Mr. Whitefield was an influential evangelist and friend John Wesley. Both were effective evangelists. But there was a significant difference in the methods.
"It was by this means [the formation of small groups] that we have been enabled to establish permanent holy churches all over the world. Mr. Wesley saw the need for this from the beginning. Mr. Whitefield, when he separated from Mr. Wesley, did not follow it. What was the consequence? The fruit of Mr. Whitefield's labors died with himself; Mr. Wesley's fruit remains, grows, increases and multiplies exceedingly." (John Wesley's Class Meeting, Model for Making Disciples by Michael Henderson, p.30.)
Both men excelled at what we would call worship and preaching and evangelism. Only one took seriously the creation and sustaining of small groups. That made the big difference!
Thursday, January 17, 2008
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