As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.
Proverbs 27:17
Small Groups were the most influential instructional unit in Methodism and probably Wesley’s greatest contribution to spiritual growth. Small Groups get so much credit because they radically transformed England’s working masses. The success centered on the instructional design of behavioral change.
Classes were intimate gatherings of 10 or 12 people who met weekly for personal supervision of their spiritual growth. Rules for the United Societies were the primary framework for the class meetings. Rules specified the basic process of ‘inquiry’ as to the subject matter of ‘how their souls prospered.’
Class meetings were coeducational experiences that included women in leadership. Included in the sessions were those of diverse age, social standing, and spiritual readiness. Wesley wanted the classes to represent a cross section of Methodism. Also, the classes provided a place for believers to accept people from various social backgrounds. This helped break up the rigid class standards of 18th century England.
Classes were intimate gatherings of 10 or 12 people who met weekly for personal supervision of their spiritual growth. Rules for the United Societies were the primary framework for the class meetings. Rules specified the basic process of ‘inquiry’ as to the subject matter of ‘how their souls prospered.’
Class meetings were coeducational experiences that included women in leadership. Included in the sessions were those of diverse age, social standing, and spiritual readiness. Wesley wanted the classes to represent a cross section of Methodism. Also, the classes provided a place for believers to accept people from various social backgrounds. This helped break up the rigid class standards of 18th century England.
