John Wesley listed a dozen rules for his Methodist workers to follow. Some are highly contextual and don’t translate well to other places and times, but they all bear consideration by servants of the Gospel today.

  1. Be diligent. Never be idle a moment, and never be busy with trifles. Never kill time, nor spend any more time at any place than is strictly necessary.
  2. Be serious. Let your motto be: Holiness to the Lord. Avoid all lightness, jesting, and foolish talking.
  3. Converse sparingly and cautiously with women: particularly with young women in private.
  4. Take no step towards marriage without first informing us [the leadership] of your intent.
  5. Believe evil of no one; unless you saw it happen, be careful how much stock you put in it. Put the best interpretation on everything: you know the judge is always supposed to be on the prisoner’s side.
  6. Speak evil of no one; else your word will spread and cause harm like a cancer. Keep your thoughts to yourself, till you speak with the person concerned.
  7. If you do think someone is doing wrong, tell them plainly and as soon as possible, or else it will fester in your heart.
  8. Don’t put on airs trying to act like a “gentleman.” That has no more to do with your role than does being a dance instructor. A preacher of the gospel is called to serve everyone.
  9. Be ashamed of nothing but sin. You aren’t too good to fetch wood (if time permits), draw water, or clean your own shoes – or your neighbour’s.
  10. Be punctual. Do everything at the exact appointed time: and, in general, do not deviate from our our rules, but follow them; not to avoid getting in trouble, but for the sake of your own conscience.
  11. Your one job is to help save souls. So give everything you’ve got for this work, pouring yourself out for others – not just for those who seek you out, but especially for those who need you most.
  12. Don’t just do whatever you want; use your time the way we guide you: preaching, visiting people in their homes, and giving yourself to reading, reflection, and prayer. Most of all, if you’re serving with us in the Lord’s work, you need to take on the tasks we assign, at the times and places we believe will best honor God.