I watch you - you watch me

Let's start this post with a dip into 18th century Methodism and the splendid 'strategic plan' John Wesley had for practical, pastoral care of Methodist members. For the full article, visit the Wesley Centre online.

Give us a smile John....

On Thursday, April 25, Wesley called together in London several earnest and sensible men, told them of the difficulty of knowing the people who desired to be under his care, and after a long conversation they adopted the new plan of classes. "This was the origin of our classes at London," writes Wesley, "for which I can never sufficiently praise God; the unspeakable usefulness of the institution having ever since been more and more manifest."

It was soon found impracticable for the leader to visit each member at his own house, and so it was agreed that the members of each class should come together at some suitable place once a week. Wesley writes: "It can scarce be conceived what advantages have been reaped by this little prudential regulation. Many experienced that Christian fellowship of which they had not so much as an idea before. 

They began to bear one another's burdens, and naturally to care for each other's welfare. And as they had daily a more intimate acquaintance, so they had a more endeared affection for each other."

After the division of the society into classes there came the institution of weekly leaders' meetings. The leaders were untrained men, and the objection was raised that they had neither gifts nor graces for such a divine employment. Wesley, however, quietly remarked, "It may be hoped they will all be better than they are, both by experience and by observation, and by the advices given them by the minister every Tuesday night, and the prayers (then in particular) offered up for them."

On February 23, 1743, John Wesley sent forth the General Rules in his own name, and on May 1 Charles Wesley's name was signed to the important pamphlet. The society was defined as "a company of men, having the form and seeking the power of godliness, united in order to pray together, to receive the word of exhortation, and to watch over one another in love, that they may help each other to work out their salvation." 

All very edifying, you might say, but any particular mission-partner-in-Fiji connections? Not half! We were summoned this week to do exactly the same as Wesley urged: to watch over one another. They missed out the 'in love' bit, but never mind - I'm sure it was implied - as our new Schools Neighbourhood Watch scheme was inaugurated in style.

We'd had a talk in College from the local police about it all with a big emphasis placed on neighbourhood policing and community relations. 'I watch you and you watch me' is the catchphrase, and as there are nine schools in our immediate neighbourhood - primary, secondary and adult theological - we won't be short of folk to watch over.

Here we are on launch day waiting to march to Suva Grammar with students from other local schools. Once inside the grammar school grounds, there were formal speeches from chief guest the Deputy Commissioner of Police, cake cutting and the unveiling of huge sponsored billboards - one for each school. After the formalities, afternoon tea in abundance was served of course, followed by terrific entertainment from the Police band who are just amazing and full of humour too. You're never quite sure what they're going to do next, with or without an instrument. 

And yes, there was a shiny new sponsored billboard unveiled for our College. 

It came as a bit of a surprise though, to discover that Theological Education is now apparently sponsored by Tuckers ice cream.

O taste and see that the Lord is good....