Morning God,
This business of being a Pioneer minister again.
I've been comparing what has been suggested by people far wiser than myself about how to be a Pioneer Minister and have come back full circle to Wesley's Rules.
Granted they are product of their time.. but don't you think that they are still remarkably practical and pertinent God? especially the observation which states:
Observe: It is not your business to preach so many times, and to take care merely of this or that Society, but to save as many souls as you can; to bring as many sinners as you possibly can to repentance; and, with all your power, to build them up in that holiness, without which they cannot see the Lord.
God, If that isn't a mandate for Pioneer ministry then I don't know what is.
I guess we have forgotten these 'rules' (if we ever learned them) Or maybe they were just seen as a product of another time, written for a past generation and nothing to do with us today.
Crazy don't you think?
I wonder what would happen if these rules were taken to a Church Council or Circuit meeting as a way of discussing and holding your people to account for the level of Fresh Expressions or mission and evangelism in the Circuit?
I've been thinking about it and have come to the conclusion that we lost our own understanding of ministry when little by little we adopted an Anglican parochial model.
This has really has damaged our Church hasn't it God. It seems to have tied us to pastoral care rather than saving souls and focused our attention on the saved instead of the lost...
Can this tide be turned? If so, how?
I had a go at revising Wesley's Rules - and yes, I know, they are far from complete, but it's a start - at least - it makes me think again about what I'm doing and why.
What do you think God - could they ever catch on?
WESLEY'S TWELVE RULES OF A HELPER - AMENDED
1. Use the time that God has given you to do the work that God has appointed you to. Don't fritter away your time, or spend more time at any one place than is strictly necessary.
2. Be committed. Let your motto be, "Growth in Grace and Holiness." Avoid the sort of flippancy and sick humour that you know makes a mockery of your calling.
3. Converse sparingly and cautiously with those you would naturally be led to flirt with.
4. Take no step towards a permanent relationship without solemn prayer to God, and consulting your friends.
5. Believe evil of no one unless it is fully proved; even then, take heed how you credit it. Put the best construction you can on everything. You know the Judge is always supposed to be on the prisoner's side.
6. Speak evil of no one; recognize that your words are weighted by others and can do untold damage. Keep your thoughts to yourself until you are able to speak directly to the person concerned.
7. If another person's behaviour offends you then deal with them lovingly and plainly; and as soon as possible so that your concern doesn't fester in you.
8. Don't put on airs and graces. A Preacher of the Gospel is the servant of all.
9. Be ashamed of nothing but sin; no, not of cleaning your own shoes, when necessary.
10. Be punctual. Do everything exactly at the time. And do not mend our Rules, but keep them; and that for conscience's sake.
11. You have nothing to do but to save souls. Therefore spend and be spent in this work. And go always, not only to those who need you, but to those who need you most.
12. Act in all things, not according to your own will, but as a Child of the Gospel, and in union with the others of your Church.
As such, it is your part to employ your time as our Rules direct: partly in preaching, and visiting from house to house; partly in reading, meditation, and prayer. Above all, if you labour with us in our Lord's vineyard, it is needful that you should do that part of the work which the Conference shall advise, at those times and places which they shall judge most for God's glory.
Observe: It is not your business to preach so many times, and to take care merely of this or that Society, but to save as many souls as you can; to bring as many sinners as you possibly can to repentance; and, with all your power, to build them up in that holiness, without which they cannot see the Lord.
And remember, a Methodist Preacher is to mind every point, great and small, in the Methodist Discipline. Therefore you will need all the grace and all the sense you have; and to have all your wits about you.
WESLEY'S ORIGINAL TWELVE RULES OF A HELPER
1. Be diligent. Never be unemployed. Never be triflingly employed. Never while away time, nor spend more time at any place than is strictly necessary.
2. Be serious. Let your motto be, "Holiness to the Lord." Avoid all lightness, jesting, and foolish talking.
3. Converse sparingly and cautiously with women, particularly with young women.
4. Take no step towards marriage without solemn prayer to God, and consulting with your Brethren.
5. Believe evil of no one unless fully proved; take heed how you credit it. Put the best construction you can on everything. You know the Judge is always supposed to be on the prisoner's side.
6. Speak evil of no one; else your word, especially, would eat as doth a canker. Keep your thoughts within your own breast till you come to the person concerned.
7. Tell every one what you think wrong in him, lovingly and plainly; and as soon as may be, else it will fester in your own heart. Make all haste to cast the fire out of your bosom.
8. Do not affect the gentleman. A Preacher of the Gospel is the servant of all.
9. Be ashamed of nothing but sin; no, not of cleaning your own shoes, when necessary.
10. Be punctual. Do everything exactly at the time. And do not mend our Rules, but keep them; and that for conscience's sake.
11. You have nothing to do but to save souls. Therefore spend and be spent in this work. And go always, not only to those who want you, but to those who want you most.
12. Act in all things, not according to your own will, but as a Son of the Gospel, and in union with your Brethren.
As such, is your part to employ your time as our Rules direct: partly in preaching, and visiting from house to house; partly in reading, meditation, and prayer. Above all, if you labour with us in our Lord's vineyard, it is needful that you should do that part of the work which the Conference shall advise, at those times and places which they shall judge most for His glory.
Observe: It is not your business to preach so many times, and to take care merely of this or that Society, but to save as many souls as you can; to bring as many sinners as you possibly can to repentance; and, with all your power, to build them up in that holiness, without which they cannot see the Lord.
And remember, a Methodist Preacher is to mind every point, great and small, in the Methodist Discipline. Therefore you will need all the grace and all the sense you have; and to have all your wits about you.
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