The Class Meeting: Reclaiming a Forgotten (and Essential) Small Group Experience

by Kevin Watson

Dr. Kevin Watson has written a fresh new guide to the theory and practice of the Wesley class meeting, an essential element of truly Wesleyan spirituality. This book is for clergy and congregations who are looking for ways to develop deeper discipleship. The class meeting is made workable without losing its essential dynmic as a gospel-based accountable community. Watson has resurrected the class meeting and given it new meaning, showing its relevance for the church today and how it may be a perfect means for church renewal.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Christianity, Religion, Discipleship, Christian Non Fiction, Spirituality

157 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2013

Reviews

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Class Meeting was a completely new idea to me when I started this book. I now strongly feel that Methodists need to re-claim this obviously beneficial practice, but not really because of anything Kevin Watson had to say about it. Actually, I found myself disagreeing with just about everything he said for the first several chapters, particularly that it is somehow impossible for a curriculum to be transformative. As he went on, I felt he spent too much time arguing for something I'm obviously in favor of (otherwise I would have stopped reading) instead of actually describing what a Class Meeting would look like, how it would run, how to start one, WHEN it should take place, and other things that I think are probably more important than yet another quote from John Wesley about why they were so awesome. And the last couple of chapters were literally repeat information. It was almost as though his publisher told him it needed to be an eight-week study, but he had no idea what to do for the last two weeks.

So while this book had some important information and some truly valuable nuggets of wisdom, I felt like the majority of it was ... not that. Still, I'm hoping to get some Class Meeetings started at my church.

[Joshua Pearsall · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book, as every work by Kevin Watson I've read is. I fully agree with the book, I think it is vital to Methodism to recover the Class Meeting. Both to retrieve the vital and powerful discipleship group, and a way to attack many of the unbiblical modern cultural ideas of our time.

[Nathaniel Teeter · Rating 2 out of 5]

While this book has some good ideas and is useful for starting a "Class Meeting", I disagree with the terminology he uses and some of the assumptions he takes with data. In particular he calls Class Meetings "Transformational groups" and then goes on to describe discipleship. I understand that part of this is historical language for the Methodist denomination, but if he wanted the book to be more approachable and useful he should use modern language. Especially since this book is aimed at reviving the tradition in the modern day.

I rated it two stars because I personally didn't like it--several people in my group study loved it--due to the inaccurate language uses. For example, I dislike when people refer to a bible teaching as a bible study. If the "study" is listening to one person teach something rather than everyone discussing a passage together, it's not a study.

[Chuck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insightful and applicable

Not only does this book provide a great historical look at the Wesleyan class meetings, and a positive view of their place in the modern church, it also facilitates the development of these groups by its very design. I was inspired reading the text and I am now looking forward to sharing it with others in our church in the hope of developing class meetings in our congregation.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thesis: Wesleyan class meetings are the most effective at making disciples of Jesus Christ, and as a result, churches should be invested in establishing, promoting, and nurturing them.
CM held people accountable to General Rules, encouraged to give to the poor, and a place where Methodists answered, How is it with your soul? Scott Kisker: How is your life with God?
Christian perfection (ES) is giving all that I know of myself to all that I know of God. This is a dynamic process, because tomorrow I will know more about myself than I do today, and as a result, I will have more of myself that I can give to God. Wesley's emphasis: We can become holy by God's grace in this life!
Holiness is not about what you can do for God, it is about the possibilities for faithfulness and living in God's will that have been broken open by the explosion of grace made available to us through the work of Christ.
Disciples are not made through study, but formed through apprenticeship.
Being in a small group is as important as being in worship each week
Class leaders must be aware that faithfulness to the gospel is ahead of comfort. Comfort is not a good indication of whether something is good for you. Talking about your relationship with God is risky, vulnerable, or scary. Choosing to follow Christ is worth the risk!
Wesley was convinced that a relationship with Jesus was best experienced and most likely to grow within the context of community, a heavenly family (i.e. class meeting, small group for discipleship, accountability)
Ministries cannot make people responsible for their relationship with God. American Methodism encouraged people to take ownership of their faith. Sunday School provided answers and was detrimental on a knowledge based, others responsible schema.
self-aware, thoughtful, honest, good listeners, honor confidentiality, willing to be vulnerable, bring a humble spirit to the group, open to new life, seek to welcome new people into the group, take ownership of their faith, invest in their relationships with God daily and are hungry/thirsty for God, and to be a more faithful instrument of the HS in the world.

[Deb Washer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This could help the dying churches

Kevin Watson has written a guide to get back to the proven way for Christians to become and stay strong in their faith. This book starts with the why, and moves to the how, to start and maintain class meetings in the Wesleyan tradition. Watson explains the historical tradition, and purpose of class meetings which foster spiritual transformation as opposed to Bible studies or Sunday school which may only provide information without real change in lives. Written in clear and easy to understand language, it covers the benefits and potential pitfalls of class meetings by providing the material in a small group format for groups to study weekly before launching into class meetings. This book has the potential to bring new vitality to churches whose members want to mature spiritually but don’t know where to start.

[Matt Farrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Practical Guidance for Forming Vital Spiritual Growth Groups

Have read many books on discipleship that promise to provide practical guidance to actually start a vibrant ministry within the church. Many (most) leave you with lots of information but little guidance that actually focuses on the praxis of discipleship groups. This book breaks out of the pack and offers real guidance to church leaders in their pursuit to implement a ministry of groups that are truly focused on spiritual transformation. Very grateful for this book and look forward to reading The Band Meeting by the same authors.

[Stephen Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rebuilding the Life of Jesus Christ into His Followers

I am in dialogue with a Pastor about discipling disciples to make disciples. Having pastored for 2 decades, I knew something was missing. We are awash with teaching, books and media of every sort, but still the church - me - is anemic.
I heard of John Wesley's "methods" but never read in depth about them. I considered them worth studying. This book gives a very good introduction to a vital method, with a bent toward doing. At the very least, a reader is challenged to examine their own condition with God through Jesus Christ.

[Ragain Pace · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good break down of the Methodist Class Meeting and how to implement a successful meeting. An excellent argument for bringing it back as an essential tool for Christians to take ownership in their faith journey through fellowship, trust, and vulnerability with other disciples. I am in a small group that read this to understand and decide if we want to pursue this type of meeting weekly and the overwhelming response is that we all do and will attempt to use this book as a guide for our meetings.
I did find the book very repetitive but appreciate the authors passion for this long forgotten Methodist practice.

[Arianne See · Rating 3 out of 5]

Highlights the importance of class meetings for the Methodists, with a large emphasis on transformational small groups. Reasons for class meetings were compelling and I can better understand why it is important for all Methodists alike to be part of a small group. Although I think this book is more suited for churches without small groups/individuals who are not already part of a small groups. Pointers on how to organise and lead small groups are useful especially for small groups that are starting out. Would definitely recommend this book for new small groups and their leaders.

[Jim Gleason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Based on the history of he United Methodist church movement back in the 1800's, the weekly sharing of "What's going on this week with my soul?" with a small (less than 12) fellow followers has the potential to be life changing. As part of a 'cell group' that met for 9 weeks to share and learn this methodology and then committed to continuing a 6am gathering each week based on the success and impact of that first 9 weeks, our small group remains committed due to that initial success.

[Robert Conder · Rating 5 out of 5]

If a church is wanting to start class meetings this book will help you to understand what the purpose of a class meeting. It’s goal is to help us grow with each other in our faith in Jesus Christ. I believe each church may need to see what works with their congregation and may need to see what other churches are doing in this area.

[Travis Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read

I loved revisiting some of the history of the Wesleyan/ Methodist church. I learned a few things that I had not heard b4.

I love the idea behind this book, although I'm not sure that it would work in my situation, however I think some of the principles can be used in some way or another.

[Emily]

I liked his points at the start but then he just kept restating the same ideas in different ways and nagging about why you have to organize this specific type of small group this specific way. The whole book could've been 2 chapters shorter, I reckon. I would've been a lot more sold by the end if it had stopped sooner.

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing! I have read many books on this subject and this is one of the best. I will use this book in the near future to teach and hopefully begin class meetings at both the local church and District (UMC) level.

[Claire · Rating 2 out of 5]

The history is mildly interesting and I don't contest the conclusion that the class meeting is vital, but all that could have been accomplished in 20 pages or less. I found the book to be drawn out and repetitive.

[Justin McCall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great guide to growing into your faith

Kevin provides a cleaeand compelling argument for Wesley Class Meetings in the modern age along wih an extremely thorough guide on how to create them.

[John Leek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent, easy to follow, introduction to the class meeting. This kind of meeting formed the backbone of the early Methodist movement which transformed communities and nations. We tried with a group at our church and it fizzled in practice, but I'd like to try again.

[Chloe Brewster · Rating 2 out of 5]

We read this book for our small group through church and it was interesting, no one really enjoyed it but it did set the stage for our group and expectations! The author was a bit salesy & incredibly repetitive but can’t blame him for wanting to help people know The Lord!

[Cathy Sweeney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book to use for the specific purpose of starting a covenant group. Specifically good for the role of a leader. Wesleyan based, which is a good emphasis.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting concept

An interesting lesson in methodism past, present and what could be the future if a class meeting is run effectively by its members.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great history of the Wesley class meeting. But our small group did not think it very relevant for today's Christians.

[Eugenia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finishing this book was memorable - started this book on my own, forgot about it, and re-started/completed it as a regular study with my small group.

[Tom Bolton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great content, and Watson is authoritative. I learned a lot from this book.

[Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

A practical book that strives to show the reader the spiritual importance of the Methodist Class Meeting (small groups).

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome must read

This book is good book for ones who are Methodist and want to start fresh. Its a good Methodist tradition that sadly had died and need to start back up again.

[K.V. Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

The best Class Meeting material out there. It is hight repetitive through the chapters but it is a complete book and it will give you the tools to start and/or lead your own small group.

[Shane Moore · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was immediately sold on the idea that this book is championing, a weekly small group meeting where people discuss where they are at spiritually for a few minutes each. Sharing personal spiritual experiences, group prayer, and community support have always been essential to my religious life. Unfortunately, the author's delivery is slow, repetitive, and overly concerned with trying to convince an audience who wouldn't even pick up the book if they weren't inclined to agree with him.

Skip the book and just try the practice. Maybe reading the book first prevents some hiccups and small awkwardness in some groups, but spending the time it would take to read this book actually doing the meetings would be even more helpful.

[Jeri Penrod · Rating 4 out of 5]

Personal view

I felt that the overall point of this book is well stated and clearly explained. The author does a good job of offering his view on the purpose, the experience, the effect, and how to run a class meeting. The history given adds nicely to the context as well. My only complaint is that the author seems to have point of contention with Sunday School Classes. I found this created a stumbling block for several in our study of the book.

[Stephen Deloney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Could have used more meat. The practical advice chapters were rather redundant. Case studies from diverse communities would have been helpful, though I know this isn't Seedbed's (the publishing group) forte ...
Overall good introduction, hopefully will inspire folks to try out the class meeting format, though be prepared for the Holy Spirit to come in and create in that space something joyously unexpected.