Tuesday 21 April 2026

Psalm 32:1-7

Background
Peter and John might have lacked the education and training of the Jewish religious leaders, but their close personal experience of Jesus both during his ministry and after his resurrection, as well as the power of the Holy Spirit, gave them confidence to speak out, and it empowered their preaching. They also had the promise from Jesus (Luke 12:12) that when facing questioning "the Holy Spirit will teach you at that very hour what you ought to say".

Methodism owes much to ordinary people sharing their faith. In the 19th century, the expansion of Methodism owed a lot to the preaching of working-class local preachers, who were valued for their fervour and their ability to connect with people on their own level. These preachers were sometimes more successful in converting people than college-educated clergy, whose use of theological language could sometimes make their message difficult for ordinary working people. Methodism was also characterised by enthusiastic congregation singing, which gave people the opportunity to express their faith.

Several years ago, our minister was taken into hospital and, at short notice, we had to arrange our own Sunday morning service. It was well received and it was decided to make it a regular feature: we would have a local arrangement service each month, whether there were preachers available or not. It allowed for different styles of worship to be used.

One inspiring service was led by a church member who had only a basic education. He built the service around his own testimony where he spoke simply, but very movingly, about how he had had very little family support but, as a young teenager, he was befriended by a Christian family, who introduced him to the local Methodist youth club. Here he was welcomed and came to faith.

The current shortage of ministers and preachers in some parts of the UK means that in some Methodist circuits local arrangements are now a regular feature, and worship leaders have a much larger role than previously. Some congregations might find this a chore or miss having a message from a trained preacher; others find that it opens up opportunities and empowers ordinary church members to realise their own gifts.

To Ponder:

• What experience do you have of ordinary, untrained Christians being able to share their faith powerfully?
• Should we allow for more congregational participation in our church services? If so, how?
• How might we empower members and provide opportunities for them to use their personal gifts beyond the church walls?

Prayer
Loving God, show us how we can encourage and empower those within our churches who can witness for you in creative, practical and spiritual ways. Help us to recognise the many ways in which faith expresses itself. Amen.

Bible notes author: Philip Sudworth
Philip is a local preacher in the Wigan Circuit. Having retired from a career in the education service, he’s kept busy with voluntary work. He has had articles on faith published in seven countries. Grandchildren have given him renewed insights into awe and wonder, love and trust. Frequent questions remind him that anyone who thinks he has all the answers hasn’t yet found half the questions.