Fellow disciples, 

How’s your spiritual life going? That seems like an odd and oddly personal question, doesn’t it? But it’s also a really important question for followers of Christ. How is your spiritual life? 

Mine feels a little tattered and a bit disorganized right now, thanks for asking. I find I’m looking for ways to refocus, recenter, and renew the connection I feel with God. One of the best ways to clear out the clutter and find what is important again has always been to go back to the basics. Start small. Do one thing well.  

As we enter the fall season, I invite you to return to the basics with me, beginning with John Wesley’s General Rules, the foundational principles established by the founder of Methodism. As Christians, we are to:  

1. Do no harm  
2. Do good  
3. Attend upon all the ordinances of God (participating in Worship, taking Communion, reading the Bible, Praying, and more)  

The first two are straightforward, even if they aren’t always easy. But what does it mean to “attend upon all the ordinances of God”? Rule 3 above lists tangible, accessible items (Worship, Communion, reading the Bible, Prayer). It’s the “and more” part that feels nebulous, and maybe even scary.  

What ‘more’ is required?  

For Wesley, small groups were the answer to that question. Wesleyan small groups were designed to “watch over one another in love.”  Small groups were, and are, essential places where fellow disciples share ideas, find support, ask questions, and grow together. We even promise to do this when we celebrate a baptism or welcome new members; we agree to:  

1. Nurture one another in the Christian faith and life and include each other in our care 
2. Surround each other with a community of love and forgiveness, that we may grow in our trust of God, and be found faithful in our service to others, praying for all, so that we may be true disciples who walk in the way that leads to life. 

Nurturing faith and building community happen in small groups. It’s not easy; it takes vulnerability and courage to form real relationships with each other and with God. The good news is that we don’t have to do it alone.  

This fall, I invite you to journey with me as fellow disciples. Spend some time in prayer and reflection as you ponder the question “How is your spiritual life?” Then, take a look at the wide variety of opportunities offered here at Manchester UMC to be in fellowship, to study together, to have meaningful conversations, and to watch over one another in love.  

Let’s encourage each other this season to fully attend to the ordinances of God. Let’s be the church, for each other and with each other in love. Let’s answer the question “How is your spiritual life” together.