Every small group has its own to-do list.
When I was a university student I would work up questions for inductive Bible study. We would try to guide our groups from details of the day’s text, to its meaning, and onward to ways to live it.
Since then some of the richest small groups I’ve been a part of start each meaning with just checking in. We would go around and share what had been going on in our lives since the last meeting. Openness about blessings and challenges deepened relationships and partnership in following Christ.
A third option comes from John Wesley. Last time I was blogging on Wesley I noted the searching questions that had to be asked of anyone wanting to join the group as found in the “Rules for the Band Societies (1738).” Here he is just after that (with my emphasis added) on his plan for leading small groups:
Any of the preceding questions may be asked as often as occasion offers ; the four following at every meeting : —
1. What known sins have you committed since our last meeting?
2. What temptations have you met with?
3. How were you delivered?
4. What have you thought, said, or done, of which you doubt whether it be sin or not?
Well, at least that would cut down on the time spent planning the next meeting.
These days I suspect this agenda might also shorten up the lifespan of most groups.
Ponder, though, what might happen in a group that chose this agenda. At a glance it sounds like this would be a downer, putting all our attention on sin and guilt.
I think a closer look makes some other results very likely — at least if one follows Wesley’s guidance with care.
1. Every member would take Christian living very seriously. Knowing that this was what the Christian community did together would put some pressure on to be a Christian in every dimension of life, all the time.
2. Every member is going to be humble, and admit to doing the wrong thing some of the time. Wesley’s #1 and #2 assume that there has been both temptation and sin in our lives. The group helps with humility and honesty.
3. Every member is going to find grace: #3 assumes it — all members will have something to say about how God delivered them. This group does more than confess. They help each other with forgiveness and love.
4. Every member is going to think with some subtlety. Members of Wesley’s group are not encouraged to think in simplistic, black and white terms about any of this. His question #4 assumes that people experience ambiguity. The group helps with discernment.
Accountability, humility, grace, and discernment. Hmm… Doesn’t sound too bad when you look at it that way.
What have you experienced as a really helpful agenda for a long-term small group process? (I hope you’ll share your thoughts in the comments.)
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As always, Dr. Hansen, love the historical perspective! That said, I wonder if this could potentially narrow a group’s focus to an (unhealthy?) preoccupation with sinfulness?
I wonder too, Scott. Sometimes I also think folks in our culture could give a bit more attention to the issue. There is certainly a difference in tone between Wesley’s time and ours.
Does it make any difference that after assuming we will have sins to admit to, he moves on to issues of discernment?
I suspect that the rest of the Wesleyan package counterbalanced any tendency to overemphasize sinfulness — note the exuberant joy of Wesleyan hymns!
The Walk to Emmaus (modeled on Cursillo and its ‘cousin’ Tres Dios) use questions for their weekly accountability group along this line: 1) At what moment did you feel closest to Christ this week? 2) How and when did you experience God’s call to be a disciple of Christ this week? 3) When was your faith tested? 4) What is your plan for spirituality, study and action this next week?
In a senior high youth group we asked two questions throughout the summer and had very fruitful discussion: 1) Where did you see Christ this past week? 2) Who do you feel called to tell about it?
I think questions along these lines can be fruitful and cause groups to think and grow both inwardly and outwardly as disciples of Christ.
Thanks! great post as always!
Thanks Deborah, for sharing these. They sound like good approaches!
What do you think would happen in a modern UMC church if they tried Wesley’s questions?
Thank you for the article Dr. Hansen. On the practical side, I serve churches where the Lord has built up a strong small group ministry, and one of the primary questions that seasons the conversation is “How is it with your soul.” The benefits of this question is limitless since very few in our culture ask (with healthy sincerity) “How are you? In my experience, I found that small groups that use the Wesleyan principles you presented have a great potential to help people grow and serve as their faith becomes intentional and contagious.
If I could add to the title of your article, I would continue with something along the line of “… to live faith intentionally.”
Thank you for your ministry!
Thank you so much Bill! Your approach seems to be “roomy” if that makes sense — it doesn’t focus solely on sin and temptation, but people can share those things if they are the issue. Keep up the good work!
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Was a part of a Cursillo community for a long time. Their small group was called Reunion – a group from 3-5 that committed to meet weekly. Then at least twice a year there would be a meeting of all groups, called Ultreya – where the mass was shared. I am aware this movement has now spread across some other denominations using different terms. But the true essence of the small group was wrapped around 3 areas with questions for each. Each weekly session opened and closed in prayer. In our group, we met over breakfast, and it was the sharing of lives until orders were placed and arrived. Thus giving context to some answers. When food was delivered, we prayed our joint prayer to renew us and renew the earth. Question 1: What have you done to nourish your relationship with Christ this past week? Question 2: in what way have you studied to know God and your fellow man better? Question 3: how have you taken action to share your faith with others? It was very effective for growth, accountability, and true Christian fellowship.
Thanks Susan. Sounds like a great experience. I’ve heard wonderful things about Cursillo.
Interesting to compare the questions you used with the ones Deborah and Bill told of. All seem more aimed toward the positive than Wesley’s version.
Agree. Have friend who was a Spiritual Director on several walk to Ammaeus weekends.
Agree with Deborah they are all cousins.
Your comment re the modern viewpoint vs Wesley approach – I think in part people today “see” their spiritual journey in private terms and are uncomfortable speaking about our own sins and growth unless strongly encouraged to be intentional. I see the small group setting as ideal for that to occur. However I will add that group dynamics and makeup play a huge role in the depth of conversation possible.
I am a fan of Wesley insights …..John & Charles …..🔥🔥
Love these 4 questions …..They do call for accountability….Still very relevant today!!!
The GOOD NEWS becomes more TRANSITIVE to the believer if followed & a greater desire & confidence to pray for the Well being of others by FAITH & not a WORKS emphasis….Holy Spirit FIRE& BAPTISM is the best solution …🔥🔥🔥🔥
Thanks Adrian, for finding this old post and commenting. I hope you stop by again!
Blessings,
Gary