WHAT CELL GROUPS ARE NOT!

(Ways to kill the cell)

WHAT CELL GROUPS ARE SUPPOSED TO BE!

(The model of a healthy cell)

Cell groups are not SMALL GROUPS - this implies a loose knit gathering of individuals with a lack of cohesiveness & vision usually independent of other groups, each doing their own thing

Cell groups are CELLS - each one dependent on the others and necessary for the growth of the entire body. Cells provide mutual benefit for all who attend and grow toward a specific purpose that directly affects the entire church body. Maturity/growth comes at a steady pace and is incremental. It is imperative each cell group is participating in prepared materials.

Cell groups are not THERAPY SESSIONS - these meetings focus on the needs of one individual for the majority of the time

Cell groups are an encouragement to the BODY - they focus on the entire cell, sharing each others burdens and praying for each other. If the individual needs more time, the sponsor is responsible to meet their need at another setting.

Cell groups are not BIBLE STUDIES - where Bible passages are looked en masse with either many scriptures used to show one point or a three point message being delivered often with a number of questions dealing with exegesis of one or more passages.

Cell groups examine the VISION of the message on the previous Sunday and makes practical any motivating factors presented in that message, using other scriptures when appropriate, all toward a common mission for the entire body.

Cell groups are not PRAYER MEETINGS - with the focus being on praying from man to God and utilized in every area of the agenda.

Cell groups are SPIRIT LED allowing room for his prompting in a structured setting of the Welcome, Worship, Word & Works, each of which are utilized by the Spirit to meet needs from God to man. One should not be over emphasized or neglected. Cells can/should meet for prayer for special needs or events at other occasions.

Cell groups are not FELLOWSHIP HOURS - with chatting and small talk being used extensively for the beginning and in slow moments throughout, often done in cliques with two or more conversations going on at the same time and insider jokes being utilized threatening new comers and making them uncomfortable.

Cell groups encourage SHARING in a structured, controlled setting with the leader as moderator and heard by every member. Cell members are encouraged to share their insights and testimonies. After the meeting is closed, fellowship time resumes.

Cell groups are not OPEN INVITATIONS - meaning let’s see how many we can get in our meetings whereby we have individuals coming with no relationship with any other member other than a casual meeting. This will not encourage repeat attendance by those new comers or other fringe members and will decrease the amount of honest sharing/praying/testimony that is done by regular members.

Cell groups grow by RELATIONAL INVITATION from other members and this should be encouraged each week. It grows by relationships with those new comers. One should not invite more than they can have a relationship with or time for one on one sponsorship with. We are looking not for numbers but for maturity in our cells. Growth will come but the foundation must be laid.