DISCIPLESHIP: THE METHODIST WAY

In discussing our life together at St. Peter's United Methodist Church over the last year or two, we have been reminded of the many and diverse "small groups" that we maintain. Sunday School classes. Pioneer Clubs. Bible studies. A youth group. Women's groups. Men's groups. Discussion groups. Musical groups. Church committees. Administrative Council. Our small groups make up a rich mosaic that runs throughout our congregational life.

Usually, when one of our small groups begins a meeting, we receive prayer requests; and we then pray for those mentioned. This is an excellent way, the best way, to start any meeting of Christians in the Church.

But if we are going to be increasing in our discipleship to Jesus Christ, we can also be dedicated to encouraging each other to live more faithfully as disciples, as followers, of our Lord. Fully dedicated to Jesus Christ, John Wesley wrote, spoke, and preached about "going on to perfection." That is, going on to Christian perfection. That is, going on to a perfect love of God and neighbor.

One way to encourage all of us in being better disciples of Jesus Christ is to adopt three (3) simple rules:

1.) Oppose evil;

2.) Do all good; and

3.) Be faithful to Jesus Christ and His Church.

These rules are not taken out of thin air. They are not made up. Actually, they come from the heart of the Church's faith and from the history of Methodism. We could even say that these three rules summarize the Baptismal Vows of the Church and repeat the General Rules from Methodist history.

There are six (6) Baptismal Vows, which are listed on pp. 34 and 38 in The United Methodist Hymnal.

Vows I and II ask us if we will oppose evil.

I. Do you renounce the spiritual forces of wickedness, reject the evil powers of this world, and repent of your sin?

II. Do you accept the freedom and power God gives you to resist evil, injustice, and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves?

Vow II also asks us, by implication, if we will do good to resist the evil that threatens.

Vows III-VI ask us if we will be faithful to Jesus Christ and His Church:

III. Do you confess Jesus Christ as your Savior, put your whole trust in his grace, and promise to serve him as your Lord, in union with the Church which Christ has opened to people of all ages, nations, and races?

IV. According to the grace given to you, will you remain faithful members of Christ's holy [C]hurch and serve as Christ's representatives in the world?

V. As members of Christ's universal [C]hurch, will you be loyal to The United Methodist Church, and do all in your power to strengthen its ministries?

VI. As members of this congregation, will you faithfully participate in its ministries by your prayers, your presence, your gifts, and your service?

Now, turning to the General Rules, which John Wesley gave to his "societies" (that is, small groups), we note three categories. The first category concerns "doing no harm," which is a less aggressive way of stating "oppose evil." The second category is "doing good," which is similar to "do all good." And the third category encourages "attending upon all the ordinances of God," which include public worship, teaching, Holy Communion, prayer, Bible reading, and fasting. This is very much like "be faithful to Jesus Christ and His Church."

These three rules can be put to use in our small groups in many different ways. They will need to be tailored to fit the group and the occasion. Most of the time, they might just be mentioned, and people might be encouraged to live by them. At other times, the group might pause to let a member speak, out of personal experience, about attempting to keep one of the rules.