Small Groups: The Method of Methodism

Transcription

1 Small Groups: The Method of Methodism

2 Director of Wesleyan Leadership Ordained elder, Minnesota Conference Served congregations in Maryland and Minnesota Leads workshops & seminars on Covenant Discipleship, small group ministry, & Wesleyan missional leadership Leads annual Wesley Pilgrimage in England with Dr. Paul Chilcote (877) , x1765 Steve Manskar, D.Min.

3 Let us pray.

4 Our Mission The mission of the Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. 120, The United Methodist Book of Discipline 2012

5 Why small groups?

6

7 You Are What You Love Discipleship is more a matter of hungering and thirsting than of knowing and believing. Jesus s command to follow him is a command to align our loves and longings with his to want what God wants, to desire what God desires, to hunger and thirst after God and crave a world where he is all in all a vision encapsulated by the shorthand the kingdom of God. James K. A. Smith You Are What You Love: The Spiritual Power of Habit

8 The Method of Methodism "The soul and the body make a person; the Spirit and discipline make a Christian." John Wesley (Sermon 122: Causes of the Inefficacy of Christianity)

9 The Method of Methodism Belong (Love) Rule of Life Behave (Obey) Believe (Believe)

10 A rule of life is a pattern of spiritual disciplines that provides structure and direction for growth in holiness. It fosters gifts of the Spirit in personal life and human community, helping to form us into the persons God intends us to be. Marjorie Thomas, Soul Feast Rule of Life

11 The United Methodist Rule of Life The General Rules It is therefore expected of all who continue therein that they should continue to evidence their desire of salvation: First, by doing no harm Second, by doing good... Third, by attending upon all the ordinances of God...

12 Sermon 92: On Zeal In a Christian believer love sits upon the throne which is erected in the inmost soul; namely, love of God and man, which fills the whole heart, and reigns without a rival. Love

13 Holy Tempers/Habits In a circle near the throne are all holy tempers; longsuffering, gentleness, meekness, fidelity, temperance; and if any other were comprised in the mind which was in Christ Jesus. Holy Tempers Love

14 Works of Mercy In an exterior circle are all the works of mercy, whether to the souls or bodies of men. By these we exercise all holy tempers; by these we continually improve them, so that all these are real means of grace, although this is not commonly adverted to. Works of Mercy Holy Tempers Love

15 Works of Piety Next to these are those that are usually termed works of piety; reading and hearing the word, public, family, private prayer, receiving the Lord's Supper, fasting or abstinence. Works of Piety Works of Mercy Holy Tempers Love

16 The Church Lastly, that his followers may the more effectually provoke one another to love, holy tempers, and good works, our blessed Lord has united them together in one body, the Church, dispersed all over the earth; a little emblem of which, of the Church universal, we have in every particular Christian congregation. The Church Works of Piety Works of Mercy Holy Tempers Love

17 Help us to build each other up, Our little stock improve; Increase our faith, confirm our hope, And perfect us in love. Touched by the lodestone of thy love, Let all our hearts agree, And ever toward each other move, And ever move toward thee. Jesus, United by Thy Grace, UMH #561 Charles Wesley, 1742 Social Holiness

18 The Method of Methodism The Church Trial Band Class Class Band General Rules Society Meetings Love Feast Covenant Renewal Band Class Class Penitent Band LEADERSHIP MINISTRIES To reform the nation, particularly the Church; and to spread scriptural holiness over the land.

19 Class Meeting Band Meeting Select Society General Rules Rules General Rules Desire for God (convincing grace) New Birth (justifying grace) Love of God (sanctifying grace) Forming habits Forming holy tempers Love filling the heart Hebrews 10:19-25 James 5: John 2:3-6 Women & men together Gender & marital status people 4-8 people 6-65 people Women & men together Leader appointed JW Shared leadership Shared leadership

20 Questions?

21 to more effectually provoke one another to love, holy habits, & good works. SMALL GROUPS TODAY

22 The Church & Discipleship John Wesley that his followers may the more effectually provoke one another to love, holy habits, and good works, our blessed Lord has united them together in one body, the Church The Baptismal Covenant With God s help we will proclaim the good news and live according to the example of Christ. We will surround these persons with a community of love and forgiveness, that they may grow in their trust of God, and be found faithful in their service to others. We will pray for them, that they may be true disciples who walk in the way that leads to life. LEADERSHIP MINISTRIES

23 Congregational Rule of Life A rule of life is a pattern of spiritual disciplines that provides structure and direction for growth in holiness. It fosters gifts of the Spirit in personal life and human community, helping to form us into the persons God intends us to be. Marjorie Thompson Soul Feast

24 Congregational Rule of Life The General Rule of Discipleship To witness to Jesus Christ in the world, and to follow his teachings through acts of compassion, justice, worship, and devotion under the guidance of the Holy Spirit a The Book of Discipline-2012

25 Balanced Discipleship The importance of the General Rule is the balance it maintains between all the teachings of Jesus. Personal & Social Works of Mercy & Works of Piety

26 The General Rule of Discipleship

27 A Congregation of Small Groups Meet people where they are Network of groups that cooperate with the Holy Spirit and way of salvation Seekers Exploration & Awakening Come and see. (John 1:39) Grace Groups I Prevenient Grace Growth & Maturation to equip the saints for the work of ministry. (Eph. 4:12) Grace Groups II Justifying Grace Provide support and accountability for living the Christian life shaped by the rule of life Keep the congregation focus on mission Grace Groups III Sanctifying Grace Leaders in Discipleship whoever says, I abide in him, ought to walk just as he walked. (1 John 2:6)

28 Grace Groups 1 Grace Groups 2 Grace Groups 3 Class Meeting Covenant Discipleship Groups Covenant Discipleship Groups New member class Emmaus Reunion groups Emmaus Reunion groups Wesley Fellowship groups Life Transformation groups Academy of Spiritual Formation Life Transformation groups Renovaré groups Accountability groups Bible study groups Prayer groups Book study groups Companions in Christ Choirs Administrative & Ministry Committees Leadership groups Life Transformation Groups

29 Congregation of Small Groups Missional Groups Covenant Discipleship groups form leaders Sunday School classes Study Groups Covenant Discipleship Working Groups Study groups Working/Admin groups Sunday School Missional groups (Classes & Class Leaders)

30 The Small Group Leader Leaders in Discipleship Leadership Qualification: Faith in Christ Profess to pursue holiness of heart and life Lives the rule of life in daily life Loves people and is equipped to help others grow in holiness

31 The Small Group Council Small group ministry requires pastoral & congregational support Small Group Council: Pastor Small group leaders Class leaders Monthly or Quarterly meeting

32 Questions?

33 Social Holiness: The Method of Methodism RESOURCES

34 Opening Ourselves to Grace Introduction to grace and the means of grace in the Wesleyan tradition. 4 video (DVD) sessions Leader s guide, 6-week Bible study, and 24 page information pamphlet

35 Guidelines for Small Group Ministry Steven W. Manskar Brief introduction to Wesleyan small group ministry Practical suggestions

36 You Are What You Love The Spiritual Power of Habit James K. A. Smith We might not realize the ways our hearts are being taught to love rival gods instead of the One for whom we were made. Smith helps readers recognize the formative power of culture and the transformative possibilities of Christian practices.

37 Kevin M. Watson Resource for introducing the Class Meeting and Class Leaders to the congregation 8-week study with practical ideas for starting and leading class meetings The Class Meeting

38 Covenant Discipleship Disciples Making Disciples: Guide for Covenant Discipleship Groups & Class Leaders Everyday Disciples: Covenant Discipleship with Youth Growing Everyday Disciples: Covenant Discipleship with Children Accountable Discipleship: Living in God s Household

39 A Disciple s Journal Annual guide for daily prayer, Bible reading, and discipleship in the Wesleyan tradition Daily lectionary and excerpts from the works of John and Charles Wesley Prayers for each week Excellent for personal and small group use

40 Questions?

41 The General Rule of Discipleship To witness to Jesus Christ in the world, and follow his teachings through acts of compassion, justice, worship, and devotion under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.