This morning during our teaching time, we talked about the creation of the small groups in the Methodist Movement and what each of them did to help people come to know Jesus. It was much more in depth then I have heard them described before. We used the “salt and light” text from Matthew 5:13-16 to frame the conversation. How are we being the salt of the earth? How are we being light in the darkness of our world?
In the early Methodist movement, only 20% of the people came to know Jesus through a preaching event. 80% found him through the relationships they made in class meetings. This model focuses on nourishing the seeds that have been scattered. Each type of group has a different role or purpose. It reminds me of the Emmaus accountability groups. This model of church focuses on the people of the church deepening their relationship and understanding of how to be a light into their world. It is about them living out their faith. We talked about what the church now is calling “Covenant Discipleship Groups.” I think this language works well with my wanting to have membership classes and call it “Covenant Partners”. As soon as I get home, I want to schedule a visioning team meeting for the next year of Living Water UM Church. I heard about a church today that has “meets here” on their sign to remind people that the church is the people and not the building. I like it. Good thing I haven’t ordered the signs for the new building yet.
We were given the afternoon for free time. Many of the pilgrims just rested. I took off by myself on a train to Tisbury to see the castle ruins that were closest. It was an amazing site and I felt like I had stepped back in time. All the historical novels that I have read regarding castles came flooding back to me as I took the stairs and looked out the windows. My son would have loved it. They didn’t have it roped off and you could explore all the rooms of the castle. It was very cool. I took about 20 photos and have posted a few of them on my facebook page.
We are going to Bath tomorrow so more bus (coach) rides and no internet.
by 
