What is a Clapham Circle?
Clapham Circles are groups of 3-4 families which gather once a month, over the course of 3-4 months, for Sunday lunch or a weeknight dinner. The purpose is twofold. The first is to facilitate the development of friendships over a meal. The second is to discuss how God, his word, and his gospel might positively impact our neighbors and our world.
Where did this idea come from?
William Wilberforce (1759-1833) was a Member of Parliament who is best known for leading the abolition of the slave trade in the British Empire. But he never would have had the strength and courage to have done so without the friendship and encouragement of other Christians.
After Wilberforce’s first attempt to abolish the slave trade was defeated in 1789, he and his closest friend, Henry Thornton, determined to call a group of Christian friends together with the aim of applying their faith in Christ to the personal, social, and political matters of the day. This group became known as the “Clapham Sect,” named after the London suburb, Clapham, where many of the group members lived. Providentially, this group would go on to have a remarkable impact on their culture, the blessings of which continue to this day.
How can I/my family join?
New groups begin gathering in August and January. If you and your family wish to join, click here and fill out the sign-up form.