The spiritual life is never a solitary affair.
John Wesley, founder of Methodism, intentionally organized people into small groups for the study of Scripture, prayer, and "to watch after one another in love." Early Methodists met in societies, classes, and bands. They gathered in homes and workplaces and schools. They inquired after one another's spiritual progress with a supportive intimacy. They shared their doubts and hopes and talked about how they had seen God's grace at work in their lives. They learned to "rejoice with those who rejoice" and to "weep with those who weep" (Romans 12:15). They encouraged one another.
Theologically, Wesley based the class meetings on the sanctifying grace of God. Sanctification involves our growing in faith and how the Holy Spirit works within us to help us mature in Christ.
-- Robert Schnase in Five Practices of Fruitful Living
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