Description
Perfect for:
- Those wanting a transformation-oriented, authentic small group experience
- Churches leaders looking to remodel their small group approach
- Individuals looking to understand more about John Wesley’s approach to discipleship and the origins of Methodism
- A pastor’s bookshelf
In these pages you’ll:
- Discover a proven discipleship model for growing in love of God
- Learn a practical approach to accountability with same-gender groups
- Appreciate that richness of the early Methodist tradition of spiritual formation
About the Study
The band meeting, a proven discipleship model for growing in love through the accountability of small, same-gender groups, was one of the defining characteristics of the Methodist movement started by John Wesley in the mid-1700s. In reflection on Wesley’s class meeting and band meeting structure, George Whitfield once said, “My Brother Wesley acted wisely, the souls that were awakened under his ministry he joined in class, and thus preserved the fruits of his labor. This I neglected, and my people are a rope of sand.
In The Band Meeting, Kevin Watson and Scott Kisker give an overview of the richness of this early tradition and introduce a practical approach for growing toward an authentic, transformation-oriented small group experience.
About the Authors
Kevin M. Watson (PhD) is the Assistant Professor of Wesleyan and Methodist Studies at Candler School of Theology at Emory University, he is an ordained elder in the Oklahoma Conference of The United Methodist Church. His writing explores the role of small group formation in early Methodism and considers its relevance for contemporary Christianity. Watson blogs at vitalpiety.com.
Scott Kisker (PhD) is Professor of the History of Christianity at United Theological Seminary and an elder in the Iowa Annual Conference. Prior to his post at United Theological Seminary, he was Professor of History of Christianity at Wesley Theological Seminary as well as Wesley’s Director of the Course of Study Program.
Specs
- Length: 8 weeks
- Page count: 172
- DVD accompaniment: Optional – 8, 7-10 minute sessions
You May Also Like
- The Means of Grace by Andrew Thompson
- The Class Meeting by Kevin Watson
- The Radical Wesley by Howard Snyder
- The John Wesley Collection
Endorsements
—The Band Meeting is an essential text for the recovery of deep discipleship in the United Methodist Church. I recommend it strongly to any who are serious about being disciples of Jesus Christ as Lord.
Mike Lowry
Bishop, The United Methodist Church
*Church leaders interested in a free preview copy for possible congregational use can email farmteam(at)seedbed.com.