The Bible Class System: Reclaiming The Past For a Vibrant Future

Growing up in the Methodist Church, Bible Class was the foundation for church growth. It wasn’t just a meeting on a calendar; it was the heartbeat of the faith community. Long before megachurches and digital streaming, the Methodist movement swept across nations because of a simple, radical idea: the Class Meeting.

At First & Wesley UMC, we have a rich history, but to move into the future, we are looking back at what made us strong. We are reclaiming the “Class System” which is small, intimate groups where faith isn’t just taught, but lived out.

The Power of the Small Group

The original Methodist classes were groups of about 12 people who met weekly. They didn’t just study Scripture; they asked one another, “How is it with your soul?“

In these small circles, no one is a stranger. When we start these new study groups, we aren’t just adding another program to our church; we are building a support system. In a large sanctuary, it’s easy to hide in the back pew. In a small group, you are seen, heard, and prayed for by name.

Why Now?

In a world that feels increasingly disconnected, people are hungry for authentic community. Our goal for First & Wesley is to create spaces where:

  • Scripture Becomes Personal: We move beyond head knowledge to heart transformation.
  • Accountability is Natural: We encourage one another to live out the teachings of Jesus in our daily lives.
  • Leadership is Developed: Small groups are the perfect “greenhouse”

How We Begin

We are starting small, just like John Wesley did. We invite you to be part of this “new-old” way of being the church. Whether you’ve been a member for fifty years or five minutes, there is a seat at the table for you. By returning to our roots, we aren’t just reminiscing about the past; we are planting the seeds for a vibrant, growing future. Let’s get back to the foundation. Let’s get back to the Class.

Conclusion

This is a bold and unpopular step I’m encouraging you to take with me. Please let me know what you think.