Cell Notes on Bands

Bands.

“I have found by experience that people have learned more from one hours close discourse than ten years public preaching.” (Wesley)

Accountability is not easy and sometimes painful however the rewards as John Wesley believed can be substantial. Can you share examples of times when you have been accountable to someone and did you find it helpful?

Culturally (especially if you are British) we find it difficult to share intimate things about our lives. What things about sharing difficulties/issues would you find particularly hard?

If you did manage to form an accountability group how would you feel about people asking you difficult questions like the ones asked in Wesleys bands as below?

1. What known sins have you committed since our last meeting?
2. What temptations have you met with?
3. How were you delivered?
4. What have you thought, said, or done, of which you doubt whether it be sin or not?
5. Have you nothing you desire to keep secret?

John Wesley believed that a person could grow to perfection through growing in the disciplines. He believed that forming a group where each could encourage the others was essential. Do you think it would help you to have someone else encourage you to grow in the disciplines? (i.e prayer, worship, giving, reading the word, fasting etc)

John Stott "Truth becomes hard if it is not softened by love, love becomes soft if it is not strengthened by truth."

The Bible talks about speaking the truth in love to each other - do you do this? Why is this so difficult? Can you see the importance of speaking truth to each other.

Seriously think about finding someone else or a group where you can be honest and open about your life.

Andy Hare, 03/02/2008