A Blueprint for Discipleship: Wesley's General Rules as a Guide for Christian Living

by Kevin Watson

Do no harm. Do good. Practice the spiritual disciplines. Watch over one another in love. - John Wesley's General Rules Why is this so hard? Does being a part of the Wesleyan tradition make any difference in living out your faith? Does Methodism offer guidance as we look to the future and seek renewal? Methodist Christians sometimes exhibit the most unchristian attitudes and behavior. People notice. And it's reflecting badly on the church, but we can - individually and collectively - correct the problem. Allow God to enter more deeply into your life until it's hard to tell where you end and God begins. "Most American Christians are struggling to practice their faith," Watson writes. "...Methodists can hold on and try not to let our tradition die, but mere survival is not God's deepest desire for us or the church. Instead, we must choose to live by stubbornly depending on God's Spirit, allowing our lives to give witness to who Christ is." A Blueprint for Discipleship offers a practical approach to Christian discipleship that's distinctly Wesleyan. Watson addresses the overwhelming desire of many Methodist Christians who want a more meaningful relationship with God but aren't sure how to start or find it. Reawaken to the power and vitality of your spiritual heritage. Repent of apathy and spiritual complacency to reclaim, in the words of Wesley, "the form and power of godliness."

Genres: Religion, Theology, Christian, Discipleship

128 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2009

Reviews

[David Campton · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting take on Wesley's 1743 Rules, reframing them and the other key Wesleyan principles of "watching over one another in love" into a coherent and workable model for a contemporary rule of life. Very American and somewhat slight in its treatment of Wesley's General Rules and the "connexional spirituality" of Wesley, particularly when judged over an against the intensely individualistic model of Christianity in America and those influenced by it. Personally I found it helpful and interesting especially given I have never previously paid much attention to the 1743 General Rules, but have encountered then in various settings recently, not least in a church submission to charity legislators. As such, they, and indeed this book, may not be directly applicable to my current context but are useful starting point for reflection on contemporary Wesleyan spirituality.

[Chris Everson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great primer on Wesley’s General Rules and establishment of class and band meetings.

[Curt Matzenbacher · Rating 2 out of 5]

One in a sea of books about the general rules and / or discipleship. There was nothing in this one to make it stand out positively to my mind.

Questions like "Are you willing to renounce your own goodness..." are still mired in guilt-based theology that doesn't lead to long-term change (as opposed to empowerment theology that embraces our imago Dei nature as a starting point).

I added a star because our Sunday school class had a good discussion still, but it often felt that it was in spite of the book rather than because of it.

[Katherine R · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you are UMC or Wesleyan, it is a good basic book on discipleship from the historical context of John Wesley.

[Mindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read. Helpful & insightful

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good and simply stated explanation of Wesley's General Rules, Methodist Classes, Societies and Bands as well as how they can and should fit into the lives of Disciples today.

Watson does well when explaining the Rules and how they can be incorporated into church life in constructive and powerful ways today that aren't legalistic and formulaic. A far better presentation of the General Rules that I have seen recently published (better by far than Rueben Jobs' "Three Simple Rules which butchers the third General Rule. "Stay in love with God" doesn't really get close; sorry.)

[Joe Iovino · Rating 5 out of 5]

We use this book as a primer for our church's discipleship groups, which doubles as our new member class. Watson does. Great job of teaching Wesleyan discipleship historically, and gives us opportunity to practice it today. A great resource for church leaders lookin to develop a culture of discipleship in their congregations.

[Jeff Bobin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent brief, 100 pages, summary of the John Wesley model for discipleship based on the the three general rules of the church.

Using the general rules, do no harm, do good and practice the disciplines of the Christian life, this will outline how Wesley guided those he led into a life of Christian discipleship and life.

Good small group study book.

[Richard Fitzgerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great re-traditioning of John Wesley's General Rules. This book provides a framework for making disciples that is workable in the contemporary church. The small group leader's guide is very well written.

[Rev Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good attempt to help local congregations refocus on their core identity for a Christian lifestyle.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clear, concise, and compelling exploration of Wesley's General Rules and how they are not only relevant but critical to discipleship in the modern church.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful approachable primer on being Methodist. I will be using this in a small group in the future

[Cat Fithian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great overview of how Wesley set up his early church and how we can emulate that for successful spiritual growth in ourselves and our churches.

[Judith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Back to the basics is always a good thing. If we lay up our Christian life today against the standards Wesley sets out in this book, we cannot help but improve our Christian walk.