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I had a conversation recently with a few people who expressed a desire to enter into a deeper level of accountability and intimacy with fellow Christians. We were talking about the power that can come from “watching over one another in love.” I shared that I had been a part of a Wesleyan band meeting in seminary and that this was one of the most powerful experiences of my life.
In light of that conversation, I thought I would post Wesley’s “Rules of the Band-Societies,” Drawn up December 25, 1738. (This is public domain.) So what follows are the rules:
The design of our meeting is, to obey that command of God, “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed.”
To this end, we intend –
- To meet once a week, at the least.
- To come punctually at the hour appointed, without some extraordinary reason.
- To begin (those of us who are present) exactly at the hour, with singing or prayer.
- To speak each of us in order, freely and plainly, the true state of our souls, with the faults we have committed in thought, word, or deed, the temptations we have felt, since our last meeting.
- To end every meeting with prayer, suited to the state of each person present.
- To desire some person among us to speak his own state first, and then to ask the rest, in order, as many and as searching questions as may be, concerning their state, sins, and temptations.
Some of the questions proposed to every one before he is admitted among us may be to this effect: —
- Have you the forgiveness of your sins?
- Have you peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ?
- Have you the witness of God’s Spirit with your spirit, that you are a child of God?
- Is the love of God shed abroad in your heart?
- Has no sin, inward or outward, dominion over you?
- Do you desire to be told of your faults?
- Do you desire to be told of all your faults, and that plain and home?
- Do you desire that every one of us should tell you, from time to time, whatsoever is in his heart concerning you?
- Consider! Do you desire we should tell you whatsoever we think, whatsoever we fear, whatsoever we hear, concerning you?
- Do you desire that, in doing this, we should come as close as possible, that we should cut to the quick, and search your heart to the bottom?
- Is it your desire and design to be on this, and all other occasions, entirely open, so as to speak everything that is in your heart without exception, without disguise, and without reserve?
Any of the preceding questions may be asked as often as occasion offers; the four following at every meeting: —
- What known sins have you committed since our last meeting?
- What temptations have you met with?
- How were you delivered?
- What have you thought, said, or done, of which you doubt whether it be sin or not?
Kevin – Thanks for posting these. I have wondered where I might be able to access them online 🙂
Andrew – No problem. In fact, part of my hope in posting these was that it would help them be more visible online.
I’m wondering about the possibilities for virtual Wesleyan Bands. (And) Can it be?
Thanks. The principles of accountability are so important. This will definitely provide some structure to deeper accountability and spiritual growth. Thanks again!
Matt – That is a good question. My reaction is that it would be great if it were, but I am not sure the level of transparency and vulnerability that is required of a healthy band group is possible online. I think the most hope would be as a means of sustaining one that had already been active for some time.
Gerardo – No problem. Keep us posted on ways that you find this useful.
Matt and Kevin – I think that this is a great question and one which is worth considering. Kevin, I agree that it may be more helpful to continue accountability and relationships that may have started offline. However, I do think that it might be possible to move toward the type of vulnerability necessary – particularly in a live video conference. It would take more intentionality and trust from each of the persons involved. What do you think?
Andrew – I have clearly not had my mac long enough, because I had not even thought about live video conferencing. I think that might actually totally change things. In my mind I was thinking about creating a blog that was private or something, which I just don’t think would work. I will keep thinking about this. I am definitely intrigued. What do others think?
I think this is entirely possible. Heck, dare we say revolutionary? Kevin, how much time does an authentic Wesleyan Band Meeting take (I realize this kind of question probably obscures the actual purpose and intent of an authentic Band meeting)?
Matt – It very well could be revolutionary! In the band meeting I was in during seminary, we made an effort to keep the meeting to about an hour, sometimes an hour and a half. It would depend on how many people were in it. I would say 10-15 minutes per person would be a good average.
Kevin – First let me say I love your blog. I am a new subscriber who found you through google under “restoring methodism”.
The first thing that comes to mind is the different of “feeling” between a group prayer with people seated heads bowed and praying in a circling holding hands.
I would think a very useful virtual meeting would be between the class-leaders and the DS or other class leaders with the goal of sharing lessons learned and giving instruction. Less personal content. I could see this really working if the band consisted of pastors or DSs meeting with the Bishop (all very busy and geographically separate).
Bart – Thank you for the kind words. And thank you for sharing your thoughts.
You make an excellent point about the difference between praying in person and “virtual” prayer. It would be difficult to experience the same intimacy online as you would in person.
I think you have also lifted up a very interesting application in suggesting its use for class leaders or church leaders who are geographically separate. I think this is an excellent idea! Thank you for lifting it up.
The main thought I have in response is that I think the band meeting would always be preferable in person. There is just no better way to build trust and intimacy that through face to face meeting. However, for me the question is, what if that is not possible? In that case is some kind of online video conferencing better than not meeting at all? My first thought is that it is.
What do you think?
Kevin – I do not think it would work for me. That said there are two things I know. The first is the Holy Spirit is powerful beyond my imagination and really does not care if I think his plans will work or not. The second is that I do not understand communication sociology of twenty something’s and younger. I heard a news clip about a school kid that called the guy who makes the snow cancellation decision for his school. His wife called the kid back and freaked out on his machine which he put on the internet. The newscaster relayed a very insightful sentiment. “this generation looks at privacy differently than previous generations”. This might not be an exact quote, but it does bring up issues both pro and con for virtual Christian community (VCC). On one hand confidentiality is easier to breach and the consequences are literally global. On the other hand the bearing ones heart might be easier online than in person. Our prejudices dealing with weight, attractiveness, skin color, and ethnicity might also be easier to overcome virtually. The last great application of VCC is in closed societies like China or N. Korea where Christianity is illegal. Well I have talked in quite a circle. I did like the irony of bashing VCC on a blog.
Kevin – I have been thinking more about your idea for virtual band meetings. It has sort of stuck to me. I still feel the interaction of a weekly in person is so important. I would like to have a group to hold me accountable on a daily basis, but there is no way I would ever find the time. I was thinking of an accountability blog. The basic idea would be for the group to post each day with there challenges, needs, and successes. If the originating post contained all the members’ names then each person could paste the list minus there name to the bottom. At the end of the day the names on the last post would be “unaccountable” thus initiating personal contact. This would not replace face to face meetings, but it might be a good supplement and might allow for less frequent meetings. What do you think??
Bart – I think you have come up with a very interesting and excellent idea. It would be very interesting to see how an accountability blog worked in practice. I think there could be tremendous potential for helping people connect and deepen in their faith, especially for those of us who are thinking about how the blogosphere can not just be a means of entertainment, but a means of grace where we are encouraged to grow in our love of God and neighbor.
What do others think?
All – I have made a hack at one.
http://orthokardia.wordpress.com/
I covet any suggestions
Bart – Thanks for starting this. I am going to write a post drawing attention to this later today.
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