Spirit & Truth released a conversation with Scott Kisker, Matt Reynolds, and myself yesterday. This conversation was one of the highlights of my week. I hope you will check it out and that the conversation will bless you too.

The conversation centered around discipleship in a time of social distancing. We talked about the versatility of Wesleyan class meetings, as a way to meet virtually when necessary (though in person is ideal). One aspect of developing small group formation that seems particularly helpful right now is that small groups can fairly easily move from online to in person as required by conditions related to Covid-19. (Need help starting class meetings? Check out: How to Quickly and Easily Launch Online Class Meetings.)

The most interesting part of the conversation for me was when Scott argued that we should refer to this season as a famine and not a time of fasting. Scott argued that fasting is not the right way to think about this season. Rather, we are in the midst of a famine.

Scott’s main point was that we can choose to fast. We do not choose a famine. It is something that happens to us. And, as a result, it is not a spiritual discipline. I had not seen or heard anyone else make this distinction. It has really changed my thinking about this season.

We discussed several other aspects of Church history and whether we think there are historical precedents for Covid-19 and the church’s response.

I particularly enjoyed this conversation because Scott was one of my two most important mentors when I was in seminary. It is always humbling to me to be connected with him and get to work with him.

Matt asked Scott and I to do this together because we co-wrote a book a few years ago on the Wesley band meeting. The book discussed both the theology behind these groups and how to start band meetings today. If you want to know more about Wesleyan small group formation or think you might be ready for a band meeting, pick up a copy of The Band Meeting.

If you haven’t been following Spirit & Truth, I highly encourage you to do so. Matt Reynolds is on the cutting edge of contemporary evangelism that is helping people encounter Jesus and his love for them. And he is passionate about equipping local churches to spread the good news of Jesus in their communities. Matt Reynolds gives me hope for the future of the Wesleyan movement!

Kevin M. Watson is a professor at Candler School of Theology, Emory University. He teaches, writes, and preaches to empower community, discipleship, and stewardship of our heritage. Click here to get future posts emailed to you. Affiliate links used in this post.