Customer Reviews

A Model for Making Disciples: John Wesley's Class Meeting

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Henderson gives us the finest book on the theological and practical underpinnings for this institution that became to hallmark of early Methodism. Church leaders and scholars often point to the Wesleyan class meeting as the best model for how small group discipleship can be done. But, almost as often, key points of Wesley's purpose and method are overlooked (or ignored), causing people in the church to miss some of the most significant elements of genius in what Wesley put into practice.

D. Michael Henderson's book is about going back to the roots of the class meeting in order to genuinely understand what the early Methodists were doing and why. This book would be of particular use to those interested in contemporary small group ministry -- or those with an interest in Wesley or early Methodism.

Superb. This book gets my highest recommendation.

Henderson's book gives real insight as to how John Wesley used small groups and community groups in giving England and the world back to their Creator. Must read for pastors and church workers.

In the early 21st century church, there's a lot of interest in small groups. We've discovered that people are more likely to "belong" and "remain" in a fellowship when they are essentially connected to others in smaller, more intimate settings.

So far, so good. What we may not have "discovered" was actually formulated several centuries ago by John Wesley --- whose outline for spiritual growth centered on the use of structured meetings and personal accountability. "How doth your soul prosper?" is among Wesley's guidelines as an opening question for group sharing.

Today's effective and powerful Celebrate Recovery movement (launched at Saddleback but spreading everywhere) understands and applies these key principles to persons who want to overcome addictions and break the power of past habits. Yet is this not the case with everyone who finds new life? All of us need new patterns of health and righteousness; all of us need to break old patterns that are unhelpful and ultimately destructive.

Henderson has written an excellent explanation of the history, theology, and psychology of small-groups, as explained by Wesley.

Got groups? Excellent. Here's what to do with them.

Dr. David Frisbie
The Center for Marriage & Family Studies
Author of: "Moving Forward After Divorce"

I purchased this book largely based on the product description that mentioned the author discussing how to take Wesley's method and apply it today. I was disappointed that the author did not develop this side of the work at any depth. This is a significant drawback of this otherwise useful book.

On the positive side, I am new to Methodism and Wesley's ministry, so I found this very enlightening as a historical read about the how and why Wesley's method had the massive impact it did. I recommend it at that level, and if you would like to draw your own applications on how to apply this method. Last of all,I felt this work read more like a thesis than a guide to applying the concepts as the writing style is very formal.

Great book. Every Christian needs to read this book. Henderson reveals that following Christ's mandate to make desciples does not require a college degree or seminary level understanding of Scriptures. Every person in the church can be involved in building God's Kingdom by building God's people.

This is a great book. I have been a Methodist for about five years. This book was a great introduction to the beginnings of the Methodist movement and why. After reading this book I now wonder where the class meeting is today? This was also the best referenced book I have ever read.