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Twice a year the Anglican Church leaders would meet for a convention in London. Samuel Wesley, the father of John Wesley who became the founder of Methodism, seldom missed a gathering. Early in 1712 Samuel left Epworth for a London convention. He assigned Inman, a curate, to preach in his absence. Samuel's wife, Susanna, soon became disappointed in Inman's performance. He had a poor command of the scriptures, and he held only one service on Sunday. She became concerned that with a single, early morning service her children would have too much idle time that would lead to bad behavior.
She decided that on Sunday evenings she would hold religious services in the kitchen of her home. She gathered her children and her servants in the kitchen to hear the Bible read, sing hymns, and pray. Soon others in the community learned of the evening service and began to attend. Within a few months the kitchen gathering grew to thirty or forty people and upwards of 200 participated.
As a woman Susanna was assuming the unheard of role of being a spiritual leader, an occupation reserved solely for men. In response to those who questioned her leadership, especially her husband, she wrote this line in a letter to him, "I reply, that as I am a woman, so I am also mistress of a large family. And though the superior charge of the souls contained in it lies upon you, as head of the family, and as their minister; yet in your absence I cannot but look upon every soul you leave under my care as a talent committed to me, under a trust, by the great Lord of the families of heaven and earth."
Susanna's kitchen gatherings are reflective of the joy and hope expressed by Paul. Paul shared how grateful he was that the gospel message was being shared and those who heard it became believers. Paul marveled that the fellowship of the church was growing and those who participated shared in God's grace. Paul was pleased that all the congregants were being spiritually strengthened through preaching, prayer, and hymn singing. As with Susanna, we must open our hearts, our homes, and our church with an invitation to worship.
She decided that on Sunday evenings she would hold religious services in the kitchen of her home. She gathered her children and her servants in the kitchen to hear the Bible read, sing hymns, and pray. Soon others in the community learned of the evening service and began to attend. Within a few months the kitchen gathering grew to thirty or forty people and upwards of 200 participated.
As a woman Susanna was assuming the unheard of role of being a spiritual leader, an occupation reserved solely for men. In response to those who questioned her leadership, especially her husband, she wrote this line in a letter to him, "I reply, that as I am a woman, so I am also mistress of a large family. And though the superior charge of the souls contained in it lies upon you, as head of the family, and as their minister; yet in your absence I cannot but look upon every soul you leave under my care as a talent committed to me, under a trust, by the great Lord of the families of heaven and earth."
Susanna's kitchen gatherings are reflective of the joy and hope expressed by Paul. Paul shared how grateful he was that the gospel message was being shared and those who heard it became believers. Paul marveled that the fellowship of the church was growing and those who participated shared in God's grace. Paul was pleased that all the congregants were being spiritually strengthened through preaching, prayer, and hymn singing. As with Susanna, we must open our hearts, our homes, and our church with an invitation to worship.
