By Brother Guy Ames
I loved Brother Matt Henson’s word from last week about the importance of “Pursuing Fellowship”. Early Christians saw fellowship as their way of life. Before being called Christians these Jesus followers called themselves “The Way.” They had a “way” of living. Luke described those early Christian practices: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Every day they continued to meet together…” (Acts 2: 42, 46).
These practices set them apart from others. They not only “met together” but their gathering had clear purpose, to build each other up in life and faith and to hold one another accountable. In his first letter, Paul urged the Church in Thessalonica to “encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing” (1 Thessalonians 5:11).
John and Charles Wesley founded the 18th century Methodist revival around this Acts 2 model of placing people into small groups for the purpose of encouragement and accountability. These groups of 12 met weekly in their “class meetings” with the purpose of answering one question each week in particular, “How is it with your soul?” or “Have you sinned this past week?” Following the words of James 5: 13-16 in which the Jerusalem Christians would share their joys, sorrows, prayer needs and finally as James encourages; “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed…” (James 5:16). The impact of these gatherings was to build strong Christian followers. As these Methodists shared their experiences with others, hundreds and thousands more wanted to become part of this life-changing practice. As long as these Christians employed the Class Meeting as a means of discipleship this “Revival” continued winning more and more to Christ. Would you be surprised to know that this method passed onto later generations formed the foundation of the 12-step recovery movement?
In building the Christian Ashram, E. Stanley Jones hoped to model a way of life that goes beyond an Ashram experience. His intention was that we carry this on over into our regular lives by gathering in small groups as those earlier Christians did. What might happen if we were to meet regularly together with other trusted believers, to speak in confidence and honesty about our challenges in living the Christian life as we do on our Ashram? Can you imagine the hearts overflowing beyond and continuing week after week beyond the Ashram? This was Brother Stanley’s vision for us.
One of my seminary professors, Robert Coleman, in his book “Master Plan of Evangelism”, wrote about Jesus’ model for evangelism and discipleship. Dr. Coleman noted that Jesus’ main method centered on small groups, not mass preaching. Jesus gave the most time to three: Peter, James and John, who became the key leaders of the Church after Pentecost. Next he devoted time to the twelve disciples, and then to 70 key followers. In these small groups he entrusted the future of Christianity. Jesus’ method for reaching the world came through his ministry with a few. Coleman reminds us that the true power of the Church is not in large gatherings but “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”
Some years ago in the midst of a complete family melt-down, I found myself spiritually and emotionally depleted. Counseling helped a little, but what made the greatest impact in keeping me grounded and eventually bringing healing came from a group of five men into whom I entrusted my darkest secrets and who, praying with me, were God’s instrument of healing. For several years, our weekly meetings of scripture memory, open and honest confession became a source of strength and accountability for each of us.
God has not intended the Christian life to be lived as “Lone Ranger Believers.”He has given us one another and intended for us to learn from each other, encourage one another, care for each other and finally to call out the best from each as we hold up the high calling of following Jesus and walking in true holiness. My hope for each who reads this is that you join in a small band of believers who together help hold one another accountable in love for the sake of Jesus Christ, that the world may see that JESUS IS LORD.
Prayer: Lord, we so often try to live our Christian life alone and in secret. I pray that you might bring around each of us, like-minded, trust-worthy friends in Christ where we can find a place of honest counsel and true Godly encouragement for your sake. Amen.
