#192 – Rediscovering Methodism

PDF Version

At last week’s Regional Gathering on Mission and Evangelism, we were privileged to welcome Rev. Dr. Phil Meadows as our guest speaker. Phil is the lecturer in Missiology and Wesleyan Studies at Cliff College and is also the director of the new Inspire Network. The morning was devoted to a presentation by Phil on the purpose of this new network which is working in partnership with the Methodist Church, Methodist Evangelicals Together (MET) and Cliff College.

So, what is Inspire? Firstly it is an ecumenical movement aimed at developing the spiritual life of mission-shaped disciples. However, it is unapologetically Methodist in that it is built upon the principles which were at the heart of early Methodism. In its early days, Methodism was formed into societies (which we now know as individual churches) but also comprised class meetings (which we now see in the form of mid-week meetings or Bible studies) and band meetings which were a group of around 4 people who met together to hold one another accountable for their Christian lives and witness. Band Meetings have all but disappeared.

Inspire is essentially seeking to rediscover the band meeting. When these meetings meet they will:-

• Reflect : on the way of life in the context of daily discipleship with the help of the Spirit
• Relate : to others in band for mutual accountability and spiritual direction under the guidance of the Spirit
• Respond : to the Spirit’s leading in the context of everyday life

During Jesus' ministry he had a wider group of disciples as well as the 12 better-known disciples. All of these helped him in some way in his mission. But we also note the three key disciples, Peter, James and John, who accompanied him on the most intimate of moments and with whom he confided at a deeper level (see Matthew 17:1, Mark 5:37 & Matthew 26:37). The band meeting to some degree reflects this level of intimacy in that it comprises a small group of three or four people who are all committed to mission.

Phil also pointed out the danger within the Church of splitting Mission and Spirituality into two distinct areas. Mission is an outward-looking enterprise (doing) whereas Spirituality tends to be inward-looking (being). However, for Mission to be effective it must have spirituality at its heart. Therefore Inspire is seeking to create Mission-Shaped Disciples.

There are four strands to Inspire:-

1. Seeking Growth : in our Christian lives in the power of the Spirit
2. Using Spiritual Disciplines : e.g. fasting, prayer, Bible study
3. Engaging in Mission : being sent out like Jesus
4. Sharing Fellowship : with those around us in loving service, healing and praying for one another

To find out more please see www.inspire-network.org.uk. The network is holding its Annual Conference on July 3rd (see details - http://www.methodist-nd.org.uk/detail.php?trx=event&id=305).

Other matters which were discussed at the Regional Gathering were:-

1. Faith Sharing Course. I explained the format for the new course which has been developed at Connexional level and which has been advertised across the district.
2. Hope Nottingham. Nigel Adams has recently relinquished his work at Christ Church Chilwell to form Hope Nottingham. This is an exciting new venture which connects in with the national Hope initiative headed by Roy Crowne and is currently involved with activities like Healing on the Streets and Parish Pantry. Nigel can be contacted at nigel@hopenottingham.org.uk or on 0115 8545889. 
3. Just 10 Toolkit. J. John has packaged his Just 10 talks for delivery by local groups. See the Philo Trust web site for more details – www.philotrust.com. 
4. Lyfe Café. Trevor Lee explained how this Bible Society initiative has been rolled out in the Ashfield Circuit. See the web site for more details – www.lyfe.org.uk. 
5. Senior Alpha. This new form of Alpha Course has recently been run successfully in the Ashfield Circuit for retired people. See the web site for more details – www.alpha.org/senior. 
6. Biblefresh. 2011 has been designated as the year of the Bible by the Methodist Church and I shared information on this new initiative. See the web site for more details – www.biblefresh.com.

We will be holding the next Regional Gathering in January 2011 and welcome anyone with a heart for mission and evangelism.