In a time when many individuals feel disconnected from traditional expressions of church, new opportunities for authentic community are emerging across the connection. One such initiative is Safe Space, a contemporary evening gathering at the Hartsville Cooperative Parish designed to create room for honest conversation, spiritual reflection and meaningful connection—particularly for those who may feel “unchurched” or uncertain about where they belong. (South Carolina Advocate Photo)
South Carolina Advocate | July 8, 2026
At its core, Safe Space is not a departure from Methodist tradition but rather a return to one of its most formative practices: the Wesleyan class meeting.
In early Methodism, class meetings were small gatherings where people came together weekly to answer a simple yet profound question: “How is it with your soul?” These meetings were marked by accountability, vulnerability and a shared commitment to spiritual growth. They were not primarily lecture-based or performance-driven, but relational—spaces where individuals could speak honestly about their lives, struggles and faith journeys.
Safe Space carries this same spirit into the present day.
Meeting in a relaxed, conversational setting, Safe Space invites participants to engage Scripture alongside real-life experiences. Rather than emphasizing formality or structure, the gathering prioritizes authenticity. Participants are encouraged to come as they are, to share openly if they feel comfortable and to listen deeply to others. Grounded in biblical reflection—such as the story of Jesus and the woman at the well (John 4:1–26)—these conversations explore themes of identity, grace, truth and belonging.
What distinguishes Safe Space is its intentional focus on creating an environment of trust. In a culture where many have experienced judgment, exclusion or silence within faith communities, Safe Space seeks to embody a different witness—one rooted in the radical hospitality of Christ. It is a place where truth is spoken with compassion, where questions are welcomed and where individuals can encounter God without pretense.
This reimagining of the class meeting is particularly significant for reaching those beyond the walls of the church. By removing barriers and emphasizing relationship over ritual, Safe Space offers an accessible entry point into Christian community. It recognizes that for many, faith begins not with certainty, but with conversation.
In many ways, Safe Space reflects John Wesley’s own vision for the Methodist movement: a people gathered in small groups, watching over one another in love and growing together in grace. While the format may look different, the heart remains the same.
As The United Methodist Church continues to navigate a changing cultural and ecclesial landscape, initiatives like Safe Space remind us that innovation and tradition need not be at odds. Instead, they can work hand-in-hand—breathing new life into enduring practices and opening new pathways for discipleship.
Safe Space is more than a service. It is a community. And perhaps, in this reimagined class meeting, we are witnessing not something entirely new—but something deeply, faithfully Methodist.
The Rev. Lyndon B. Alexander is associate pastor for the Hartsville Cooperative Parish.