I am giving a lecture today for Dr. Ted Campbell’s United Methodist History course at Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University. I will be lecturing on the early Methodist system of organization and the way in which the early Methodists “watched over one another in love.” The main emphasis of my lecture will be on the Society, Class, Band structure. This lecture will help students of United Methodist History understand early Methodist discipline in order to begin to discern whether it has any relevance for the contemporary United Methodist Church.
I have posted the outline that I distributed to the students in the documents section, in case you are interested. Click here to go directly to the outline.
Kevin M. Watson 
Very cool! Thanks for sharing the notes š
When will you come over here and lead that for my churches? We have maintained the class system with membership tickets, but more in name only. We could all use a refresher.
Speaking of that, within the last five years or so, there was a survey done of all Christian churches. With regards to small group and bible study, other than the Congregationalists, Methodists were the most cool to the idea. Our General Sec. Martyn Atkins commented, ‘Talk about losing your DNA.’
Andrew – You are very welcome.
Will – To you first question, I would be happy to come to your churches and teach, all I ask is that you pay my travel expenses and a small stipend… (was that subtle the way I tried to get a free trip to England?…)
By the way, where are you in England in relation to London?
And the results of that survey are tragic, but do not surprise me. Can you point me to where I can find that survey?
Thanks for your comment.
Best and prayers for tomorrow! I would love to have a copy of the lecture when it’s done.