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Banding Together
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George Whitefield (1714-70) was a brilliant preacher. Benjamin Franklin, who did not believe in Jesus, once said that he had to leave his money at home when going to hear Whitefield because he would inevitably end up giving it to him for charity. Yet Whitefield admired John Wesley (1703-91) because of his ability to disciple. Whitefield said that all that was left of all his preaching was a “rope of sand.” But Wesley left behind a movement and, eventually, a denomination.
The difference is that Wesley was organized in his discipleship. His goal was never to become a church or to replace the church. He wanted to see the church renewed and transformed. As a result, he formed what were called societies, classes, and bands.
Societies
Wesley’s societies were the largest of his groups and in some ways were like small churches. They provided a sense of community and support for believers alongside the formal church with its historical forms and rituals. In this larger space, individuals could share their spiritual journeys, engage in mutual encouragement, and collectively deepen their understanding of the Christian faith. The societies played a significant role in connecting people who were earnestly seeking a genuine relationship with God in a larger community setting.
Classes
Within the societies, Wesley introduced the concept of classes, which were smaller subgroups designed for more intimate and focused interaction. Each class typically consisted of about 12 members and was led by a class leader. The purpose of classes was to foster deeper connections and provide a platform for individuals to discuss their personal struggles, triumphs, and spiritual growth. Class leaders played a crucial role in guiding discussions, offering pastoral care, and ensuring that members were actively pursuing holiness.
Bands
Bands were the smallest and most intimate units within Wesley’s discipleship structure. Comprising four to six individuals, bands were gender-specific and aimed at promoting transparency and accountability among participants. Members of a band would meet regularly to discuss their innermost thoughts, confess their sins, and pray for one another. The band structure created an environment of trust and vulnerability, allowing individuals to experience a depth of spiritual support that might be challenging in larger settings.
These three groups – societies, classes, and bands – formed a comprehensive framework for discipleship within the early Methodist movement. Wesley’s foresight in implementing these discipleship structures contributed significantly to the spiritual vitality and growth of the Methodist movement. The movement he fostered continues strong today, almost three centuries later. Whitefield built enthusiasm for Christ for a moment. Wesley’s structure revived the church within England when the Enlightenment was strongly leading it toward post-Christendom.
Jon Wiest has written about implementing Wesley’s principles of discipleship today in his book, Banding Together, mentioned by Dr. Hallett in his videos. Starting with just 20 leaders at Trinity Wesleyan Church in Indianapolis, Indiana, the number grew to hundreds in a short amount of time. The principles that Wesley laid down are not difficult to implement, even informally in your home, Three to four people meeting regularly share their prayer concerns and needs. They hold each other accountable in relation to the temptations with which they might struggle. They confess their sins to one another. They study Scripture and pray.
Leading others to Christ is our charge. But evangelism, in the end, fails without discipleship. Who are you discipling now, and who is discipling you?