Faith & Worship
Faith
Hebrews Chapter 11 verse 1
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen”
πίστις
pistis
pis’-tis
From G3982; persuasion, that is, credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon Christ for salvation; abstractly constancy in such profession; by extension the system of religious (Gospel) truth itself: – assurance, belief, believe, faith, fidelity.
Worship
John Chapter 4 verses 23-24
“But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth”
προσκυνέω
proskuneō
pros-koo-neh’-o
From G4314 and probably a derivative of G2965 (meaning to kiss, like a dog licking his master’s hand); to fawn or crouch to, that is, (literally or figuratively) prostrate oneself in homage (do reverence to, adore): – worship.
We live by faith, we live out our lives in worship
Inspiration and encouragement to those who seek to follow Jesus
‘And I, when I am lifted up from the earth will draw all people to myself.”
John 12:32
This verse describes my initial and ongoing experience of Jesus the Messiah.
In my mid 20’s I was at my lowest point. I considered myself agnostic about religion and was antagonistic to Christianity. As I read a small section about Jesus in John’s gospel, Jesus attracted me to himself like a powerful magnet. He drew me to pure love and compassion. He still does. I surrender to this love.
That encounter led to an exciting and painful journey of growing inner freedom. On this Jesus way, my theories about life, God, psychology, and society have changed and been revised many times and are still evolving. Yet the initial experience of this attracting Jesus has only been deepened in the furnace of living life. I am always drawn to Jesus. He attracts. His attracting love remains.
My vocation is to lift him up, and point to him who attracts all people to himself.
Thirty five years later and I still want to see Jesus Messiah lifted up.
‘And I, when I am lifted up from the earth will draw all people to myself.”
Methodist Bands
A Powerful Tool for Spiritual Growth and Accountability
In the 18th century, John Wesley introduced a revolutionary discipleship model within the Methodist movement, known as “bands.” These were small, close-knit groups designed to foster spiritual growth, accountability, and personal transformation. Today, Methodist bands remain a profound example of how intentional relationships can drive meaningful spiritual change.
The Origins of Methodist Bands
John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, was inspired by the life of Jesus, who often worked with small groups for deep, relational discipleship.
Jesus modelled this process through His ministry, starting with an inner circle of three, expanding to the twelve, and reaching the crowds.
Wesley structured the Methodist movement around various group sizes, each with distinct purposes.
Beyond larger “societies” (akin to worship services), Wesley introduced “classes” for communal fellowship and teaching, and within these, he formed “bands” — groups of three to five individuals dedicated to deep spiritual examination and accountability.
The intent of bands was simple yet radical: create small, safe spaces for members to openly discuss their faith journeys, confess struggles, and encourage each other. These bands prioritised honest conversations and mutual accountability, aiming to drive a deeper, more transformative experience than the large gatherings could achieve alone.
Structure and Focus of Methodist Bands
Unlike larger church gatherings focused on teaching, worship, or celebration, bands have a distinct format and focus:
- Size: Typically limited to three to five people, allowing for intimacy and trust
- Accountability: Members would meet regularly, to discuss their spiritual lives in depth. These meetings were low-maintenance yet high-accountability, emphasising the need for consistent commitment without overwhelming schedules.
- Shared Scripture: Band members often focused on the same scripture passage throughout the week, reflecting deeply and discussing how it applied to their lives. This unified study helped reinforce the group’s spiritual goals.
- “Up, In, Out” Framework: Each band gathering encouraged members to think in three directions: upward (their relationship with God), inward (personal growth), and outward (serving others). This holistic focus helped members cultivate a balanced spiritual life.
The Impact and Benefits of Band Discipleship
Methodist bands were revolutionary for their time and remain relevant today for several reasons:
- Fosters Deep Relationships: The small group size encourages vulnerability, trust, and authentic connections. Members build bonds that often become vital sources of encouragement and support.
- Encourages Accountability: Bands provide a structured environment where individuals can share their struggles, and receive encouragement. This level of accountability is crucial for long-term spiritual growth.
- Promotes Spiritual Discipline: The focus on weekly scripture reflection, coupled with discussions on personal growth and community impact, fosters consistent spiritual habits and reflection.
John Wesley’s vision for Methodist bands was a radical approach to discipleship that emphasised small, accountable, and relational groups over large, impersonal gatherings. This model has stood the test of time, offering a pathway to deeper spiritual growth, closer community, and a balanced approach to faith. Bands provide a powerful example of how intentional discipleship can transform lives from the inside out.