Jumpstarter 9 of 10

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Question 9

John Wesley is quoted describing the church as a body “compacted together” to “assist each other in working out their salvation,” united to “oppose the devil… and wage war against the world and the flesh.” How does that definition challenge common church models centered on programs, inspiration, or individual quiet times, and what would have to change for your congregation to function more like Wesley’s description?

Another way to ask: Wesley says the church should be tightly connected and help each other grow in salvation and fight sin together. How does that challenge churches focused mostly on programs, inspiration, or private devotions, and what would need to change in your church?

Direct Answer Wesley’s description, as used in the transcript, challenges churches that function mainly as optional services or personal encouragement; it calls for a tightly connected community where members actively help each other obey Christ and resist the devil through mutual accountability.

Support from Transcript:

Wesley: the church is “a body of men compacted together” to “save each his own soul” and “assist each other in working out their salvation.”
They are “united together to oppose the devil and all his works… and to wage war against the world and the flesh.”
Bercot defines the goal: “a band of brothers and sisters working together… watch over each other in love.”
He says kingdom-life believers are “active members of a local congregation,” especially where there is “a high degree of accountability.”
He argues the church’s purpose includes practical help: “Christ gave us the church… so Christians can help one another.”
“United we stand, divided we fall,” implying that mere individual spirituality is insufficient.

Discussion Follow-ups What would need to change in how your church measures “success”—attendance and programs, or whether members are truly being “watched over… in love” and helped to obey?

Jumpstarter 9 of 10