Leading a Bible Study: Wesley’s Small Groups

The fountainhead of the Wesleyan tradition was of course John Wesley (1703-91). Among his many innovations was the use of small groups to study and apply the word of God. He called these groups, “class meetings.” These gatherings played a pivotal role in the spiritual growth and accountability of the early Methodists, and they contributed significantly to the movement’s success and endurance.

Wesley's inspiration for using these small groups came from his own personal experiences and observations. As a young Anglican minister in the 1700s in England, he observed that many Christians had become apathetic to the things of God. The traditional forms of worship and instruction were not effectively nurturing faith and discipleship among the people. He observed that large congregations often lacked intimacy and accountability. People were not engaging deeply with the Bible or living out their faith practically.

In the 1730s, Wesley introduced the concept of class meetings to address these gaps. These meetings typically involved 10 to 12 individuals who gathered regularly, usually weekly, in homes or other common spaces. Their primary purpose was spiritual edification through the study of Scripture, mutual encouragement, and accountability in Christian living.

One of the key features of Wesley's class meetings was their structured format. Each session followed an agenda and focused on specific elements aimed at fostering spiritual growth. The meetings typically began with hymn singing and prayer, creating an atmosphere of worship and reverence. This initial phase served to center the participants’ hearts and minds on God, preparing them to receive the word.

Following the opening worship, the group engaged in the study and discussion of Scripture. Wesley emphasized the importance of systematic Bible study. He believed that a deep understanding of Scripture was essential for nurturing authentic faith and guiding Christian conduct. To facilitate meaningful discussion, Wesley often provided study guides and commentaries, ensuring that participants explored the word effectively.

Wesley’s Questions

At Wesley’s “band” meetings, his small accountability groups of about 5 people, each person shared their answers to the following questions:

What known sins have you committed since our last meeting?
What temptations have you met with?
How were you delivered?
What have you thought, said, or done which you doubt whether it be sin or not?
Have you nothing you desire to keep secret?

In addition to studying Scripture, these class meetings involved personal testimony and accountability. Each member was expected to share their spiritual journey openly, including their triumphs, struggles, and areas of growth. This practice of mutual sharing bonded the group with each other. It created a supportive community where individuals could find encouragement and guidance. This accountability aspect of class meetings also helped participants uphold their commitments to God and one another.

The impact of Wesley’s class meetings extended far beyond the gatherings themselves. As participants grew in their faith and commitment to Christ, they became agents of transformation within their communities. Many Methodists emerged from these small groups equipped with a deep understanding of Scripture, a fervent devotion to God, and a passion for biblical justice. They actively sought to apply their faith in practical ways, serving the marginalized, advocating for reform, and spreading the message of God’s love and redemption.