Franklin organized a group of friends to provide a structured form of mutual improvement. The group, initially composed of twelve members, called itself the Junto (from the Spanish word junta, or assembly). The members of the Junto were drawn from diverse occupations and backgrounds, but they all shared a spirit of inquiry and a desire to improve themselves, their community, and to help others. Among the original members were printers, surveyors, a cabinetmaker, a clerk, and a bartender. Although most of the members were older than Franklin, he was clearly their leader. –Wikipedia
Franklin describes the formation and purpose of the Junto in his autobiography:
I should have mentioned before, that, in the autumn of the preceding year, [1727] I had form’d most of my ingenious acquaintance into a club of mutual improvement, which we called the Junto; we met on Friday evenings. The rules that I drew up required that every member, in his turn, should produce one or more queries on any point of Morals, Politics, or Natural Philosophy, to be discuss’d by the company; and once in three months produce and read an essay of his own writing, on any subject he pleased.
Our debates were to be under the direction of a president, and to be conducted in the sincere spirit of inquiry after truth, without fondness for dispute or desire of victory; and to prevent warmth, all expressions of positiveness in opinions, or direct contradiction, were after some time made contraband, and prohibited under small pecuniary penalties. –Franklin’s Autobiography
A modern biblical equivalent of Ben Franklin Junto could be a small group or community that meets regularly to discuss how to live out biblical principles and values in their daily lives. The group could be based on the principles and teachings of Jesus Christ and the Bible, with the aim of supporting and encouraging one another to grow in their faith and service to others.
This group could meet to discuss these questions, similar to those of Ben Franklin Junto, that encourage reflection and action on how to live out biblical principles in their daily lives:
- How have you grown in your faith and relationship with God recently?
Biblical example: The apostle Paul wrote about his own growth in faith in Philippians 3:12-14, saying, “Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” - What challenges have you faced in living out your faith, and how can we support and encourage one another?
Biblical example: The apostle Peter wrote in 1 Peter 4:12-13, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.” - Are there any areas in our lives that need growth or transformation, and how can we support each other in this process?
Biblical example: The apostle Paul wrote in Galatians 5:22-23 about the fruits of the Spirit, saying, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” - Are there any personal or spiritual struggles that we can pray for and support each other through?
Biblical example: James 5:16 encourages us to “confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” - How can we better live out biblical values and principles in our daily lives, and encourage others to do the same?
Biblical example: The book of Proverbs is full of wisdom and advice for daily living, such as Proverbs 3:5-6 which says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” - How can we serve others and share the love of Christ in our community?
Biblical example: Jesus himself showed us how to serve and love others, as seen in John 13:12-15 when he washed the feet of his disciples and said, “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.” - How can we use our resources and talents to further God’s kingdom and bring glory to Him?
Biblical example: Jesus told a parable in Matthew 25:14-30 about using talents to illustrate this point, saying, “For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.” - What are some ways that we can better love and serve our neighbors and those in need?
Biblical example: In Luke 10:25-37, Jesus tells the parable of the Good Samaritan to illustrate how we should love and serve our neighbors. - Are there any opportunities for us to spread the message of Christ and the good news of salvation to those around us?
Biblical example: In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus gives the Great Commission, saying, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” This passage encourages us to actively seek out opportunities to share the message of Christ with others and make disciples, both near and far.
These questions focus on personal spiritual growth, loving and serving others, supporting one another in challenges, and living out biblical values and principles in our daily lives. They encourage discussion and reflection on how we can honor God and live out our faith in practical ways.
Digging deeper
- Final exhortations to a fledgling church (1 Thessalonians 5:12-22) – These final exhortations are the most compact teaching on godliness to be found anywhere in the Bible. Apply these instructions and principle in your church
- How did the early church meet together? – If we lived 2,000 years ago, what would a church service look like? How did it work? Where did they meet? Could we do that?
- Ministry of restoration (restoring a right relationship with God) – Has someone wandered from the truth and been trapped by wrongdoing? Are you ready to throw the first stone? Or be part of the ministry of restoration?
- Franklin’s Autobiography (Kindle Edition) – In “The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin” the life story of one of the most important figures in American history is recounted. Franklin was more than just a founding father of the country; he was also a prolific writer, tradesman, scientist, diplomat, and philosopher. His concept of a Junto circle of friends is applicable for us today.