1. Be diligent. Never unemployed a minute.
discipline make a Christian."78 Wesley was methodical in how he organized his objectives and schedule, as well as how he structured his sermons, led people to Christ, and discipled his converts. He made a strategic appeal to every audience's situation, speaking directly to people's consciences, bringing them the light of a particular truth they needed, and ushering them straight to the throne of grace. After he had delivered a sermon, he left behind printed materials and precise instructions for how to continue working out their salvation to the saving of their souls. Just as Paul instructed the Philippians, John instructed those who followed him in the faith,
Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Do all things without murmurings and disputings: that ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain. (Philippians 2:12–16)
Converts became so many and their needs so overwhelming that Wesley ordained "lay preachers" who would follow in his wake to continue teaching and ministering to the new societies. These lay preachers were not educated clergy but common men who were knowledgeable about the Bible and had proven themselves fit for the ministry. Wesley took great pains to look after their souls and habits. He published encouraging and instructional materials to nourish and guide them, and he required them to abide by twelve official rules and several more "unofficial" ones. He provided guidance about manners, habits, and time management, urging them to spend no less than five hours a day reading useful books. He insisted all preaching fulfill four objectives only: (1) invite; (2) convince; (3) offer Christ; and (4) build up. He wrote that those called to ministry must "avoid everything in look, gesture, word, and tone of voice that savors of pride or self-sufficiency."79 Below are some excerpts from the twelve rules of conduct every lay preacher was expected to use to govern his behavior:
1. Be diligent. Never unemployed a minute.
2. Be serious. Avoid all lightness and jesting.