The Experience Meeting: An Introduction to the Welsh Societies of the Evangelical Awakening

by William Proctor Williams, D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones (Introduction)

The experimental or experiential aspect of the Christian life has been seriously neglected during the present century. Certain factors and tendencies have led to this unfortunate condition. Chief among these has been a superficial evangelism which has neglected real conviction of sin and repentance and encouraged an easy believism. Secondly, there has been a theory of sanctification, more psychological than spiritual and scriptural, which has discouraged self-examination and taught that we have only to 'leave it to the Lord.' Thirdly, and more recently, has been an unbalanced emphasis on intellectual understanding of Truth, the social application of Truth, and the manifestation of particular spiritual gifts. All this has greatly impoverished the spiritual life of both the individual Christian and the churches, and led to coldness, barrenness, and loss of power. The greatest need of the hour is a return to the emphases of the Evangelical Awakening. It is in the belief that this classic of the spiritual life and warfare can greatly stimulate and hasten that return that I encouraged my wife to translate it, and am now happy to commend it, and to advise all Christians to read it. I would particularly urge ministers and pastors to read it, not only because it will prove to be an invaluable help in what is now called counselling of individuals, but also because I would press upon them the importance of introducing such meetings into the life of their churches. Much untold blessing would follow. -From the introduction by Dr. D.M. Lloyd-Jones. Rev. William Williams, was a preacher and leader in the 18th century in Wales. A great hymn-writer and poet, he became the recognized leader and authority in organizing and conducting the experience meetings of the Methodist or Evangelical Awakening.

Genres: History, Devotional

64 pages, Paperback

First published October 7, 2003

Reviews

[Jonathan Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lovely little booklet on how to lead a small group / church. Originally written for ‘experience meetings’ in the 18th Century, this is still appropriate for elders and lay leaders.
It is brimming with pastoral warmth and wisdom. Williams knew the Bible and he knew people. This is a masterclass in pastoral care.

[Enoch Heise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very thought provoking. It is helpful to consider the time period and specifically what was happening with the Welsh Calvinistic Methodists at the time.

Personally, I think there are parts of the book that are only valuable from a historical perspective. But I do think there is much in the book that sheds light on a sense of spiritual intimacy among Christians that is instructive for Christians today.

[Daniel Nelms · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating little book. Translated by Mrs. Lloyd Jones and preface by the Doctor. It reads almost like a platonic dialogue, so you need to get used to it at first. The idea is almost a conversational training manual between two people on the development, organization and also theology behind these old society meetings that were taking place beneath William’s efforts during the Welsh Revival

What struck me was the seriousness of their front-door to their churches. Each society was a small group consisting of a new Christian and a more mature Christian trained in catechizing and also in the probing of someone’s heart and motives behind them. They would covenant to deep, vulnerable and honest conversations about their new faith in a sort of “testing” relationship that would eventually, if evidence of true faith was found, would lead to the new Christian becoming an official member of the church.

The methods I do not necessarily jive with but I really enjoy the seriousness of the task to ensure that new Christians understand the journey they are committing to. Too often today evangelicals baptize people and they vanish from the church. In this day, that most assuredly didn’t happen often within systems like this. A middle ground is probably helpful somewhere.

[Phil Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book covers a type of meeting between believers, known as experience meetings, in which one's experiences of God were discussed with a desire for a closer walk with God. This is a very helpful book. I have found the list of questions that a leader could ask members of the group on one's walk with God really challenging, helpful and instructive.