personal application and mutual accountability—encouragement and challenge—for spiritual growth and Christian character development. Beyond information, we seek transformation. This calls for trusting candor. We are in this together. Take the two months term of this booklet to “try on” this ancient technique made contemporary, and see what a difference it can make. For more information on how to start or join a Wesley Group, contact Mark Haines.