The Practices of Our Community

In late 1739, a small group of people came to John Wesley in London, deeply aware of their brokenness and longing for healing and hope. They asked him to pray with them and help them find a path toward new life in God. Wesley set aside a regular time to meet with them, and soon others joined. These gatherings, which began weekly on Thursday evenings, always ended in prayer and mutual encouragement.

This marked the beginning of what would become known as the United Society, first in England and later in America. At its heart, this society was a group of people seeking to grow in faith and love, coming together to pray, receive spiritual encouragement, and hold one another accountable with compassion, so that each person might move forward on the journey of faith.

This pamphlet, except for the “Principles that Guide Us,” has been edited and adapted from The General Rules of the Methodist Church - The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church - 2016

All who want to be part of this community are encouraged to show their commitment in three ways:

1. Do No Harm

We strive to avoid evil in all its forms. This includes—but is not limited to—practices like:

  • Being addicted to work and refusing to take time to rest, thereby also discouraging others from doing the same.

  • Participating in or benefiting from systems of oppression, including slavery or modern forms of exploitation.

  • Resorting to violence, abuse, or revenge in any form.

  • Dishonesty in business, including deception, evasion of taxes, or unjust interest rates.

  • Gossip, slander, or speech that tears others down.

  • Harming others by action or inaction—doing what we know isn’t right.

  • Pursuing status, wealth, or entertainment in ways that distract us from loving God and others.

  • Indulging in luxury or comfort while others suffer.

  • Accumulating wealth at the expense of generosity or justice.

  • Borrowing or purchasing beyond our means, with no intent or ability to repay.

2. Do Good

We are committed to doing as much good as possible, in every way we can, for as many people as we can. This includes:

  • Caring for people’s physical needs—feeding the hungry, clothing the vulnerable, and visiting the sick, imprisoned, or forgotten.

  • Caring for people’s spiritual growth—encouraging, challenging, and loving each person we interact with.

  • Refusing to withhold good until we “feel like it,” but choosing to act in love regardless.

  • Supporting and prioritizing those within the community of faith, doing business with integrity, and hiring and helping one another.

  • Living with integrity and simplicity so our lifestyle does not compromise the gospel.

  • Persevering through difficulty, choosing self-discipline and daily faithfulness over ease or approval.

  • Being willing to carry the cost of following Jesus, even when misunderstood or mistreated for doing so.

 3 Practice the Way of Jesus

We remain committed to the spiritual practices that keep us grounded in God’s presence. These include:

  • Participating regularly in public worship.

  • Listening to and reflecting on the scriptures, whether read or preached.

  • Receiving Communion as a means of grace.

  • Praying with others and alone, as individuals and families.

  • Reading and studying Scripture regularly.

  • Practicing fasting or intentional simplicity as a spiritual discipline.

Principles to Guide Us:

Life is never as simple as “following the rules.” Every human and every situation requires context and grace. The ways we care for each other when we disagree or there’s tension say more about our hearts than the rules we follow. In this spirit, here are a few principles we lean into to ensure we remain an emotionally healthy community.

  • Benefit of the Doubt: Choosing to believe the best about others instead of assuming bad intentions (e.g., the Jewish leaders who stood up for Jesus before knowing the whole story - John 7:50-51).

  • Healthy Boundaries: Recognizing and honoring your limits and needs, just as Jesus regularly stepped away from the crowds to rest and pray (Luke 5:16).

  • Clear, Concise, Consistent: Communicating in ways that are simple, straightforward, and steady over time—building trust by saying what you mean and meaning what you say (Matt. 5:37).

  • Dignity of Choice: Respecting each person’s ability to make their own decisions, even when we disagree. (e.g., How Jesus didn’t assume he knew what people wanted - John 5:6).

  • De-escalation: Responding to tension or conflict with calm, grace, and a desire for peace. (e.g., How the Jewish leaders protected the disciples from harm when the crowds wanted them put to death - Acts 5:34-39).

  • Power Consciousness: Being aware of how power dynamics affect relationships and choosing to lead with humility. (e.g., How Jesus tells us not to be like the rulers who "lord it over" others - Mark 10:42-45).