Omega Course: Practical Church Planter Training

Cell Groups Alliance for Saturation Church Planting 1

Omega Course: Practical Church Planter Training

Published by The Bible League, 16801 Van Dam Road, South Holland, IL 60473 USA Tel: (800) 334-7017 E-mail: [email protected] www.bibleleague.org

Copyright 1999 by The Alliance for Saturation Church Planting. This material was prepared in cooperation with Peter Deyneka Russian Ministries, Project 250.

You are permitted and encouraged to reproduce and distribute this material in any format provided that:

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Tel: +(36-1) 466-5978 and 385-8199 Fax: +(36-1) 365-6406 E-mail: [email protected]. Translations and adaptations for your context are also encouraged. Again, please contact The Alliance so that we can

encourage and inform others who may also be interested in your language or intended use.

For more information about their respective ministries, please contact:

P.O. Box 843

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E-mail: [email protected] www.AllianceSCP.org

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E-mail: [email protected] www.russian-ministries.org

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION , NIV . Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers.

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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS We extend heartfelt thanks and grateful acknowledgment to all who have contributed to the preparation of these training manuals. The following persons have given so very much to the process of writing and editing these materials. Lord, plant your Church…to the ends of the earth!

Jay Weaver, General Editor, World Team

Richard Beckham Greater Europe Mission

David & Lisa Bromlow Christ For Russia

Ron Brunson World Witness and United World Mission

Don Crane Greater Europe Mission

Bea Crane Greater Europe Mission

Hunter Dockery World Harvest Mission

Mike Elwood Greater Europe Mission

Jeff Geske United World Mission

Dave Henderson C B International -- Project 250 of Peter Deyneka Russian Ministries

Bob Mackey United World Mission

Bob Martin United World Mission

Paul Michaels Grace Brethren Intl. Mission

Norie Roeder United World Mission

Ki Sanders World Team

Larry Sallee UFM International -- Project 250 of Peter Deyneka Russian Ministries

Eric Villanueva United World Mission

David Westrum Interlink Ministries -- Project 250 of Peter Deyneka Russian Ministries

WITH SPECIAL THANKS FOR THEIR ADMINISTRATIVE AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT

Edith Bond The Alliance Regional Resource Team

David Gál The Alliance Regional Resource Team

Nell Harden Retired English Professor


ABOUT THE ALLIANCE This curriculum has been prepared by The Alliance for Saturation Church Planting in cooperation with Project 250 of Peter Deyneka Russian Ministries. The Alliance is a partnership of churches and mission agencies committed to mobilizing believers to saturate each country in Central/Eastern Europe and the Former Soviet Union with evangelical churches. Saturation Church Planting is a strategy that seeks to establish local churches in every town, village and neighborhood so that those who accept Christ will have a local fellowship in which to grow in Christ and be equipped for ministry. The Alliance is built on the premise that joining forces will increase effectiveness, reduce duplication, and demonstrate unity within the body of Christ.

WHAT WE BELIEVE:

• The local church is God’s primary tool for evangelism and discipleship. • Partnership with churches and mission organizations is crucial for the multiplication of local churches and

the development of saturation church planting movements. • Training leaders is essential to church planting and church growth. • The Lausanne Covenant is the statement of faith for The Alliance.

WHAT WE DO: Church Planter Training and Mentoring The Alliance provides skill-based training in seminar fashion with practical ministry assignments geared towards starting reproducing churches.

Information Gathering Accurate information leads to good decisions in the church planting task. The Alliance can help with training and consultation for your information gathering needs in the areas of church planting and church growth.

Prayer Movement Consulting A church planting movement starts with vision, which is discovered and refined through seeking God’s heart in prayer. The Alliance can help you better understand the role of prayer movements in the church planting task, and how you can facilitate a prayer movement in your region.

Vision Casting What does God want for your country? He wants churches everywhere! The Alliance can help foster a vision for new churches with conceptual seminars on the principles of saturation church planting.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: The Alliance for Saturation Church Planting Regional Resource Team H-1111 Budapest Budafoki út 34/B III/2, HUNGARY Tel: +(36-1) 466-5978 or 385-8199 Fax: + (36-1) 365-6406 E-mail: [email protected]


Table of Contents

Cell Groups

WHAT WE BELIEVE:..................................................................................................................................................... 3

WHAT WE DO: ................................................................................................................................................................ 3 Church Planter Training and Mentoring ........................................................................................................................ 3 Information Gathering..................................................................................................................................................... 3 Prayer Movement Consulting.......................................................................................................................................... 3 Vision Casting ................................................................................................................................................................. 3

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: .................................................................................................................. 3

I. Foundations Of Cell Group ...................................................................................................................................... 9 A. Introduction ......................................................................................................................................................... 9 B. Distinctives .......................................................................................................................................................... 9

II. Functions Of Cell Groups ................................................................................................................................... 10

III. Benefits Of Cell Groups ...................................................................................................................................... 11 A. Benefits for Evangelism ..................................................................................................................................... 11 B. Benefits for Developing Relationships............................................................................................................... 12 C. Benefits for Discipleship.................................................................................................................................... 12 D. Benefits for Development of Leaders................................................................................................................. 13 E. Benefits for Church Planting ............................................................................................................................. 14

I. Overall Leadership Concepts ................................................................................................................................. 15 A. Model the Christian Life.................................................................................................................................... 15 B. Develop New Leaders ........................................................................................................................................ 15 C. Equip and Release for Ministry ......................................................................................................................... 16

II. Leading The Cell Group Meeting ...................................................................................................................... 16 A. Location............................................................................................................................................................. 17 B. Fellowship ......................................................................................................................................................... 17 C. Worship.............................................................................................................................................................. 17 D. Prayer ................................................................................................................................................................ 17 E. Bible Discussion ................................................................................................................................................ 18 F. Discipling .......................................................................................................................................................... 18 G. Evangelism ........................................................................................................................................................ 18

III. Cell Group Administration................................................................................................................................. 19


I. Prepare For A New Cell Group.............................................................................................................................. 27 A. Form a Prayer Team ......................................................................................................................................... 27 B. Form a Leadership Team .................................................................................................................................. 27 C. Research Your Target Area ............................................................................................................................... 28

II. Make Contacts ..................................................................................................................................................... 28

III. Choose A Location............................................................................................................................................... 28

IV. Prepare For The First Meeting .......................................................................................................................... 29

I. Two Types Of Unbelievers...................................................................................................................................... 33 A. Type A Unbelievers: Those Who Are Interested ................................................................................................ 34 B. Type B Unbelievers: Those Who Don’t Want To Know..................................................................................... 34

II. Understanding Oikos ........................................................................................................................................... 34 A. Exercise: Making a List of Your Oikos Relationships ....................................................................................... 35

III. Share Groups ....................................................................................................................................................... 35

IV. The Process Of Cell Group Evangelism ............................................................................................................ 35 A. Oikos Evangelism .............................................................................................................................................. 35 B. Target Evangelism............................................................................................................................................. 36 C. Group Size and Multiplication........................................................................................................................... 37

I. Cell Group Demonstration ..................................................................................................................................... 41 A. Fellowship ......................................................................................................................................................... 42 B. Worship.............................................................................................................................................................. 42 C. Edification ......................................................................................................................................................... 42 D. Evangelism ........................................................................................................................................................ 43

II. Evaluation ............................................................................................................................................................ 43

I. Cell Group Philosophy ............................................................................................................................................ 45 A. Cells Have a Life Cycle ..................................................................................................................................... 45 B. Cells Work Toward a Common Goal................................................................................................................. 46 C. Cells Are an Essential Part of a Saturation Church Planting Strategy............................................................. 46

II. Models Of Cell Group Ministry ......................................................................................................................... 47 A. Model 1: Cell Groups that Start a Traditional Church with Cells .................................................................... 47 B. Model 2: An Existing Church Begins to Use Cell Groups................................................................................. 47 C. Model 3: Cell Groups That Start a Cell Group Church .................................................................................... 48 D. Model 4: Several Cell Groups Grow, Multiply and "Feed" Existing Local Churches ...................................... 48 E. In-Class Exercise: Case Studies ........................................................................................................................ 49


III. Developing A Cell Group Ministry Strategy..................................................................................................... 50

I. Leading Discussion In A Cell Group ..................................................................................................................... 52 A. Listen ................................................................................................................................................................. 53 B. Ask .................................................................................................................................................................... 53 C. Clarify................................................................................................................................................................ 53 D. Justify................................................................................................................................................................. 53 E. Extend................................................................................................................................................................ 53 F. Redirect.............................................................................................................................................................. 53 G. Summarize ......................................................................................................................................................... 53 H. Affirm................................................................................................................................................................. 53

II. Developing Good Questions ................................................................................................................................ 54 A. Fellowship Questions ........................................................................................................................................ 54 B. Bible Discussion Questions ............................................................................................................................... 54

III. Discussion Problems ............................................................................................................................................ 54 A. Types of Discussion Problems ........................................................................................................................... 55 B. Exercise: Handling Discussion Problems ......................................................................................................... 56

THE FOUR RELATIONSHIPS: ................................................................................................................................... 58

I. RELATIONSHIP TO GOD.................................................................................................................................... 58

II. RELATIONSHIP WITH SELF ......................................................................................................................... 58

III. RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHERS................................................................................................................. 59

IV. RELATIONSHIP TO THE WORLD................................................................................................................ 59

I. Build Relationships.................................................................................................................................................. 61 A. Love One Another.............................................................................................................................................. 62 B. Pray for One Another ........................................................................................................................................ 62 C. Spend Time Together ......................................................................................................................................... 62

II. Discern People’s Needs........................................................................................................................................ 62

III. Care For Needs In Your Cell Group.................................................................................................................. 63 A. Respond to Needs............................................................................................................................................... 63 B. Exercise: Care for People ................................................................................................................................. 64

I. Choose An Apprentice Leader ............................................................................................................................... 67 A. The Importance of Apprentice Leaders ............................................................................................................. 67 B. The Process of Choosing an Apprentice............................................................................................................ 68 C. Exercise: Whom to Choose When No Choice is Obvious? ................................................................................ 68


II. Prepare Your Apprentice For Leadership ........................................................................................................ 69 A. Involve Your Apprentice with You in All Aspects of Ministry............................................................................ 69 B. Evaluate your Apprentice .................................................................................................................................. 70 C. Pray For and With Your Apprentice.................................................................................................................. 70

III. Release Your Apprentice For Ministry ............................................................................................................. 70 A. Give Vision to Your Apprentice ......................................................................................................................... 70 B. Delegate Ministry to Your Apprentice ............................................................................................................... 70 C. Release Your Apprentice to Start a New Cell Group......................................................................................... 71 D. Begin the Apprentice Process Again ................................................................................................................. 71

I. The Realities Of Cell Group Ministry ................................................................................................................... 73

II. Questions And Problems..................................................................................................................................... 74

III. Solutions ............................................................................................................................................................... 74

I. The Goal Of Multiplication .................................................................................................................................... 75

II. The Process Of “Natural” Multiplication.......................................................................................................... 76 A. Biological Multiplication................................................................................................................................... 76 B. Natural Clusters ................................................................................................................................................ 76 C. Steps to Multiplication....................................................................................................................................... 78

III. Barriers To Multiplication.................................................................................................................................. 79

Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................................... 82

I. Evaluation ................................................................................................................................................................ 83 A. Vision................................................................................................................................................................. 83 B. Commitment....................................................................................................................................................... 83 C. Existing Ministries............................................................................................................................................. 83 D. Tradition vs. New Ideas ..................................................................................................................................... 83 E. Location............................................................................................................................................................. 84 F. Leadership ......................................................................................................................................................... 84

II. Planning And Implementation ........................................................................................................................... 84 A. Step 1 – Develop a Ministry Vision Which Includes Cell Groups ..................................................................... 84 B. Step 2 – Begin to Share the Vision with the Congregation................................................................................ 85 C. Step 3 – Choose Leaders and Train Them......................................................................................................... 85 D. Step 4 – Start the New Cell Groups ................................................................................................................... 85 E. Step 5 – Provide Ongoing Evaluation and Adjustment to Cell Group Ministries ............................................. 85

Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................................... 87


I. Supervision Of Cell Groups.................................................................................................................................... 88 A. Importance of Supervision................................................................................................................................. 88 B. Supervisory Structure ........................................................................................................................................ 89

II. Supervisory Structures For Different Models Of Cell Group Ministry ......................................................... 91 A. Model 1: Cell Groups That Start a Traditional Church with Cells ................................................................... 91 B. Model 2: An Existing Church Begins to Use Cell Groups................................................................................. 91 C. Model 3: Cell Groups That Start a Cell Group Church .................................................................................... 92 D. Model 4: Several Cell Groups Grow, Multiply and "Feed” Existing Local Churches...................................... 92

III. Application For Your Cell Group Ministry ...................................................................................................... 92

I. A Heart for the Nations........................................................................................................................................... 94

II. multiplication by Faith........................................................................................................................................ 94

III. churches for the Nations ..................................................................................................................................... 95


CELL GROUPS

LESSON 1 Functions and Benefits of Cell Groups

! Lesson Purpose The Purpose of this lesson is to present the advantages of using cell groups for ministry.

! Main Points • Cell groups are different from small groups because they multiply. • The four primary functions of a cell group are: fellowship, worship, discipleship and evangelism.

! Desired Outcomes When the content of this lesson has been mastered, each participant should: • Be able to describe how a cell group is different from a small group. • Be able to discuss the benefits of using cell groups in evangelism, developing relationships,

discipleship and church planting. ! Suggestions to Trainers

This lesson contains a reference to Vision Appendix 3A (from Manual 1) "Church Planting Models." You should review this appendix beforehand and have it available as you teach.

I. Foundations Of Cell Group

A. Introduction More and more churches all over the world are realizing the tremendous importance of cell groups. Through cell group ministry churches are growing and people are using their spiritual gifts. The body of Christ is being mobilized for ministry, and the end result is that the lost are finding the truth and love of Jesus.

Are cell groups something new, the latest fad or fashionable ministry in the church? Not at all. The use of cell groups in the church began with the New Testament Church described in the book of Acts. The "cells" of the church met in people’s homes for worship, for fellowship, for growth in their new faith, and for sharing with neighbors and friends this good news they had found. These cells also came together for larger meetings in the temple courts for worship, teaching and evangelism.

Why do we use the term "cell" group? Why not call it a "small" group? Many churches have small groups that meet for various types of ministry, most often for Bible study. To understand the difference between small groups and cell groups, we can use an example from science. In biology, a cell is a living, growing organism that multiplies itself over and over again. The main difference between a cell group and a small group is that a cell group multiplies, whereas a small group may not. This is a vital distinction. You can perform many different types of ministry in a group, but if one of the goals of the group is not to grow and multiply itself into new groups, then it cannot be called a cell group.

B. Distinctives Rather than giving a comprehensive definition of a cell group in this lesson, we will develop a "progressive" understanding of what a cell group is and does as we work through the cell group lessons in this manual. However, it is important from the beginning to understand the foundational distinctives of any cell group. Every cell group has:


1. A commitment to evangelism.

2. A commitment to nurture and disciple believers.

3. A commitment to develop leaders. 4. A commitment to multiplication, so as to fulfill the Great Commission.

II. Functions Of Cell Groups There are many ways to use groups in the process of church planting. Even so, cell groups that are used in church planting seem to have some common ingredients-- or common functions-- among them. These ingredients are fellowship, worship, discipleship and evangelism. These same functions can be found from the example of the early church of the New Testament. Of course, these are not the only functions seen in the New Testament church, but these are areas where cell groups and the early church share commonality in function. The following tables compare these functions in the New Testament Church and in cell groups.

The Function of Fellowship

In the New Testament church In Cell Groups

The fellowship that the believers enjoyed was one of the distinguishing characteristics of the early church (Ac 2:42).

They encouraged one another (Heb 10:25, 1Th 5:11) and often broke bread together (Ac 2:42, Ac 20:7,11).

In a cell group, fellowship is mutual encouragement, sharing, and friendship in Christ, in order to meet the needs of love, acceptance, unity and support.

Possible Activities:

• Sharing problems with one another • Bearing one another’s burdens • Interceding in prayer one for another • Eating meals together • Having fun together as families • Encouraging one another

The Function of Worship


Prayer and praise are a recurring theme in the New Testament church (Ac 2:47, Ac 1:14, Ac 6:4, Col 4:2).

Their worship came from hearts that were "glad and sincere." It was a natural response to God for the joy they had found in Christ and in the presence of other believers.

In a cell group, worship is praising and magnifying God by focusing on His nature, actions, and words, in order to bring joy to God.


• Singing songs • Praising God for His greatness • Thanking God for all things • Worshipping God for who He is • Praying out loud or silently • Reading passages of worship (e.g.: Psalms) • Writing and/or reading Christian poetry

The Function of Discipleship



There was a strong commitment in the early church to "the ministry of the word" (Ac 6:4).

The first believers devoted themselves to the apostle’s teaching (Ac 2:42), and as the church spread, this teaching took on the form of the letters from the apostles to the church (Col 4:16, Php 1:1, Gal 1:2).

In a cell group, discipleship is the process of being helped, taught and mentored by others, in order to grow in mind and spirit toward the image of Christ.


• Memorizing Scripture • Studying Bible passages as a group • Learning to apply the Bible to everyday life • Spending time with a mature brother/sister • Being involved in ministry with the group • Learning and using spiritual gifts

The Function of Evangelism


Sharing the good news of Jesus came naturally to the believers in the early church. Evangelism was not a "program" that they had to develop, nor was it something they had to be specially trained for – it was the love of Christ expressing itself through their lives and words to those around them (Ac 5:42, 4:20). It was the Holy Spirit working through them (Ac 4:31), as they shared Christ both in homes and in public places (Ac 20:20). The result was that people believed on the name of the Lord Jesus and were saved (Ac 8:12, 16:31-34).

In a cell group, evangelism is reaching out with the good news of Christ’s love to people in need, in order to help them know God as Father and Christ as Savior.


• Praying with two others in a Prayer Triplet for unsaved friends

• Inviting unbelievers to the group • Meeting needs of people outside the group • Making friends with unbelievers • Sharing Christ with unbelievers

III. Benefits Of Cell Groups

A. Benefits for Evangelism Too often, our churches have visible or invisible barriers that keep people out. We have traditions, we have certain ways we dress and act, and we might even have expectations for those who would visit. Tradition can be good in order to provide a sense of community and continuity, but it can really make it hard for people to come in to a church from the "outside."

Research has shown that it is difficult for people to cross cultural barriers to go to church. If they perceive that they have to dress differently, behave differently, or pretend to be someone they are not, they will not attend church. They feel like there is a vast gulf between them and the church.

Cell groups provide a much more natural "bridge" to unbelievers. As members in a cell group develop relationships with unbelieving friends, it is much more natural for them to invite them to a group meeting. And for the unbeliever, coming to a small, informal gathering is much less threatening than going to a place where they don’t know anyone and aren’t sure what the "rules" are.

In John 13:35, Jesus said, "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." As visitors come to a cell group, one of the most powerful witnesses they will have is the caring and nurturing which occurs in the group. They should see a difference in our attitudes, words and deeds, and begin to wonder why we are different. As they see the love in the group and begin to experience that caring and love themselves, they will be drawn to Jesus, the Source of that love.


B. Benefits for Developing Relationships When we look at Jesus’ ministry here on earth, it’s important to note that He chose to live in community with His disciples. These twelve men prayed together, worshipped God together, learned by Jesus’ words and example, ate together, encouraged one another, and proclaimed together the good news of salvation. Of course, it’s not an accident that Jesus chose to use a group to prepare his disciples for ministry. Their group was the first "cell" of an organism which, like the parable of the mustard seed in Matthew chapter 13, started very small and quickly grew very large.

Ministry that is done in cell groups has many benefits, and one of them is the natural development of relationships in the group. As the group meets for fellowship, worship, discipleship and evangelism, each of these activities fosters a unique kind of relationship. These relationships, also illustrated in Figure 1.1, are:

• Fellowship: Man to Man • Worship: Man to God • Discipleship: God to Man • Evangelism: The Body of Christ to the Lost

Figure 1.1. Four Kinds of Cell Group Relationships

God

Fellowship

Worship Discipleship

Evangelism

In a cell group, the members spend time together, participate in ministry together, encourage and pray for one another, and help each other with struggles and needs. There is a strength and intensity to their love and devotion towards God and towards each other. They feel a sense of belonging, of being part of a community that cares for them. As the group members grow in their love for each other, there is something very special about the time they spend together in worship, as they express together the love they have for God.

A cell group also provides an ideal environment for the development of mentoring or discipling relationships. More mature believers are able to come alongside younger believers to encourage them, to teach them, and to perform ministry together with them.

Since one of the goals of a cell group is to grow and multiply itself, the members will continually be looking for ways to reach out to the lost around them. They will be able to share ideas with each other and to learn from each other different ways that they can share Christ with their family and friends. There is a commitment in a cell group to building relationships with unbelievers, in order to share with them the good news of Jesus.

C. Benefits for Discipleship Romans 14:19 says, "Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification." Cell groups provide a place where believers can be ministered to, and where they can


minister to others. The Bible outlines clear responsibilities that believers have towards one another. All of these occur naturally in a cell group, as each person ministers according to his giftedness.

Ministry between believers is an important aspect of the cell group church. Believers are to try to excel in gifts that build up the church (1Co 14:12). Spiritual gifts were given to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ might be built up (Eph 4:12). We are supposed to encourage one another (1Th 4:18) and speak words that will build up others according to their needs (Eph 4:29). This assumes that we share our burdens one with another (Gal 6:2) so that we are able to help each other. Our greatest desire should be to honor one another in brotherly love (Ro 12:10) and to love one another deeply, from the heart (1Pe 1:22). The dynamics of a cell group provide a natural and effective way for believers to fulfill the biblical mandate to build up one another, as illustrated in Figure 1.2.

Figure 1.2. Mutual Discipleship

One-Way Mutual

Cell groups are also the place where the spiritual gifts of each member are discovered, developed and used. In a cell group setting, people are nurtured and encouraged to learn their spiritual giftedness through their involvement in the ministry of the cell. In this way, they grow in their faith and maturity, and have opportunity to be discipled by more mature Christians. In time, they will repeat this process and begin to disciple those in the group who are less spiritually mature.

Many new Christians will have problems and needs with which the group can help. A cell group can effectively care for and meet physical, spiritual, social and emotional needs of people. The members of the group grow to know and love one another through the sharing of these needs and through working together to meet them. For many, it will be the first time they will learn that truths from the Bible can relate to their everyday life. They will learn how to study the Bible for themselves, and how to apply what they are learning to the problems and difficulties which they face.

D. Benefits for Development of Leaders Another positive aspect of starting churches by using cell groups is the issue of leadership. Robert Logan, in his article "Multiplication of Cell Groups," says, "How many people can one Spirit-filled human care for or train? Christ himself drew the line at twelve. Yet here we are, pastors and lay leaders, attempting to draw into our fold and then single-handedly care for the needs of people in groups of 50, 100, 250, 500 and sometimes 1,000 people! Are we greater than our master? Although somewhat dependent on cultural differences, ten seems a mid-range ideal for the number of people who adequately can be cared for by a Spirit-filled Christian lay minister." The benefit of cell groups is that leaders are responsible for the spiritual development of only a handful of people, not tens or hundreds. This eliminates leaders who are trying to minister to the point of exhaustion.


The cell group approach also involves many more people as it gives lay leaders the chance to develop their spiritual gift of leadership. Instead of having "professional clergy" who are given positions of leadership based on what they know, cell group leaders are qualified by the maturity and ability they have demonstrated through their ministry in the cell group.

E. Benefits for Church Planting The use of cell groups has many benefits in the process of church planting. In order to start new churches, you need to evangelize, build up new believers in their faith, develop new leaders and make sure that all of the functions of a church are present. Cell groups provide the means to accomplish all of these goals. Cells can also provide a sense of corporate identity in a new church.

There are many ways to start a church. Think back to the Vision Appendix 3A "Church Planting Models" from Manual 1. Some new churches are started from existing congregations (daughter church model). Others are started by a church planting team that is sent out to a new area from an existing church (colonization model). Still others are started independent of an existing church structure (mission team model). Some are started in formal church buildings, and others meet informally in people’s homes. One of the greatest advantages of cell groups is that they can be used to the benefit of a church planter, no matter which type of church planting model he is working with.

In a saturation church planting strategy, it is the desire of the church planter to fill an area with churches that reproduce and start new churches themselves. What are some of the traditional barriers to church growth and reproduction? Ineffective evangelism, lack of discipleship, not enough money, insufficient numbers of trained leaders, and quite often, a lack of vision to reach the lost for Christ. Cell groups provide a natural and effective way to evangelize, to disciple new believers and to develop new leaders. If the groups meet in people’s homes, there might not be a need for a formal church building. Eliminating this cost enables the church to start new churches when the cell groups are ready, not when funds are available. In other words, lack of funds is not a hindrance to natural church growth.

Cell groups provide the ability to develop a strategy whereby an entire neighborhood, town or country can be saturated with an effective witness for Christ. Without traditional barriers to growth, the cell groups can flourish. Simply stated, the use of cell groups makes it easier to start new churches.

QUESTIONS FOR CONSIDERATION, REVIEW AND APPLICATION • What is the primary difference between a small group and a cell group? • Can the "one another" ministries be done in a traditional Sunday morning church service? What will be

the impact on a Christian if these needs are not met? Will new Christians grow and mature if these needs are not met?

• Are there any barriers in your church that would prevent an unbeliever who has never been to church from coming to one of your services? How can cell groups be used as a "bridge" to unbelievers?

• In general, how can cell groups be used as part of an effective saturation church planting strategy?

ACTION PLAN Find a Christian friend or acquaintance who does not know about cell groups. Explain to him the benefits of a cell group approach to ministry, and ask him to give you reasons why he agrees or disagrees with you. If possible, discuss his responses with other trainees who are studying these materials.

SOURCES Logan, Robert. Multiplication of Cell Groups. Old Tappan, NJ: Fleming H. Revell Co., n.d.


CELL GROUPS

LESSON 2 Principles of Cell Group Leadership

!!!! Lesson Purpose The Purpose of this lesson is to provide a general overview of the functions and responsibilities of a cell group leader.

!!!! Main Points • The four main functions of the cell group must be balanced. • It is vital to develop an apprentice leader.

!!!! Desired Outcomes When the content of this lesson has been mastered, each participant should: • Understand the unique role of the cell group leader in the overall ministry of a cell group. • Understand the responsibilities of the cell group leader for each of the activities of a cell group

meeting. • Know the principles of effective planning for cell group growth and multiplication. • Complete a sample meeting plan for their "first" cell group meeting.

!!!! Appendices 2A Cell Group Ice Breakers 2B Sample Activities In A Cell Group Meeting

I. Overall Leadership Concepts

A. Model the Christian Life Since evangelism is an essential element of cell group ministry, there most likely will be some new believers or spiritually immature believers in the group at any given time. Many of these people do not understand what it means to be a Christian or what it means to serve God in ministry. The cell group leader has the privilege of teaching them these things by the example of what he says and does. He needs to be open with his group about the blessings in his life as well as the burdens. He should share with the group both victories and struggles in his walk with the Lord, and how he reacts to the different circumstances around him. This will not only encourage the cell group members, but it will also help to teach them how to live out what they believe in very practical ways.

When the leader teaches by "modeling," the group members will be better able to understand the Christian life and to teach it to others. It is one of the teaching methods that Jesus used with His disciples. As they spent time with Jesus, they learned simply by watching and listening. In 1 Thessalonians 1:6-7, Paul, Silas and Timothy describe how the Thessalonians became "imitators" of them, and then became a "model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia." Paul, in 1 Corinthians 11:1, instructs the believers to "follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ." A cell group leader needs to set an example in lifestyle and ministry that his group can follow.

B. Develop New Leaders One of the foundational purposes of every cell group is to multiply itself. When a group is ready to multiply, a trained and equipped person needs to be ready to take over as the leader of the new group.


One of the benefits of cell groups is that they provide an excellent means to develop new Christian leaders. One of the first priorities of the cell group leader is to prayerfully choose a person from the group to be the "apprentice" leader. This person should show some ability and aptitude for leadership, but by no means will have all the qualities of an effective leader. One of the roles of a cell group leader is to be a mentor for the apprentice leader. The apprentice must not only listen to and see what the cell group leader is doing, but he or she must also take an active role in the leadership ministry as well. Cell Group lesson 9 "Training New Cell Group Leaders" (in Manual 3) will examine in detail the process of new leadership development. The most important thing to remember when a new group is being started is that God desires to raise up one or more of the people in that group to be cell group leaders themselves.

C. Equip and Release for Ministry All Christians should understand which spiritual gift(s) they have been given by the Holy Spirit, and learn how to use those gifts. Unfortunately, many believers have little opportunity to use their spiritual giftedness, even if they do understand what it is (and many of them don’t). The nature of cell groups enables Christians not only to discover their spiritual giftedness, but also to develop and use that giftedness in ministry.

The cell group leader needs to provide ways to help the members discover their spiritual giftedness. There are several "tests" or "spiritual inventories" which are available to help a person understand the spiritual gifts in general, and to help them see which gift the Holy Spirit may have given them. Quite often, a person’s giftedness can be confirmed when they begin to be involved in different types of ministry.

The cell group leader must provide opportunities both for discovering spiritual giftedness, and for using that giftedness in ministry. This is done primarily through consistent and increasing delegation of ministry to the members of the group. The leader will only be able to delegate very small tasks at first, but as the group grows and matures, he should continually be striving to involve each member in the activities and ministries of the group.

II. Leading The Cell Group Meeting There is no "correct" format for a cell group meeting. It is the responsibility of the leader to decide how the meetings will be organized and conducted. However, each meeting should include some time for each of the four functions of a cell group (fellowship, worship, edification, and evangelism).

A "typical" cell group meeting might have the following order:

• It begins with a time of fellowship and sharing between the group members. • It is followed by a time of worship with prayer, singing and praises to God. • After this, there is a time for discussing and studying the Bible. • Then the group moves to a time for ministry envisioning, where the members discuss personal and

group activities to reach friends, neighbors and perhaps larger groups with the Gospel. This might include prayer time for specific individuals who have not yet been invited to the group.

The amount of time spent in each activity depends on how long the group has been meeting. Initially, the group should spend more time in fellowship and less for Bible discussion. In time, more emphasis will be placed on Bible study and evangelism. This changing balance is demonstrated in Figure 2.1.


Figure 2.1 Balancing Cell Functions

Evangelism

Edification

Worship

Fellowship

EdificationEvangelism

Fellowship

Worship

Early Cell Meeting Later Cell Meeting

Generally speaking, the entire cell group meeting should not last more than 90 minutes. For example, the group might spend 20 minutes in fellowship, 20 minutes in worship, 30 minutes in Bible discussion, and 20 minutes in the evangelism time.

The leader has the responsibility to start the meeting on time, move the group from activity to activity, and end the meeting on time. Each of the four functions of the cell is vital to the growth and maturity of the members, so the leader must make sure that the group spends time in each.

A cell group leader is responsible for the planning and direction of each of the cell meetings. As the cell grows and matures, the leader will be able to delegate various activities in the meeting to others in the group. Each aspect of the meeting needs some type of preparation:

A. Location The leader needs to decide where the group will meet and who will be the host. Quite often the leader is also the host. The host makes sure that a room has been set up with seats that allow the members to see each other (a circle allows for the greatest amount of interaction between members). Optionally, the host may also arrange for the preparation of refreshments (which can be as simple as tea and/or coffee).

B. Fellowship The fellowship time can be as formal or as informal as the leader desires. If there are new members or visitors to the group, it is recommended that you use some sort of "ice breaker" activity to make them feel welcome, and to help each person in the group learn more about the others. The fellowship time is when the members find out what has been happening in the lives of the other members, to encourage them, to share joys and sorrows with them, and to build each other up.

For some examples of activities which will help cell group members get to know one another better, see Appendix 2A "Cell Group Ice Breakers."

C. Worship Leading worship in a cell group prepares the members for the rest of the meeting, especially as they look to God to speak to them through the Bible discussion time. If the leader or someone in the group has musical ability, then a guitar, piano or other musical instrument can be used to accompany the worship time. If not, God is just as pleased to hear praises that are sung from glad and sincere hearts!

D. Prayer Prayer will be a part of each of the activities of the cell group meeting. The leader needs to start and end the meeting with prayer. The leader should consider that praying out loud will be very


uncomfortable for new members, and he should make it clear that this is optional. As they spend more time in the group and are affirmed by the members, they will begin doing this on their own.

Prayer will come naturally during the worship time, but the leader must plan to have prayer during the evangelism and fellowship time as well. Prayer triplets are three people who pray together specifically for the salvation of three friends or acquaintances each (i.e. three believers pray for nine unbelievers) and this can be a part of the evangelism time. During the fellowship time, prayer requests can be shared and prayed for by the group. Another alternative is to pray in groups of two, which can be used to encourage younger Christians to pray (who might otherwise be too shy in front of the group), as well as for sharing more personal needs.

E. Bible Discussion It is the responsibility of the cell group leader to either develop a lesson for the Bible discussion time, or to delegate this to someone in the group who is gifted at teaching. Inductive Bible study is one method which should be used and taught to the cell group members, so that they can learn to feed themselves from the Word of God. While inductive Bible study is not the only method that can be used, the intent of the Bible discussion time should be a discovery of biblical truth and how to apply it to real-life situations.

A word of caution: many groups place too much emphasis on Bible study, since this has been the model they have observed in past church experiences. An overemphasis on the Bible discussion time takes away from the other activities of the cell. It is vital that the leader maintains a balance of the four functions of the cell group.

F. Discipling Discipleship takes place when we consciously help someone to become more Christ-like in character and to be more fruitful in ministry. A new Christian has special needs as he deals with doubt, discouragement, ignorance of spiritual matters, spiritual opposition and a sense of feeling "uncomfortable" in unfamiliar territory. He needs the genuine and sincere care of spiritual parents, who will make his welfare their top priority. The new Christian needs to have someone with whom he can discuss questions, and someone whom he knows cares for him. Because of the close nature of the discipling relationship, only men should disciple men and women disciple women.

The cell group leader should always assign a spiritual "parent" to new Christians in the group. There should never be a case when a new Christian does not have someone to disciple and care for him or her. The group will also help with this process, but just as Christ related to His disciples one on one, so each new Christian must have one person to whom they can relate one on one.

Don’t forget that the cell group leader must also prayerfully choose someone from the group to be an apprentice leader, someone whom the leader will disciple to be the leader of another cell group. The apprentice should be involved in all aspects of ministry with the cell group leader, so that he can see and experience cell group leadership first-hand.

G. Evangelism Developing a vision for ministry in the members of a cell group is the responsibility of the cell group leader. The leader gives the group a vision of the need to evangelize and develop relationships that will provide a natural way to share Christ. He helps them see how their individual efforts to reach out fit in with the evangelistic efforts of the cell group as a whole. This can also be done by studying passages from Scripture that admonish Christians to share the Good News, and then challenging the members to apply these passages to their lives.

The evangelism time of a cell group meeting is an excellent time to share testimonies about how God is working in and through the lives of the cell group members to reach out with the love of Christ. It is also the time when the cell group leader can remind the group of both the need for and the process of multiplying their group into two cell groups.


III. Cell Group Administration Although no one enjoys paperwork, there are several reasons why the cell group leader should work with his group to prepare a plan of goals and objectives for the cell:

• Accountability: As Christians we must be good stewards of the resources God has given us, including the time and effort we put into leading a cell group. Planning helps us make the best possible use of the limited resources we have.

• Growth: If you compare a cell group to a ship on a journey, having a plan can make the difference between a cell group which follows a set course and finds itself very fruitful and one which wanders aimlessly wherever the wind blows it. God desires that the cells in a church grow and multiply, as they work towards the mandate of the Great Commission. With proper planning, a cell group will stay on target and reach this goal of growth, development and multiplication.

Planning involves a simple three-part process.

1. First, pray and ask God to give you wisdom as you plan (Jas 1:5).

2. Second, try to set realistic goals and objectives for your groups, and create a timeline with dates for each goal and objective.

3. Third, include on that timeline periodic dates for evaluation of your progress.

As you continue this process of praying, planning and reviewing, you will begin to see areas that need attention and steps that need to be taken to reach the goals that you have set. Occasionally your cell group might need to adjust its goals and dates, but this is a normal part of the planning process.

QUESTIONS FOR CONSIDERATION, REVIEW AND APPLICATION • Should a cell group leader delegate activities and responsibilities to all members of a cell group, and not

just to the apprentice leader? Why or why not? • Why is it important that each new member of the group be assigned a spiritual "parent" to disciple

him/her? • How long after a group starts should the cell group leader wait until he chooses an apprentice leader?

What kinds of activities can the cell group leader do with the apprentice to prepare him to lead his own group?

• Why should the cell group leader bother to develop a plan for the group in general, and for each of the meetings? Why not just let the group evolve "naturally" in whichever direction it wants?

ACTION PLAN Review Appendix 2B, "Sample Activities in a Cell Group Meeting." This appendix contains suggestions for what can be done during each of the four functions of a cell group meeting. The cell group leader can use these suggestions, or modify them as needed for his particular situation.

SOURCES Trinity Christian Center, Cell Growth and Evangelism Strategy Seminar, N.P., n.d.


CELL GROUPS

APPENDIX

2A Cell Group Ice Breakers

"Ice Breakers" are fun, non-threatening ways to get to know people better. These are often used during the fellowship time of a new cell group. Some notes:

• An icebreaker must be appropriate for the cell group. If it's too childish, people will not feel comfortable. If it's too threatening, people will draw back.

• Make it clear that everybody is expected to participate. • Some icebreakers can be used many times. • Be sensitive to people who might become uncomfortable with the game or activity. • Icebreakers become shorter and less important as the group becomes tightly knit over the course of the

cell group life cycle. You might spend half the time on an icebreaker the first two meetings, but you only need to spend 10 or 15 minutes after a few months.

Opening Questions When you were between the ages of 7 – 12…. 1. Where did you live? How many brothers and sisters did you have? 2. What kind of transportation did your family use? 3. Who was the person you felt closest to? 4. When did God become more than a word to you?

Who Am I? Write the names of famous and/or Bible characters on slips of paper. Tape them on everyone's back. The person cannot read his or her own slip. They are to go around the room asking one question at a time about who they are until they guess who they are. I’ll Bet You Don’t Know This

Each person in the group writes down on a blank piece of paper something that he/she thinks that nobody in the group would know about him/herself. The pieces of paper are folded, mixed well, and numbered consecutively. Then a designated person starts to read them, saying the number first. Each member of the group begins to compile a list of people that they feel best matches the number of each clue. After the last clue is read, the person with the most correct matches wins.

Introductions

Each person in the group is told they have several minutes to think up a question and ask it of the other people in the group. After everyone has thought of a question, they should begin to mingle with each other, asking their questions. Write down each person’s name and answer. After about ten minutes, the group goes around in a circle and tells what they found out about each person. The better the questions, the more creative and insightful responses you will get.

Two Truths and a Lie Everybody write down two true things about themselves and one lie. Everybody then first decides which slip of paper went with which person, and which of his statements was the lie. You may leave out the first part (i.e. each person holds up their piece of paper and people just guess which statement is the lie). (It's not fair if somebody picks a lie very close to the truth).


Weather Report Go around the circle, beginning with the leader, and describe how you are feeling right now in terms of a weather report -- partly cloudy, sunny, etc. Participants can explain why they chose that type of weather. The leader sets the example for depth.

Trust Walk Form the group into pairs. Blindfold one person in each pair. Each unblindfolded person leads a blindfolded person around the general vicinity of the meeting place. Try to provide many different experiences -- take them up some stairs, go outside and inside, help them feel different objects, walk at different paces, walk on different materials (grass, floors, dirt) but say nothing after the walk has started. You must nonverbally communicate all messages. After about five minutes, change places. After another five minutes the group re-gathers. Share what kinds of feelings you had as you were blindfolded and as you touched objects, etc. How did you feel about the other person? What was it like to have no control over what was happening? What did you learn about yourself? How does this apply to your relationship with God? With others?

Coin Game If you have new people in your meeting sometime, you might keep the Coin Game in mind for an icebreaker. Give everyone ten coins. Each person must name one thing about himself/herself that is different from everyone else. (For example, an adventurous group member might say, "I have climbed Pikes Peak.") The speaker puts a coin in the middle. If another player has also climbed Pikes Peak, he/she can put in a coin as well. The first person to get rid of all his/her coins wins.

Team Charades For this activity you need two teams and two rooms. Divide the group into two teams. Team A thinks up some sort of motion or activity for Team B to act out (e.g. eating breakfast) without using any words. Team A tells only one person (we’ll call her "Laura") from Team B what the activity is, and Laura is not allowed to tell anyone else on her team. Team B waits in the first room, while Laura takes one other person from her team (we’ll call him "Michael") into the second room. In the second room, Team A watches while Laura acts out the activity for Michael (remember, no words!) Then Laura returns to the first room and sends in someone else from Team B. Michael then acts out the activity for the next person, and Michael returns to the first room and sends in someone else from his team. This process is repeated, until the last person from Team B watches the activity. This last person then must guess what the activity is. The teams then switch roles and Team B thinks up an activity for Team A to act out.

Answers and Authors On pieces of paper, write down four or five non-threatening questions that might reveal something about a person (e.g. What's your favorite possession? What do you wish you could do that you can't do now? What's your ideal vacation?) People should answer all of them, or at least three, but instruct them not to put their names on the sheet. The leader then collects the sheets and reads out the answers, and everyone tries to guess who gave those answers.

All My Neighbors Everyone begins by sitting in chairs arranged in a circle, except one person who begins by standing in the middle. The person in the middle needs to find some "neighbors." To do this, he needs to make a true statement about himself, which hopefully will also be true about his neighbors (e.g. "All my neighbors play the piano"). Every person who can also truthfully say this statement must stand up and find a new seat. He cannot return to the seat where he was sitting. The person in the middle is also looking for a chair, so each time there will be one person who remains in the middle without a seat. He or she must then make a true statement and look for some "neighbors" for whom this statement is also true.


Group Discussions Below is a series of quite a few questions that can be used during the fellowship time. Note that some of these questions are appropriate for new groups, and some questions are better suited for groups in which the members already know each other a little. Normally, only one question will be used in each cell group meeting.

1. What was the happiest moment in your life? 2. What can you tell us about your first date? 3. What is the greatest regret of your life? 4. What was the hardest thing you have ever done? 5. What was the greatest compliment you ever received? 6. Who is your best earthly friend? Describe him or her. 7. Which room in your house do you like best? 8. What is the one thing you want to accomplish next week? 9. Where did you feel warmest and safest as a child? 10. If you had a time machine that would work only once, what point in the future or in history would you

visit? 11. When was the last time you did something for the first time? 12. At a meal your friends start belittling a common friend. What do you do? 13. If you could take a pill that would enable you to live until you reach 1,000 years, would you do it? Why? 14. When you do something stupid, how much does it bother you to have other people notice it and laugh? 15. Would you like to know the exact date of your death? 16. If you could change two things about the way you were raised, what would they be? If you came from a

divorced family, how did it affect you? 17. Who is your favorite relative? Why? 18. What is your favorite memory time spent, as a child, with your father? Your mother? 19. Who did God use to bring you to the point where you knew you needed Jesus? 20. If you could change places with a Bible character, whom would you choose? Why? 21. What is your favorite book of the Bible? Why? 22. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go? 23. Imagine your house is on fire and you only have time to take one possession with you (your family is all

safe). What would you take? 24. What is your favorite movie or TV show? 25. Who has had the greatest influence on your life since we last gathered? 26. What was the best thing that happened to you this past week? 27. Recall a time when you failed recently. 28. Name someone you admire who had to overcome great obstacles to get where they are now. 29. What do you value most in a human relationship? In your relationship with Christ? Your parents? 30. How do you react when you aren't thanked for going out of your way for someone? 31. What is your favorite time of day? 32. (Singles) The kind of girl/boy I want to marry…(Couples) What caused me to marry my spouse. 33. What was your greatest disappointment in life? 34. What gift (apart from your conversion) will you never forget? 35. What was the most important event in your life this past week? 36. If you could choose to go anywhere in the world for three days, where would you go, and why? 37. If you could choose to meet anyone who ever lived in your country, who would that be, and why would

you like to meet him/her?


38. If you could choose to live anywhere in the world, where would you live, and why? 39. What gift (spiritual, emotional, mental, etc.) do you believe you are bringing to this meeting? (In other

words, what do you think you are bringing that might contribute to the encouragement of others?). 40. What was a significant experience in your life that changed your value system completely? 41. What are some of your goals for the year ahead? 42. Who are your parents, what do they do and what would you like to change about them? 43. If you could choose your career over again, what would you do? 44. If you became the leader of any country in the world, which would it be and why? 45. What were the best and worst experiences of your week? 46. If you could take a free two-week trip to any place in the world, where would it be and why? 47. If you could talk to any one person now living, who would it be and why? 48. Give every one a piece of paper and ask them to draw a picture of their jobs or whatever they do on a

daily basis. Explain your sketches. 49. Why are you glad to be in this cell group tonight? 50. What are some strong and some weak points in your relationship with your eldest child or your parents-

in-law or your husband? 51. Inform everyone that they have just been given one million dollars. Let each share how they would use

their newly gained fortune. 52. Do you have a nickname and if so what is it? What nicknames do you have for your husband and

children? 53. Is there an era in time that you would have liked to have lived in? If so, why? 54. Has the cell group been a help to you? Spend time talking about it and thanking each other. 55. Tell the cell group three things you appreciate about your family and three ways in which you find them

difficult at times. 56. What is one thing you would really like see happen at the moment in your family? Your church? Your

cell group? The world? 57. Who is the best friend you have at this point in your life? 58. Have you had an answered prayer recently? Share the story. 59. What is your occupation? What do you enjoy about it? 60. Who has been the greatest influence on your Christian life and why? 61. What book, movie, video have you seen/read that you would recommend to others? Why? 62. What do you think delights God above everything else in your life? 63. What is the most encouraging thing said to you this week? 64. What encouraging action have you done to someone this week? 65. What made you decide to attend this church? 66. What do you still want to accomplish with your life? 67. What is your most embarrassing experience? 68. For what are you thankful? 69. What is the most memorable event of your life and why? 70. Share the most meaningful Scripture to you and why it is so meaningful? 71. How did you and your partner meet and what made you start going out together or what kind of person

would you like to have as your partner? 72. How would your life be different if you knew Jesus was returning in one week? 73. Who is the most interesting person you have met? 74. What is your favorite holiday spot and why do you enjoy it? 75. Share about a spiritual experience you have had. 76. What annoys you about your spouse/friend?


77. How do you relax? 78. What is your favorite type of music/song, etc.? 79. What has happened to you during this week that you would like to tell the rest of the group? 80. When was the last time you got really angry? 81. If you could not fail, what would you like to do? 82. If you had to live your life over what would you change? 83. What do you want written on your tombstone? 84. What do you want said at your funeral? 85. What don't you want said at your funeral? 86. If you were to go and live on the moon and could carry only one thing, what would it be? 87. What would you do if you were to see (1) a person being robbed (2) a person drowning (3) a house on

fire? 88. What was one thing that created stress in your life this week? 89. What is one thing that makes you feel guilty? 90. What is one thing that you do not understand about the opposite sex? 91. If you had this week to do over again, what would you do differently? 92. Describe another small group that you were a member of outside of your church. Why do you think the

group worked (or didn't work)? You're not limited to "religious" groups. Most of us meet in small groups at work.

93. What is the most memorable Bible you have received? (e.g. at your baptism, wedding, conversion, etc.) Tell us about why it is meaningful to you.

94. What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about God? 95. What are the biggest questions that you have about your relationship with God? 96. Under what circumstances do you feel most lonely? Least lonely? Why? 97. In what areas of your life is it most difficult to trust God? Other people? Yourself? 98. Why do you get up in the morning? The purpose is to find out what the motivating forces are in this

person's life. It is a simple question but it takes a good deal of thought to answer honestly. 99. When was the last time you admitted you were wrong? Why is it so hard to do? 100.What have you learned recently from another believer?


CELL GROUPS

APPENDIX

2B Sample Activities In A Cell Group Meeting

Following are some sample activities for each of the four parts of a cell group meeting. The times listed for each function are approximate:

Fellowship Worship Edification Evangelism

Man to man Man to God God to man Body of Christ to the world

"Inward" "Upward" "Downward" "Outward"

20 minutes 20 minutes 30 minutes 20 minutes

• Enjoy fun activities together

• Eat meals together • Get to know one

another better • Encourage one

another • Share joys with each

other • Share problems with

each other • Pray for one another

• Sing songs of praise • Thank God for His

greatness • Thank God for all He

has done • Pray aloud or

silently • Read passages of

worship (for example, the Psalms).

• Read Christian poetry

• Study passages of Scripture as a group

• Apply biblical truth to everyday situations

• Be involved in ministry with the group

• Discover and use spiritual giftedness

• Memorize Bible verses

• Form a "prayer triplet" and pray for unsaved friends

• Invite unbelievers to the group

• As a group, meet the needs of people around you

• Develop friendships with unbelievers

• Share the Good News of Christ with others


CELL GROUPS

LESSON 3 Starting a Cell Group

!!!! Lesson Purpose The purpose of this lesson is to provide practical steps for starting a new cell group.

! Main Points • Prayer support is extremely important. • It may take time to develop initial contacts. • A successful cell group must be planned.

!!!! Desired Outcomes When the content of this lesson has been mastered, each participant should: • Understand what needs to happen in order to start one or more cell groups. • Develop a plan to start a new cell group.

!!!! Appendix 3A Planning Worksheet

!!!! Suggestions to Trainers This lesson is closely complemented by lesson 2 "Principles of Cell Group Leadership." Both of these lessons should be completed before the trainee starts his first group.

I. Prepare For A New Cell Group

A. Form a Prayer Team The most important step in starting a new cell group is prayer. The cell group leader should form a team of intercessors who will pray for him and the new cell group on a regular basis. These could be people from his local church, Christian friends and family members, or believers from other churches in the area where the cell group will be started.

Pray for God’s clear leading and ask for wisdom concerning timing, location, etc. Pray for the revival of hearts of existing believers in the target area. Pray for each new cell group that is to be started. Satan will try to attack a new cell group church being started. Paul, in his ministry of church planting, specifically requested intercessory prayer (Eph 6:19, 1Th 5:25, Ro 15:30). The church planter must be a person of prayer, and must be surrounded by prayer.

B. Form a Leadership Team Although it is possible for one person to start a cell group, it is preferable to have a leadership team of two to four people. The leadership team members can more effectively do the research, evangelism and initial startup of the cell group. In addition, they are able to pray for one another, to hold each other accountable and to disciple the new believers who are brought into the group. Jesus Himself modeled this when He sent out the seventy-two in pairs for their first ministry experience (Lk 10:1). One person from the leadership team should be chosen to be the leader of the new cell group.


C. Research Your Target Area In order to study how and where to start cell groups as part of a church planting strategy, research must be done in the target area. In Manual One there is a lesson entitled "Principles of Research" (Vision 4). If this research has not yet been completed, the leadership team should review this lesson and conduct the research. Research that is done according to the principles listed in the lesson will reveal key factors about how the future cell group should be formed.

II. Make Contacts Decide who your target audience is, and think about their felt needs (as identified in the research you did after completing Manual One). Pray about how your cell group could begin to meet these needs. Pray that God would show you key people in your target area. These are the people who are influential in their community, and who have vision, ambition and energy. Often, key people are already in some type of leadership position. They have the potential as Christians to be powerful witnesses in the lives of the many people with whom they have relationships.

If your target area is your neighborhood, then the process of bringing family, friends and acquaintances into the group is not difficult. You already have relationships developed with these people. Pray that God would use your relationships to give you opportunity to invite them to the cell group. On a piece of paper, make a list of those people whom you talk to or run into during the course of a week. Begin praying about each person on your list, that you will have opportunity to share Christ with them and invite them to the cell group.

If your target area is not your immediate neighborhood, then the process of developing relationships is slower. You must first get to know those whom you would invite, and begin developing relationships with them. Spend time with them, look for ways to serve them and help them. Be "salt and light" to them even before you start the group. No matter who your target group is, begin praying for their salvation even while you are developing relationships with them. If there are several different social levels or ethnic groups in your target area, you might need to have a cell group to reach each group. Start with one cell group to target one of these social or ethnic groups, but make plans to start other cell groups to reach all levels of society in your target area.

You should also contact any other churches in the target area to talk with them about your plans for starting a cell group church. If possible, get to know the leadership in these churches and ask them for their blessing on your ministry. Make sure that they understand you will not be "stealing" any of their sheep, since your cell groups will grow as a result of evangelism done with non-believers, many of whom do not ever go to a church.

Even if your target area has no churches and no Christians, the process is the same. Get to know people in your target group, spend time with them, learn about them, and try to serve them and demonstrate through your words and actions the love of God. If you are involved in this type of pioneering work, make it a priority to spend time in prayer to break down spiritual strongholds. Expect a lot of resistance from Satan, who will not easily give up an area that has no Christian witness.

III. Choose A Location The most natural location for your cell group to meet initially is at your home or apartment. If this is not possible, the second choice would be the home of someone on the leadership team. The next choice would be the home of someone with whom you are developing a relationship. If this is your only option, pray first about approaching them with your request.

Try to avoid choosing a meeting location for which you have to pay rent. It is an unwanted expense for the cell group, and it has the potential to cause many problems. Right away the group would have to deal with how they would pay for the location, and the focus of the meetings could be sidetracked. Newcomers might feel pressured to have to help financially, especially if other members are already doing this. This can be a strong barrier that would prevent many people from coming to the group, or from returning to the group once they have visited.


After deciding where to meet, you need to decide when. You should choose the day and time based on job schedules, usual weekend activities and weekday evening activities of your target audience. If everyone in your target group has to shop for food and necessities on Saturday morning, don’t schedule your cell group meeting time then. Try to choose a time when most people can come. Use your target area research to determine what times would be best, and ask those whom you would be inviting what times would be good for them.

IV. Prepare For The First Meeting Your first meeting should be well prayed for and well planned. Review with your leadership team what will happen during the meeting time. Make sure the host (if it is not you) understands how many people have been invited, how to set up the meeting area, and (if appropriate) what refreshments will be available during the fellowship time. Plan ahead for songbooks or copies of lyrics for the songs you will be teaching and singing. Have some extra Bibles on hand for those who don’t own one or cannot bring one.

Since many of the people coming to the first meeting do not know each other, it’s important to have some "ice breaker" activities to begin with. These are activities which simply allow the members of the group to get to know one another in a fun, non-threatening way (see Appendix 2A "Cell Group Ice Breakers").

Keep things informal and natural. Don’t begin with a twenty minute prayer, and don’t do a Bible study which will confuse and bore the visitors (e.g. don’t study the book of Revelation at the first meeting). Instead, the cell group leader should lead the group in a time of Bible study that is appropriate for the group. This might be discussion of a passage in the Bible, inductive Bible study, or authoritative teaching. Introduce the Bible as the word of God, which has answers to the questions and daily problems of life.

Teach them one or two songs and use the songbooks/lyrics to help them sing. Do your first Bible discussion with the group. Don’t expect a lot of input or involvement at this stage of the group. Try to show practical application to the felt needs that were identified in the target area research.

Discuss the purpose(s) of meeting together in the cell group. Decide with the group if the day and time of this first meeting is good for most everyone, or if it should be changed. Ask them if there is anything about which you can be praying for them. Write this down somewhere so that you can remember to ask them about it at the next meeting. Close the meeting with prayer. Don’t be too hasty to have everyone leave! Many times visitors will be more relaxed after the "meeting" is over, and you can use this time to get to know them better.

After the visitors have left, evaluate with your leadership team what went well and what could be improved for the next meeting. It is best to do this right after the meeting, while details are still fresh in everyone’s minds. Write down any suggestions for change or improvement.

QUESTIONS FOR CONSIDERATION, REVIEW AND APPLICATION • What basic components would you include in a plan to start a new cell group? • What are some of the unique problems you might encounter when you are doing "pioneering" church

planting in an area with no Christian witness? What could be done to overcome these obstacles? • What would you say to a believer who is part of your cell group but who is fearful to open his home to the

visitors he would not know?

ACTION PLAN • Let’s say you are going to have your first cell group meeting in one week. Use Appendix 3A, "Planning

Worksheet, Cell Group Meeting," to create a plan for this first meeting. Go into as much detail as possible. Are there other aspects of the meeting you would also put in your plan? When finished, share your plan with one of the other trainees and have him evaluate it. You evaluate his plan as well.


• If you have not yet completed your target area research, you need to do this now. After performing your target area research, use the principles and practical steps in this lesson to create a plan to start a new cell group. Include names of people on the leadership team, names of your intercessors, how you will make contacts, which felt needs your cell group will try to meet, when and where the group will meet, and anything else you feel should be part of the plan. After completing this plan, have a trainer or your supervisor review it with you.


CELL GROUPS

APPENDIX

3A Planning Worksheet CELL GROUP MEETING

Date and time of meeting:

Location and Host:

Fellowship

Refreshments:

Activities, Games:

Worship

Song Leader:

Prayer

Prayer activities:

Bible Discussion

Discussion Leader:

Scripture Passage:

Ministry Envisioning

Sharing Time:

Group activities:

Individual activities:

Other Planning Items:

To think about: • Who is your apprentice leader? • Who is discipling each member of your group? (Whom are you discipling?) • What are you doing to help your apprentice leader develop leadership skills? How are you delegating

ministry to him/her? How are you modeling ministry with him/her? • Are you praying for each member in your cell group?


CELL GROUPS

LESSON 4 Cell Group Evangelism

!!!! Lesson Purpose The purpose of this lesson is to explain the process of evangelism in cell groups.

!!!! Main Points • Oikos evangelism reaches those you already have relationships with. • Target evangelism reaches those outside your immediate circle. • There are two types of unbelievers: type A and B.

!!!! Desired Outcomes When the content of this lesson has been mastered, each participant should: • Have an understanding that in general, unbelievers can be grouped into two categories (Type A and

Type B), and that different types of evangelism are needed to reach each of these types of people. • Understand the concept of oikos-- each person’s network of relationships. • Make a list of their own personal oikos relationships. • Understand the process of oikos evangelism and target evangelism in a cell group.

!!!! Appendix 4A "About Oikos"

!!!! Suggestions to Trainers This lesson describes one way to look at the spiritual condition of unbelievers by categorizing them into two groups -- basically, those who are interested in the Gospel and those who are not. This simple definition helps the trainees better understand how evangelism can work in cell groups. Note that the concept of the spiritual condition of an unbeliever and his understanding of God is more fully developed in this manual in evangelism lessons 6,7 "The Process of Conversion."

Be sure to leave enough time during the lesson to have the trainees do the "Making a List of Your Oikos Relationships" exercise.

I. Two Types Of Unbelievers In order for a cell group to effectively reach lost people around it, there must first be an understanding of how best to minister to those people. In the second chapter of Ephesians, Paul writes about how Christ came to break down the barrier between Jews and Gentiles and make salvation available to all who would believe. Ephesians 2:17 says that Jesus came and preached peace to those who were far away (the Gentiles) and peace to those who were near (the Jews).

We can use a similar analogy when we look at those who have not yet accepted Christ as Savior. Some people are very far away from this commitment, and others are much closer. Ralph Neighbour has categorized those unbelievers who are near as "Type A" unbelievers, and those who are far away as "Type B" unbelievers. These designations are arbitrary, and we could call them whatever we wanted. The point is that because these groups of people are different, the cell group is going to have to use different methods to evangelize each of them.


A. Type A Unbelievers: Those Who Are Interested Type A unbelievers are people who may already believe in God, and know that Jesus is the Son of God. They might have some knowledge of the Bible, and understand that Jesus died on the cross. They may or may not attend a church, or perhaps just attend occasionally (e.g. Christmas and Easter).

These are people who are open to God’s direction for their lives and are searching to find spiritual answers to their problems and questions. Type A unbelievers would not be opposed to coming to a Bible study to learn more about God and His word. Many times, a Type A unbeliever is very close to making a commitment to Christ. Often, he simply has not had the Gospel message clearly explained to him.

B. Type B Unbelievers: Those Who Don’t Want To Know Type B unbelievers seldom or never attend church, and may or may not believe in God. They don’t necessarily accept the Bible as an authoritative book, and probably do not know much about the Bible. Jesus is probably nothing more than a historical figure or they may not even have heard of Him.

Type B people are perhaps happy with their way of life, and are not searching for God’s purposes for them. They will not listen to an evangelistic outreach, and they won’t attend any type of "church" activities. In fact, some Type B unbelievers are openly hostile to the Gospel message. They do not want to attend a Bible study, and do not see how "religion" has any relevance to their everyday lives.

II. Understanding Oikos Oikos1 is a Greek word that appears frequently in the New Testament. It is a term that describes the personal community of relationships which exists for each person. Strong’s Greek Dictionary of the New Testament defines oikos as "a house, all the persons forming one family, and/or a household." For example, in Acts 16:15, it is used to describe Lydia’s family: "When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home."

Each of us has an oikos, the circle of people in our lives with whom we have relationships. These relationships include our family, close friends, people we work with, neighbors and others with whom we spend time on a regular basis. Figure 4.1 shows the relationship of these groups that make up our own personal oikos.

There are many methods for doing evangelism, depending on the situation and whom you are trying to reach. We can and should sometimes speak to total strangers about Jesus Christ, as the Holy Spirit gives us opportunities. But our most effective personal evangelism is usually with the people who are already in our lives, the people with whom we have relationships. In His wisdom, God has given us a method to share Christ with others that is based on the trust and caring that comes from having a personal relationship with them. It is not an impersonal "program" with people you do not know; rather, it is a very genuine way to show a friend that you care about them.

Being a "living example" is a powerful witness to the people in our oikos. The Holy Spirit uses our problems and victories to show others that Christ makes a real difference in our daily lives, that the

1 οικο∀

Figure 4.1 Oikos Relationships

ImmediateFamily

Friends & Relatives

Neighbors & Acquaintances


Bible has answers to life’s problems, and that joy and peace can be found in an often troublesome world.

A. Exercise: Making a List of Your Oikos Relationships On a piece of paper, take a few minutes to write down the names of the people with whom you talk or interact with on a regular basis during the course of a week or a month. Write one name per line. Limit your list to no more than 20 people (if there are more, choose the 20 with whom you have the closest relationships).

Now, examine the names on your list. For each person who you know is a believer, place a cross in front of his or her name. Next, think about the people who are not believers. For all the "Type A" people, place an A in front of their names. These are people whom you think would be open to spiritual things, to studying the Bible, or to learning more about God’s purpose for their lives.

Finally, look at the rest of the names. If these are people you know are not interested in God or spiritual things, who would not want to come to a Bible study, and who do not see God as relevant in any way to their daily life, place a B in front of their names. These are "Type B" unbelievers.

Save this list, perhaps in your Bible. The people with a cross in front of their names are believers who could possibly help you start a new cell group. The people with an A in front of their names are those for whom you can be praying and inviting to your cell group. The people with a B in front of their names are those for whom you can be praying about spending more time with.

You might be surprised to see how few (if any!) unbelievers are in your personal oikos. Many Christians have few relationships with unbelievers. A new believer will have the most relationships with unbelievers. However, as Christians begin to fellowship with other Christians, they soon find that they spend little or no time any more with their non-Christian friends.

III. Share Groups When we think about the functions and activities of a cell group, we see very quickly that this type of group would appeal to a Type A unbeliever. They would probably feel comfortable as the group prays, worships and learns from the Bible. However, it is just as easy to see that a Type B unbeliever would feel very uncomfortable in a cell group. Type B people would either never come to a cell group meeting in the first place, or if they did attend, would most likely never return.

In order to reach a Type B unbeliever, we need to use something which Ralph Neighbour calls "Share Groups." You can call it whatever you like, but the basic principle is that for a Type B unbeliever, relationships must be built before the Gospel can be explained. Developing these relationships takes time and effort, but it is the best way to reach people who are indifferent or antagonistic towards God.

A Share Group is simply two or three Christians who begin spending time with Type B unbelievers from their circle of relationships. Initially, this will not be time for Bible study, for prayer, or even for talking about God. Rather, it is time for relationships to be developed, so that the unbelievers can see that the Christians are genuinely interested in them, in their problems and in their families. In time, the Holy Spirit will provide opportunities for the Christians to share how God is working in their lives, how He helps them with problems, and how the Bible has answers to life’s questions.

IV. The Process Of Cell Group Evangelism A. Oikos Evangelism

A new cell group is usually started with several Type A unbelievers. These are the people for whom the Christians have been praying and to whom they have been witnessing. The first Bible discussions with the group are very evangelistic in nature, and should be designed to introduce the new members in the group to Christ. As the Holy Spirit convicts hearts, the unbelievers will commit their lives to Christ, and begin growing in their faith. As new believers, these people will have many natural contacts with unbelievers in their oikoses. As they are grounded in their faith and begin to mature, they also will reach out to the Type A people they know, by praying for them and inviting


them to the group. In this way the process of praying, reaching, commitment and growing in the Lord is repeated in the group. Conversion and growth happen along the lines of oikos relationships that God gives to each one of us.

At the same time that the Type A unbelievers are being brought into the group and are committing their lives to Christ, the mature Christians in the group begin to pray about which Type B unbelievers to reach out to. They choose only several people for this type of ministry, since a large amount of time and effort is required. At least two and possibly three of the Christians begin to pray for and spend time with each of the Type B unbelievers. This is not time for Bible study, prayer or "religious" things. Initially, this is time spent simply to build trust relationships. Figure 4.2 illustrates how share groups and cell groups help to present the Gospel to both Type A and B unbelievers.

Figure 4.2 Reaching Type A and B Unbelievers

Type“B”

Type “A”

• No awarenessof the Gospel

or• Aware, butnot receptive.

Share Group2. Open toMessenger

1. Not Open3. Open toMessage

Cell Group

4. Believe

As these relationships deepen, the Holy Spirit will give opportunities to begin sharing how God is actively working in and through the lives of the believers. They can let the unbelievers know they are praying for them in times of trouble, and give credit to God for answers to those prayers. A simple study of the Bible might be started between members of this "share group," but not yet in the cell group. In time, the Holy Spirit will bring the Type B person to a point where he is ready to learn more about spiritual things, and the Christian is able then to invite him to the cell group meetings. This Type B person (who at this point is probably closer to being a Type A) feels comfortable in the cell group, since the same people who were spending time with him before are also in the cell group. He then moves along the path of discovery, conviction, commitment and growth. In time, this new Christian will begin reaching out to the people in his oikos who need to learn about Christ’s love.

B. Target Evangelism Oikos evangelism is one of the most natural and effective methods for reaching the lost around us. This is the primary method of evangelism to use with new believers in a cell group. After the group has been involved in oikos evangelism, a second type of strategy (which Ralph Neighbour calls "targeting") can be introduced. Target evangelism reaches out to people who are strangers, but share common needs, interests or problems. Target evangelism should be used only in cell groups that are already involved in oikos evangelism.

Target evangelism groups are similar to share groups because the people they reach are not necessarily interested in the Gospel. They come together to discuss their needs, problems or common interests. The topic or theme for these groups ranges widely, from self-esteem, building marriages, raising children and divorce recovery to groups that meet to discuss music, pets or car repair! The best way to decide what type of group to offer is to talk with the new members of the share group as they are reaching out to the people in their oikoses. The need for a certain type of


target group is often determined by the hurts or interests of those people with whom new members are building relationships.

As the groups meet to discuss needs, hurts, interests or problems, the Christians have an excellent opportunity to share how God and the Bible provide answers, encouragement and relief to these areas of life. Those who express deeper interest can be invited to the cell meetings, where they can begin to experience the fellowship and encouragement of the group. Target evangelism is often an appropriate method for reaching out to an area where natural lines of oikos do not exist, as in the case of a "pioneering" ministry.

C. Group Size and Multiplication The ideal range for the size of a cell group is 8-12 people, and it should never grow larger than 15 people. Once a group grows larger than 15, the dynamics of communication and interaction change, and it no longer is able to provide the sense of togetherness and intimacy that a cell group will naturally have.

As the group begins to reach out through oikos evangelism and target evangelism, the Holy Spirit will convict hearts and people will begin to join the group. Consider the rate of growth of the group versus the maturity of the apprentice leader with whom you are working. Do not allow the group to grow so large so quickly that multiplication must happen before the apprentice is ready. Once the group begins to approach 15 people, share with the group that it must stay at this level until the apprentice is prepared spiritually, mentally and emotionally to take over leadership of the new group.

Once multiplication takes place, the leader of each group will begin working with an apprentice, and evangelism will continue in earnest in both of the groups.

QUESTIONS FOR CONSIDERATION, REVIEW AND APPLICATION • In Luke 5:32, Jesus said, "I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." How much

time did Jesus spend with "sinners" during his earthly ministry? Give two or three examples of people Jesus met with who would be considered Type A and Type B people.

• What types of activities can you think of to build relationships with the Type B people from your own personal oikos list? What other Christian can go with you as you build these relationships?

• How much time do you think it takes to build meaningful relationships with unbelievers? What priorities, if any, would have to change in your life in order to spend more time with unbelievers?

ACTION PLAN In your cell group, develop a strategy for reaching out through the relationships of each member. If others in your group have not made a list of the relationships in their oikos, have them do it at the next meeting. Have the group decide which Type A people to pray for and contact, and which Type B people to pray for and begin spending time with. The cell group leader should maintain a list of these names, so that the group can hold itself accountable to reaching out to them.

SOURCES • Neighbour, Ralph. A Guidebook for Cell Group Churches. Houston, TX: Touch Publications, 1990. • Neighbour, Ralph. Knocking on Doors, Opening Hearts. Houston, TX: Touch Outreach Ministries, 1990. • Trinity Christian Center, Cell Growth and Evangelism Strategy Seminar, N.P., n.d.


CELL GROUPS

APPENDIX

4A About "Oikos"

To fully understand the importance of cell groups in a church planting strategy, we must consider the word oikos, a biblical term that describes the basic building block of any society. It appears throughout the Bible and refers to the personal community that exists for us all. It is translated into English as "house" or "household." For example, in Acts 16:31, Paul and Silas used it when they said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved--you and your household."

OIKOS: THE WORLD'S WAY OF FORMING CELL GROUPS FOR ALL The oikoses each of us lives within are not large. We may know several dozen, even several hundred, people, but quality time spent with others is extremely limited--and only those to whom we devote quality time can be said to be a part of our oikos, our personal community. Each of us has a primary group that includes some of our relatives and some of our friends who relate to us through work, recreation, hobbies, and neighbors. These are the people we talk to, relate to, and share with, for at least one hour per week.

It is most unusual to find a person who has as many as 20 people in his or her oikos. For many years, I have surveyed the sizes of the oikoses of those attending my seminars and classes. Christians usually average nine people, and a large percentage of them had not developed a single new oikos relationship in the past six months!

Life is made up of endless chains of oikos connections. Every person is already entwined in these relationships. If people are accepted into an oikos, they feel a security that does not exist when they meet strangers.

In every culture of the world, the intimacy of oikos connections is considered to be sacred. The Chinese have a special word for close friendships, and such bonds are considered to be a sacred thing. In Argentina, I was shown a gourd and a metal tube with holes on one end of it for the drinking of "mate tea." A most intimate oikos custom in their culture is sharing with a friend by drinking from the same tube. Usually, the ceremony is limited to family members.

OIKOSES VARY WITH EMOTIONAL STRENGTH Since the world began, people have always lived in oikoses. Every single culture, without exception, has them. The security of the individual is in the affirmation received by those who are significant in the oikos. In the earliest hours of childhood, the mother is the one who provides affirmation by her presence and her attention. As the child develops, this affirmation is received, or not received, by the other household members. Then the school teacher becomes a part of the oikos, and later it becomes the adolescent's oikos group that must approve him. In the workplace, affirmation is tied to promotions and raises in salary.

Each oikos becomes a part of a larger social structure. The important thing for us to grasp is that every human being lives in a special, tiny world, often being compelled to relate to people who are forced upon him or her by oikos structures. Today, the hurts of being thrust into a home where the mother is an alcoholic or the father is a child molester composes a significant ministry for cell group churches.

As you read this, consider the implications of this in your own life. Take a moment to write down the names of all the people you spend one full hour each week sharing with in a direct, person-to-person manner. (This hour can be accumulated a few minutes at a time, scattered over seven days, but it must be regular--and it must be face to face). The overpowering impact of a limited few upon each of our lives must be considered. For example: Who are the significant others in your life? Whose approval or disapproval is important to you? (I have counseled those who are still trying to please a disapproving father who has been dead for years).


Who do you fear may reject you, and whom do you look to for affirmation? Meditating upon one's own oikos can bring great insights!

CHRISTIAN WORKERS HAVE OIKOSES LACKING UNBELIEVERS My own survey of this subject among Christian workers has revealed amazing facts. I am certain I have polled over 5,000 pastors, pastor's wives, church staff members, and missionaries in at least thirty countries. It is a rare thing to find those who are in "full time Christian work" who have unbelievers in their primary oikos.

Unless she is employed in the secular world, the wife of a Christian worker is least likely to have a single contact with the unchurched. Her oikos is filled only with church people. On one occasion an educational director of a large church put his head in his hands and wept with embarrassment as he realized he had spent his entire career within the confines of church work. He could not remember having an oikos with an unbeliever in it since he graduated from a secular college.

JESUS CONSTANTLY INVADED PAGAN OIKOSES While the church pulls people out of their oikoses and gives them membership in an organization which swallows them up, the New Testament reveals a different approach to people relationships. Jesus constantly did His work by invading oikos groups. He knew there was no other way to share the Gospel except to penetrate these small clusters of people. It is obvious that each oikos is based in a house, not an institutional building. Thus, the Lord spent His time going from one house to another.

In Luke 19:2-5, we see Jesus making contact with Zacchaeus. He says to him, "Zacchaeus...I must stay at your house today." In Luke 7:36-38 we find Him in the oikos of a Pharisee who has invited Him to have dinner with him. While He reclines at the table, a prostitute comes and pours perfume on His feet. What amazing examples of oikos penetration!

In Matthew 8:14, He enters Peter's house and heals one of the oikos members living there. In Matthew 9:10, He eats dinner with His disciples and many tax collectors and sinners at Matthew's house. Again, He penetrates an oikos in Matthew 9:23 as He enters the ruler's house and sees the flute players and the noisy crowd. In Matthew 17:25, Peter finds Him in a Capernaum house, where Jesus speaks to him about paying taxes. We read in Mark 3:20 that Jesus entered a house and a crowd gathered, "so that He and His disciples were not even able to eat." In Mark 7:17, He enters a house where His disciples quiz Him about a parable. In Mark 7:24, He enters a house to be alone, only to be swamped by a crowd that has learned where He was staying.

THE EARLY CHURCH PENETRATED OIKOSES, TOO! In Acts 5:42, we read that the early church went from house to house. In Acts 8:3, when Saul wanted to destroy the church, he knew where to find the people of God. We are told that "going from house to house, he dragged off men and women and put them in prison."

It is interesting to see in Acts 10 how the Holy Spirit arranged for Peter to get from the house of Simon the tanner to the residence of Cornelius, where Cornelius’ conversion took place. The penetration of oikoses is the pattern for ministry in the first century.

Conversions are frequently recorded as sweeping an entire oikos into the Kingdom. In Acts 16, both Lydia and the jailer are converted along with the members of their oikos. The first act of Lydia after her conversion was to invite Paul to stay at her house.

REJECTION BY ONE'S OIKOS FOR BECOMING A CHRISTIAN IS PAINFUL Jesus reminded us in Matthew 10:36 that following Him can be a costly decision: "a man's enemies will be the members of his own oikos." Making a decision to follow Him can cause confusion in relationships with primary people. This is why He said in Matthew 10:35, "For I have come to turn a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law…." In verse 37, He calls for a decision between the oikos and the Kingdom: "Anyone who loves his father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me…."


In Singapore today, there is a Zone Pastor Intern on the staff I work with who is from a Hindu home. After he committed to follow Christ, the oikos descended on him with wrath. His uncle waited until he was present to say to his father, "Why do you allow your son to disgrace us all like this?" In contemporary Southeast Asia, a young physician followed the Lord at the price of his Muslim family declaring him dead and buried. Oikoses can be ruthless when one chooses another path for life.

OUR LORD'S BODY IS CALLED AN "OIKOS" However, there is a very special oikos for those who have faced the ultimate rejection. Hebrews 3:6 says, "But Christ is faithful as a son over God's oikos. And we are His oikos, if we hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast." Consider these additional Scriptures that speak of this truth, found in 1 Peter 4:17, 1 Timothy 3:15; Ephesians 2:19; and 1 Peter 2:5:

"For it is time for judgment to begin with the oikos of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the Gospel of God?"

"If I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God's oikos, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth."

"Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's oikos."

"…you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual oikos to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ."

The concept of oikos describing the church should make us recognize the significance of the cell as the basic Christian community. Scripture refers to the early Christians as members of this spiritual oikos by speaking of those who have come to faith by family units, rather than just by personal commitments:

"Crispus, the synagogue ruler, and his entire oikos believed in the Lord… Greet also the church that meets at their house… Greet those who belong to the oikos of Aristobulus... Greet those in the oikos of Narcissus who are in the Lord… some from Chloe's oikos have informed me that there are quarrels among you... Yes, I also baptized the oikos of Stephanas… You know that the oikos of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia... Aquila and Priscilla greet you warmly in the Lord, and so does the church that meets at their oikos… the saints send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar's oikos… Give my greeting to… Nymphas and the church in his oikos… May the Lord show mercy to the oikos of Onesiphorus… Greet Priscilla and Aquila and the oikos of Onesiphorus."

Truly, the early church thought about the chains of oikoses to be won while they simultaneously rejoiced that God had formed them in basic Christian communities. For the church to live at oikos level was certainly God's plan. The heart of the Christian life is not related to a word for "temple," or "synagogue," or "church building." As the basic fabric of human life is embedded in the oikos, even so the life of the Body of Christ is to be oikos-based.

By R. W. Neighbour, edited by J. Geske From “Where Do We Go From Here?”- used with permission.


CELL GROUPS

LESSON 5 Cell Group Demonstration

!!!! Lesson Purpose The Purpose of this lesson is to provide a demonstration (using in-class participation) of some activities of a typical cell group meeting, in order to familiarize the trainees with some "hands on" practical experience.

! Main Points • Participants with "hands on" experience with a cell group format will be better equipped to lead their

own cell groups. !!!! Desired Outcomes

When the content of this lesson has been mastered, each participant should: • Observe and participate in one or more aspects of a typical cell group meeting. • Evaluate the actions and responses of group members as they practice leading and participating in

the activities. !!!! Suggestions to Trainers

This lesson requires planning and preparation in order to be beneficial. The trainer must think beforehand which activities he would like to do with the group of trainees, and plan accordingly. If any type of Bible study time is to be part of the in-class activities, the trainees should be given one or two days before this lesson in order to prepare.

There are basically four types of activities to choose from, and they relate to the four parts of a typical cell group meeting: fellowship, worship, edification and evangelism. Unless there is more than an hour available to spend in this lesson, it is doubtful that the trainer will have enough time to practice all four areas. A more likely scenario is for the trainer to choose one or two activities to practice. These choices will be based on the number, type, experience and needs of the trainees.

The examples and suggestions given in this lesson are only guidelines. If the trainer is aware of certain areas of difficulty or questions related to a specific context, he should by all means adjust the activities of this lesson to answer those problems or questions.

If the group of trainees is large, they should be divided into several smaller groups of no more than 8-10 persons for the in-class exercise. The trainer should assign a cell group "leader" to each of the working groups. Depending on the activity, the trainer might want to have several people assume the role of leadership during this exercise time.

Keep in mind that the overall goal of this lesson is to give practical, hands-on experience in various aspects of cell group life and ministry. It should also be fun!

I. Cell Group Demonstration The purpose of this lesson is to provide an opportunity to observe and participate in various aspects of a cell group meeting. Remember that a cell group meeting has four parts: fellowship, worship, edification and evangelism. This lesson has been designed to give the trainer flexibility in choosing which of these four functions to demonstrate. If the group would benefit from practicing a time of fellowship and worship, the trainer may choose to focus on these areas. If the group would like to


spend some time in discipleship, they might practice inductive Bible study. The activities for this lesson will be limited only by the size of the group and the time that is available.

Figure 5.1 The Four Functions of a Cell Group Meeting

Fellowship Worship Edification Evangelism

Man to man Man to God God to man Body of Christ to the world

"Inward" "Upward" "Downward" "Outward"

Following are suggestions for each of the four areas of a cell group meeting. The trainer should decide which areas should be practiced, and in what specific way(s). If there is time, some evaluation should be done after each activity. If needed, refer back to Cell Group Appendix 2B "Sample Activities in a Cell Group Meeting" for a review of typical activities for each of the four functions.

A. Fellowship Scenario: the cell group is having its first meeting. Friends and acquaintances of the believers have been invited, and in general, the people in the group do not know each other. The cell group leader would like to have the group spend some time in activities which will help the members get to know each other better. (Take some time to work with several of the icebreakers in Appendix 2A "Cell Group Ice Breakers." Or, if he prefers, the trainer can use his own activities that will help the group members get to know one another better).

B. Worship Scenario: the cell group has been meeting for several weeks. So far, the worship time has consisted of simply singing a few songs that the group has learned. The cell group leader would like to share some other ways in which the group can worship God together. This might include praying through or reading through some of the Psalms (each person reads a favorite Psalm, or each person reads several verses of one Psalm), singing new or unfamiliar worship songs, praying in groups of two or three people, etc.

C. Edification There are several activities that would aid in understanding what happens during the edification time of a cell group meeting:

• One-on-one discipleship. Scenario: The cell group has been studying Luke 14:26: "If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters-- yes, even his own life-- he cannot be My disciple." The younger Christians in the group are confused, and the cell group leader has asked the more mature Christians to spend some time during the cell group meeting to help explain this passage to them. (The trainer should divide the working group into two parts. The first half of the trainees will play the role of older, more mature Christians. The other half will play the role of brand new Christians).

• Inductive Bible study. Scenario: the cell group is going to study a passage in the Bible using the inductive method. (The trainer should ask the class beforehand to prepare a brief inductive


study on a favorite passage. As time allows, each person will lead the group in a time of inductive study using the passage and questions each has prepared).

• Authoritative teaching. Scenario: the cell group leader wants to give several people in his group the opportunity to share some teaching from Scripture. However, he wants them to give practical insights rather than a sermon. He has asked them to prepare some thoughts that they can share in 4-5 minutes with the group. The cell group leader is responsible to make sure each person stays within the given time limit. If there is time, the other people in the group can ask questions about statements or ideas that were not clear to them. (The trainer will need to ask the trainees to prepare beforehand for this activity.)

D. Evangelism The evangelism time can be practiced in several different ways:

• Personal testimony. Scenario: the cell group has invited several visitors who are not believers. The leader has asked one or two people in the group to share their personal testimony in 2-3 minutes using "normal" language that would be understandable to a non-Christian. Several people should play the role of those giving their testimony, and several others should play the role of the non-Christians who are hearing something like this for the very first time. If the "visitors" hear something which is not clear or confusing, they should stop the person sharing and ask the group for clarification. (For this activity the trainer needs to ask the trainees beforehand to prepare a brief personal testimony).

• Future ministry plans. Scenario: the cell group is located in an area which is highly industrial and where mothers and fathers usually both work. So far, attempts at building relationships and inviting people to the Wednesday cell group meetings have been unsuccessful. The only day the local population has off work is Sundays. There are a lot of children in the area. The cell group needs to discuss how they could reach out to this target group of people. (The trainer needs to assign one person to be the cell group leader).

• "Share" group. Scenario: the cell group has a vision and burden to reach out to the men in their community. However, most of the men have no interest in anything spiritual and refuse to come to the cell group meeting. The cell group decides to start a "share group" which will somehow involve the men of the community in an activity or in a discussion of some topic of interest. It will also provide an opportunity to build relationships with them in order to eventually share Christ with them. In this particular community, the men seem to enjoy playing soccer, and working on their cars on the weekends. The cell group needs to discuss concrete ways in which they could start a share group with some of these men. (The trainer needs to assign one person to be the cell group leader).

II. Evaluation The trainees should evaluate the different activities of the "cell groups." What were their strengths and weaknesses? How did the cell group "leader" handle different problems or questions? What could have been done differently?

QUESTIONS FOR CONSIDERATION, REVIEW AND APPLICATION • Why is it important to plan for each part of a cell group meeting? • In what ways did the leaders of the "cell groups" in this exercise have difficulty with the roles they

played? Will there be similar difficulties in your actual cell group meetings?

ACTION PLAN Remember the things you learned from this lesson when you are leading your own cell group, or when you are training others how to lead their groups.


CELL GROUPS

LESSON 6 Philosophy of Cell Group Ministry

!!!! Lesson Purpose The purpose of this lesson is to examine the role of cell groups in an overall saturation church planting strategy.

!!!! Main Points • Cell groups facilitate Saturation Church Planting. • There are many ways to use cell groups in ministry.

!!!! Desired Outcomes When the content of this lesson has been mastered, each participant should: • Learn that cell groups are foundational building blocks for larger ministry strategies. • Understand the life cycle of a cell group. • Understand the role of cell groups in a saturation church planting strategy. • Be able to develop his own cell group ministry strategy.

I. Cell Group Philosophy Each cell group should function as a "community" of Christians who fellowship with one another, who worship God together, who disciple one another, and who encourage and help each other as they reach out to the lost around them. Within the cell group, there are many areas of responsibility and many activities to plan for and carry out. The cell group leader, as well as the members of the group, will indeed stay very busy meeting the needs and accomplishing the goals of the group.

However, in the midst of all the activity of individual cell groups, it is important to understand the overall concept of cell group ministry. We need to consciously step back from an individual cell group and examine how cell groups in general fit into a larger ministry plan. Simply stated, cell groups are foundational building blocks for a larger ministry strategy. In terms of starting new churches, cell groups provide a foundation upon which the new churches are "built."

A. Cells Have a Life Cycle As a cell group is formed and develops, it will move through different phases of "life," much in the same way that people change as they mature and get older. Every cell group goes through identifiable, systematic phases of development. The cell group leader must think about the current phase of his group as he plans the activities for each meeting, and he must anticipate what may or may not happen during that meeting. By understanding which phase his group is in, a cell group leader can make sure that his group is on target to multiply itself.

In a typical small group, multiplication does not happen. In fact, experience has shown that the tendency in small groups is to stop growing or even die out after about two years. The current group members become comfortable in their relationships, and new people are not welcomed into the group. Similarly, without proper planning and vision, a cell group can also become stagnant and never multiply. In order to reach the goal of multiplication, there must be evangelism in the group so that new people are brought in, and the cell group leader must consciously guide the group through the life cycle phases so that the group does not get "stuck" and remain in any one phase.


Cell groups can only be part of a strategy to see new churches started if they are consciously aware of where they are in the life cycle, and what they need to do in order to continue moving through the different life cycle phases. The following chart describes the life cycle phases through which every cell group should pass. Note that the times given for the duration are only approximate, and will vary depending on the particular location and context of the cell group. The cell group leader should refer to this chart periodically to determine where the group is in the life cycle, and what he can do so that the group moves to the next phase.

Table 6.1 Phases of a Cell Group

Phase Duration Description Orientation Week 1-4 People learn about each other. There is a very shallow level

of sharing and a low level of trust. The cell group leader directs almost the entire ministry.

Transition Week 5-10 Members get to know and accept each other. They adjust to what is considered "normal" behavior in the group. There is a growing level of trust, and the beginnings of real relationships.

Community Week 11-15 Members align themselves according to the expectations of the group. There is a growing level of commitment, openness, and involvement in the group’s purpose. The members of the group find identity in the group. The leader is able to delegate more activities and areas of responsibility to the group members.

Action Week 16-35 There is dynamic group interaction, and people are applying biblical truths to real-life situations. Quite often, the group is actively involved in ministry together. Trust runs very deep between group members, and relationships continue to develop and grow.

Multiplication Week 36-40 The group approaches the time when it is necessary to multiply into two groups. Apprentice leader(s) start new group(s), and the original group begins to plan for repeating the multiplication cycle.

B. Cells Work Toward a Common Goal Cell groups, much like the cells in our own bodies, each have a "job" to do. In a certain city, one cell group might reach out to a particular geographical area, while another cell works with a certain segment of the population. Both of the cells are working toward their individual goals, but at the same time, they are working together to help evangelize the city in which they live.

Research tells us that a group of people working together can accomplish more than the collective result of each person working on his own. In the same way, cell groups working together can also accomplish much greater goals than any of them could on their own.

Before the first cell group is started, thought needs to be given to the group’s overall goal. Start with the end result in mind, and work backward from that goal. What types of groups are needed, and where? How many groups would be needed to meet the goal? Each new cell will have its own identity, but it will also be part of a larger "body" of cells who are working together for a common purpose.

C. Cells Are an Essential Part of a Saturation Church Planting Strategy A saturation church planting strategy is by nature a "grassroots" movement of reproducing churches. A movement of new churches requires methods that are simple, portable, flexible and reproducible. Without these qualities, a movement cannot be generated or sustained. It is nearly impossible to have a movement of new churches that require paid "professional" pastors and large, expensive church buildings.


Cell groups provide the simplicity and flexibility that a movement requires. It is a model that is easily started and reproduced. It has little or no financial needs. It provides hands-on ministry training and application. It provides for community and fellowship among the believers. The focus of a cell group ministry is on people and needs, not on programs and systems. Cell groups work at the level of meeting the most basic of human needs for love, acceptance and significance.

Most importantly, in regards to a saturation church planting movement, cell groups provide the movement with both a vision to reach the lost and a vision to multiply. Without a vision to reach the unreached for Christ, there is no need for a church planting movement. Without the vision and ability to multiply churches, a movement cannot exist.

The mandate of the Great Commission can best be fulfilled by a saturation church planting movement. A saturation church planting movement can best be realized through the use of cell groups as the foundation upon which reproducing churches are established.

II. Models Of Cell Group Ministry One of the main benefits of cell groups is that they can be used in a variety of ways, and especially in the ministry of a church planter. Following are several models that can be used in cell group ministry. Each model has it’s own advantages, and the church planter should feel free to choose the model (or a variation of a model) that will work best in his situation.

A. Model 1: Cell Groups that Start a Traditional Church with Cells In this situation, one or more initial cell groups grow and multiply. When a certain number of people are meeting in the groups (perhaps a total of 50 people), a decision is made to start a new, traditional church. This church will meet in a central location with a traditional worship service appropriate for the local context and culture. The church will continue to use a ministry of cell groups for evangelism, fellowship, discipleship and continued growth of the church. It may also choose to develop traditional ministry "programs" such as Sunday School, women's ministry, an outreach to children on the weekends, etc. Figure 6.1 shows this kind of model.

Figure 6.1. Cells Start Church

Cell

Cell

Cell

Lead to . . .

New Cell Groups Traditional Church with Cells

Cell Cell

Cell CellCell

Church

B. Model 2: An Existing Church Begins to Use Cell Groups

It is possible for an existing church to begin using cell groups for fellowship, evangelism and discipleship. (Cell Group lesson 12 "Using Cell Groups in an Existing Church" in manual 5 will discuss this in detail). The existing leadership in the church must decide how many groups are needed/possible based on the number of members in the church and the number of people who could be trained to be cell group leaders. In time, the church will begin to grow as the cell groups grow and multiply. This arrangement is shown in Figure 6.2.


Figure 6.2. Cells Added to Church

Creates . . .

Traditional Church Traditional Church with Cells

Cell Cell

Cell CellCell

ChurchChurch

C. Model 3: Cell Groups That Start a Cell Group Church

A cell group church differs from a traditional church in the sense that there is no church building, no regular Sunday morning worship service, and the church does not exist to create and maintain "programs" within the church. The church is comprised of the cells themselves, and all the functions of a church happen in each cell, including baptism and communion. The cells come together on a regular basis (e.g. once a month) for a "celebration" meeting. This is a time of encouragement, fellowship, worship and/or teaching. In areas where a cell group movement has grown very large, sometimes theaters and even large stadiums are needed to hold all the people from the cell groups for these celebration gatherings. The cells all consider themselves to be part of one, large church. Figure 6.3 demonstrates this model.

Figure 6.3. Cells Start a Cell Church

Cell

Cell

Cell

Lead to . . .

New Cell Groups New Cell Group Church

Cell Cell

Cell CellCell

Celebration

D. Model 4: Several Cell Groups Grow, Multiply and "Feed" Existing Local Churches

It is not a requirement that cell groups directly start new churches. It may be more strategic to build up and strengthen existing local churches, which in time will start new, daughter churches. Cell groups are started independently of the existing churches. As new people are brought into the cell groups, they are encouraged to begin attending a local church as well. Often they will continue to be a part of their cell group as well as attend a church. This process is shown in Figure 6.4.


Figure 6.4. Cells Feed Churches

Cell

Cell

Cell

Independent Cells Feed Traditional Churches

ChurchChurch

E. In-Class Exercise: Case Studies

Following are some case studies of church planting strategies which many or may not use principles from the cell group models listed above. In class, discuss (1) which model the scenario is based upon (if any) and (2) the advantages and disadvantages of this scenario as a church planting strategy.

Case Study 1

Resurrection Church needs some help. The church is more than fifty years old, and has about 25 people who meet together for services. Three deacons approach the pastor with an idea to direct the 25 members into three cell groups. The cell groups will be led by the deacons, and will have a focus on evangelism, discipleship, growth and multiplication.

Case Study 2

A church planter moves to a city with no church and is able to start several new cell groups. The cell groups are very successful, and begin to grow and multiply themselves. The people in the cells feel very close to one another, and decide that they will start a single church from the groups. Each new cell group that is started will continue to be a part of this one large church.

Case Study 3

First Baptist Church has more than 1000 members. They have several services on Sunday and another service on Wednesday. The senior pastor decides that the members should be meeting together in small groups. The leaders of the church divide the congregation into groups of ten, and assign members to particular groups.

Case Study 4

Several church planters begin starting cell groups. The groups have a vision to evangelize and multiply, but do not want to start new churches. Instead, they are guiding new believers into one of several existing churches in town. Some of the groups have members who continue to meet in the groups, as well as attend local churches of different denominations.

Case Study 5

A few years ago a ministry from the West brought over missionaries who started some small groups independent of the existing local churches. These groups meet once a week and do inductive Bible study.

Case Study 6

An evangelical church has many small groups that meet for Bible study. The same people have met in these groups for several years, and the groups have not grown. Several of the groups contain people who live near each other, but who live far from the church. These groups decide that they would like to start a new church closer to where they live.


Case Study 7

A church planter moves to a new city and begins doing evangelism. The people are receptive, and soon he has started several cell groups, each of which has a vision to evangelize and to multiply. The groups meet on Sundays for a time of worship and teaching, and on Wednesday evenings they invite non-believing friends for a time of fun and fellowship. There is no plan to build a church building, and once every six weeks the groups rent a hall for an evening of corporate worship and teaching.

There is not one "correct" way to use cell groups in a church planting ministry, but each church planter must consider the best model(s) to use in his context. No matter what the emphasis of a cell group might be, multiplication will always be a goal for that group.

III. Developing A Cell Group Ministry Strategy Since cell groups are building blocks for a larger ministry strategy, thought must be given to the overall strategy for church planting, and how cell groups might be used in order to achieve the goals which have been set. At every phase of the cell group, it is helpful to reflect on the ultimate goal of the group. Following are several points that should be considered:

1. Identify the overall ministry goals. Are you starting a saturation church planting movement? A single church? Enough churches to fill a neighborhood, city or geographical region? Your end result will determine the type, number, and ministry focus of your cell groups.

2. How do the cells need to work independently and together in order to see the goal accomplished? How will this work be coordinated and evaluated?

3. What is the target area, and who are the target people? Research should be done in order to better understand the types of activities which are needed in the cell groups (see the Vision lesson "Principles of Research" in Manual 1).

4. What types of evangelism are appropriate for the target area/people? How will you incorporate this into the new cell groups?

5. Who are the key leaders in the target area? How would it be possible for one or more cell groups to develop relationships with these people and hopefully win them to Christ?

6. What type of cell group "models" do you need in order to accomplish your goals? (E.g. many cells which form one church, cells which are used by existing churches, cells which start a cell group church, etc.). More than likely, you will need to use several different variations of the cell group models presented in this lesson in order to accomplish your overall ministry goals.

QUESTIONS FOR CONSIDERATION, REVIEW AND APPLICATION • Your cell group will always be in one of the life cycle phases (orientation, transition, community, action or

multiplication). Why does this matter when you are planning for your meeting activities? Why does it matter from the perspective of an overall cell group strategy?

• Why are cell groups an essential part of a saturation church planting strategy? • Which of the models (if any) from the "Models Of Cell Group Ministry" section would work well in your

target area?


ACTION PLAN • In several sentences, write down a concise but comprehensive definition of a cell group. Give this to the

trainer. • Based on what you know about your target area and the goals you have set for that area, write a basic

strategy for how you could use cell groups in order to reach those goals. Include the points from the "Cell Group Strategy Considerations" section in your plan. Share your plan with another trainee, and each of you evaluate the other’s plan. For the purposes of this exercise, your plan should be no more than a few pages long.


CELL GROUPS

LESSON 7 Cell Group Discussion Dynamics

!!!! Lesson Purpose The purpose of this lesson is to equip the cell group leader with the skills necessary to lead meaningful times of discussion in the group.

!!!! Main Points • The goal of cell group discussion is to involve the group members. • The group leader should be aware of common discussion problems.

!!!! Desired Outcomes When the content of this lesson has been mastered, each participant should . . . • Understand communication skills which are necessary for the cell group leader. • Know the principles of developing good discussion questions. • Practice identifying and resolving problems that arise during the cell group discussion time.

!!!! Appendix 7A Cell Groups: Sample Discussion Questions

!!!! Suggestions to Trainers Although the purpose of this lesson is to equip a cell group leader to lead times of good discussion, the discussion itself is not the ultimate goal in a cell group. A time of meaningful discussion between group members encourages fellowship, strengthens relationships, and provides a means for learning and applying biblical truth. By learning how to lead discussion well and avoid communication problems, the cell group leader will be able to build trust and commitment between group members and motivate the group to fulfill its purposes.

Note that Leadership lesson 8 “Styles for Interaction,” in manual 4 complements this lesson in the area of how to communicate well with others in a cell group.

Plan to spend at least 20 minutes of class time for the “Handling Discussion Problems” exercise at the end of this lesson.

I. Leading Discussion In A Cell Group The value of good discussion time in a cell group cannot be emphasized enough. It is through discussion that the members learn more about each other and grow closer to one another in Christian love. Discussion of the Bible is a vital part of the process of discipleship and growth in the life of a believer. Cell groups add the dynamic of interactive discussion that is missing in a large group meeting. The Holy Spirit uses these discussions between believers and unbelievers in order to draw people closer to Jesus.

The role of the cell group leader is to facilitate meaningful discussion and to model to the members of his group how to listen, ask good questions, and avoid problems that might arise. In this way, the leader continues to help the members of the cell group grow and mature in their faith and in their ministry skills.

This lesson is designed simply to teach a form, or method, for leading times of discussion in a cell group. Trust, commitment and strong relationships should be the outcome of group discussions, not the


ability of the leader to “put on a good show." Each trainee should think about group communication and interaction in light of his own culture, and then use appropriate discussion skills which will build trust between the cell group members. The following keys to good communication are simple and easy to use:

A. Listen One of the most important skills of the leader in discussion is listening. Listening involves both physically and emotionally focusing on the person who is talking. Remember that your body language speaks louder, perhaps, than your words. Maintain good eye contact, and don’t be preoccupied with other things while someone else is talking.

B. Ask Often, people who are more extroverted will tend to do all the talking in a cell group. If this happens, ask others in the group their ideas or opinions. Don’t let one or two people control the conversation.

C. Clarify Sometimes you will need to clarify something that has been said. “Max, what did you mean when you used the word ‘saved’?" Do not assume you understand what someone has said, without restating what you think she said in your own words. Or, ask her to restate her thought in a different way. “Lena, I’m a bit confused--could you explain that differently?”

D. Justify It can be helpful to ask people to justify their comments. Ask why they feel that way, where they find that idea in the passage of Scripture being studied, etc. “Vladimir, I don’t come to the same conclusion as you did from these verses of Scripture. Could you help us better understand your point of view?”

E. Extend Sometimes you will need to extend the discussion by asking if anyone has more to add, or asking how what has been said relates to a previous thought.

F. Redirect When someone in the group is talking only to the leader, redirect his or her questions or comments to others in the group. “Bob, I can understand why you would feel that way. Laura, what is your impression of Bob’s suggestion?" If the discussion is always between the leader and only one other person in the group, the rest of the people have nothing to contribute and feel left out. Communication in a group should go back and forth between the members of the group, and not just one way from the leader to each group member.

G. Summarize At several points in a discussion, it can be helpful to stop and summarize what has been said. Point out main ideas or contributions that individuals have made. This will help keep the focus of the discussion on the main topic, and provide a sense of accomplishment to the group members.

H. Affirm Remember to affirm the group members by recognizing and appreciating what each person is saying. Thank them for their contribution to the discussion. “Lisa, I want you to know that I appreciate that you shared your thoughts on this with us." Even if the comment which a person made requires amending, the speaker is important and should be acknowledged for their willingness to contribute to the discussion.


II. Developing Good Questions The questions you ask in your cell group can greatly enhance the relationships between members and can facilitate the discovery of truth in God’s word. Questions that are well thought out will encourage people to share about themselves, their thoughts and their feelings.

A. Fellowship Questions Questions are an important part of building personal relationships between members in the group. Appendix 7A, “Sample Discussion Questions,” contains examples of questions that will help the members of your group get to know each other better. It is important that you learn how to format your own questions that relate to the lives of the people in your group. Ask questions that will enable members to share about themselves things that would not easily be seen by others: “What is something that you are worried about?” “What is one change that’s coming for you in the future? How do you feel about it?" These types of questions encourage people to talk about their inner thoughts and feelings, which builds a caring and supportive atmosphere in the group.

Ask questions that can be answered in 2-3 minutes: “Could you please share one area of struggle that you are working on this week?" In the early stages of a new group, occasionally ask questions that will let members affirm one another: “What one good thing can you say about at least one other person in our group?”

Fellowship questions are simple and yet strengthen relationships in a group. They do not require negative answers (e.g. don’t ask, “What is your worst fault?”). Everyone in the group is able to answer fellowship questions, and they help members get to know and love one another. These types of questions ask people to share from their heart, not give opinions on issues.

B. Bible Discussion Questions The questions you ask during the Bible discussion time will be slightly different from those you use during fellowship time. You will want to develop questions that will guide the group through an inductive study of a portion of Scripture. When your cell group is still very new, your questions will be an example to them of how to study inductively.

As the group grows and matures, you will want to have them begin to ask the questions that will give them insight into God’s word. You can do this formally by requesting one of the members to lead the study in one of the meetings. Or, you can do this informally, by simply asking the group for ideas as you go through a passage of Scripture together. You might ask things like, “What could we ask about these verses in order to observe carefully what has been written?” or “What kinds of application questions can you think of to relate this passage to our everyday lives?”

One possibility is to take one or two meetings and develop a Bible discussion lesson as a group. Not only would this teach the members of the group how to develop good questions, but it would help to further prepare them for future ministry, especially those who will become leaders of cell groups themselves.

When a cell group leader uses good Bible discussion questions, he or she models for the group how to lead a Bible discussion time. These lessons provide guidelines and practice for leading Bible discussion times in a cell group. Remember, the focus during a Bible discussion time is not simply Bible knowledge, but rather the ability to discover truth in God’s word which will result in changed lives.

III. Discussion Problems Every group will have some members who like to talk and some who are more quiet. Some people can get off track and talk about anything besides the topic at hand. Others like to argue in order to prove their point. As a cell group leader, you will soon find that problems will arise in the discussion time. How you handle those problems is important to the growth of the group as a caring community, as well as the personal growth of each group member.


A. Types of Discussion Problems

1 Someone is talking too much / Someone is not talking at all These are perhaps two of the most common problems during a time of discussion. How do you tactfully ask someone who talks too much to be quiet and let someone else contribute to the discussion? When someone is talking too much, affirm that person’s comment and then direct the discussion to someone else in the group. "Tom, that’s a good point. How about someone else who has not shared yet? Are there other ideas? Jim, you have been quiet tonight, what do you think?" The leader can also choose to sit beside the talkative person, so he or she is able to make more eye contact with others in the group and encourage them to share.

Sometimes the only way you will get shy or quiet people in the group to talk (at least initially) is to ask them questions directly. “Janet, what are your thoughts on this verse?" Again, the leader can also sit across from a quiet person in the group (assuming the group is sitting in a circle) so that he or she can encourage them to share through eye contact and body language.

You might also have someone in your group who has been a Christian for a while, and who knows the answers to many of the questions during the Bible discussion time. The problem is, this person also gives all the answers before the others have time to think about it or venture their own answers. In this case, it can be helpful to talk with this person privately and enlist his support to help you include the rest of the members of the group into the discussion. Maybe this person is a potential apprentice leader whom God is wanting you to mentor.

2. The speaker is being too general or vague Sometimes people find it difficult to express what they really want to say. You can help them focus their idea or main point by asking for clarification. "Can you give us an example of that point? Your general idea is good, but I wonder if we can bring it into sharper focus. Does anyone know of an example of something like this?" Or you might need to rephrase in your own words what was said, in order to make it more clear and understandable.

3. The conversation has gotten away from the topic at hand Keeping the group members on track can be one of the most difficult aspects of leading the discussion. People have a tendency to talk about what they know, even if that is not what you are studying or discussing. “Karen, that’s an interesting point, and perhaps we can talk about it (or do a Bible study on it) at another meeting." Or, you could say “Karen, that’s an interesting idea, but it does not really relate to tonight’s topic." You could then ask the group members a question which relates to the topic at hand, in order to get them back on track.

4. There is a question which the group and the leader cannot answer This happens more often than you might think. The worst thing to do is to give a vague or general answer, so it appears that you know something you don’t. Your group needs to know that leaders don’t know everything. If no one in the group is able to answer the question, then as leader, tell them you will do your best to find out and let them know at the next meeting. Make yourself a note to do this so that you will not forget.

5. Two or more members get into an argument First, arguments in your cell group are not always bad. They can help to clarify what is being said, and they can help the group think through a passage of Scripture or a topic at hand. However, there is a difference between healthy debate and angry confrontation. Your role as a leader is to carefully monitor the conversation and stop it if things become too heated. “Ivan, Sergei, I think we all understand both of your points of view, but we need to move on. Perhaps you can discuss it more after our meeting.”


Sometimes arguments are not angry, but have no single or quick solution. Two people can argue two points of view for a single portion of Scripture, with no progress toward a solution. In this case you also need to stop the debate and get back on track with what you are studying or discussing.

6. Someone is always joking around Some people enjoy telling jokes or being witty, and in reality, they can be very funny. God may have given your group a person who has a good sense of humor and the ability to find something funny in almost any situation. In the right context, these people can be very beneficial to your group, since they can help to “break the ice” when things either get too serious or boring.

However, if this person is constantly making jokes and wanting to be the center of attention, he soon becomes a problem. Take him aside privately and let him know how much you appreciate his ability to “help” when things get slow or uncomfortable, but make sure you set limits on what is and is not appropriate behavior. Often he does not realize that he is causing a problem. Do not imply that he is the problem, but rather that it is harder for the others in the group to concentrate or participate when he is always being funny.

7. Someone is either not paying attention, or is preoccupied with something else If someone appears bored or not interested in the discussion, try to get him or her involved by asking them questions directly. “We’ve not heard from you yet, Sharon. What do you think?" If she is obviously preoccupied with something else (knitting, shuffling through papers, etc.), try to get her involved in the current conversation by asking her enough questions so that she doesn’t have time to do whatever else it is she is doing. However, if this is something she constantly does, you might need to talk with her privately and share how her behavior is disrespectful to the others in the group.

There is one other thing to consider in this situation. Perhaps the discussion really is boring! If boredom seems to be a problem in your group, it would be wise to discuss this with your apprentice leader, or with someone in the group whom you trust, to learn what topic is more relevant for the group.

8. Two members are constantly having a “private” conversation between themselves There are several ways you might be able to get them to stop. One would be to ask them to share what they have been discussing with the group (assuming they are talking about the topic at hand). Another would be to ask them more questions directly, so that they have to stop talking with each other in order to talk with the group. If it becomes a constant problem, you will need to talk with each of them separately and privately about how their conversations are disruptive to the group.

B. Exercise: Handling Discussion Problems Divide the trainees into two groups, Group A and Group B. Group A chooses one person from their group to “lead” Group B. While they are choosing, Group B secretly picks no more than 3-4 people to act out one of the roles listed below. For a period of about five minutes, Group B is to discuss the topic “The Role of the Church in Improving Society” (or any topic they want). Group A observes. Figure 7.1 illustrates how to arrange the two groups.

The “problem” people in Group B should act out their roles accordingly, and the leader from Group A must try to solve the problems as they occur. Remember, the “normal” people must also contribute to the conversation, and not just the “problem” people! At the end of five minutes, Group A may guess which people played which roles. Both groups should evaluate how the leader attempted to handle the problems which arose.


Group B now chooses someone to lead Group A, while Group A secretly chooses 3-4 people to act out the problem roles, etc. The activity continues as long as time allows.

Figure 7.1 Discussion Exercise

Group A Group B

One member chosen To lead Group B

Other membersobserve andevaluate thediscussion in

Group B

Group B secretlychooses 3 or 4

members to act out“problem” roles.

Problem Roles:

• The shy person who does not talk • The “jokester” who is always being funny • The chatterbox who talks all the time • The busy person who is preoccupied with something else • The two friends who carry on their own private conversation • The two friends who get into a heated argument • The person who always wants to talk about something else • The person who is always very vague and unclear • The person who gives a sermon instead of a short answer to a simple question

QUESTIONS FOR CONSIDERATION, REVIEW AND APPLICATION • What communication skills do you consider to be most important for the leader of a cell group? Why? • What types of discussion questions would be appropriate for a new group, or a new person who has

come into an existing group? What types of questions would not be appropriate in these situations? • During the “Handling Problems” exercise, in what ways did the “leader” handle the problems well? In

what ways did the “leader” poorly handle some problems? ACTION PLAN • Spend some time developing sample questions to use for a new cell group. What could you use to help

new members get to know one another? • Next, develop some questions you could use to help the group grow deeper in their relationships. What

topics or areas of life would you discuss? • Finally, develop some questions that would encourage the group to reach out to the people in their circle

of oikos relationships. What could you ask that would motivate them to build relationships and share Christ?


CELL GROUPS

APPENDIX

7A Cell Groups: Sample Discussion Questions

These discussion questions are best suited for use during the fellowship time of a cell group meeting. They differ from the “ice breaker” questions in Cell Group Appendix 2A (Manual 2) in that they are designed to go deeper in understanding oneself and others in the group. They are best suited for use in a cell group where the members are already comfortable with one another and where there is some level of trust.

The questions have been organized into four areas, representing four types of relationships a person can have in their life.

THE FOUR RELATIONSHIPS:

I. RELATIONSHIP TO GOD 1. When was the first time that you were aware that God loved you?

2. What are your strongest convictions about God?

3. What do you think is the one thing God is trying to say to you?

4. What one thing would you want God to hear you say to Him?

5. What single question would you most want God to answer for you?

6. Describe someone you know who you feel knows God intimately.

II. RELATIONSHIP WITH SELF 1. Draw a crest or coat-of-arms as it best describes you, and explain it to the group.

2. What would you do if you knew that you could not fail?

3. What would you most like to do over the next five years if there were no limitations?

4. Who is the most interesting person you have ever met? What did you like about him or her?

5. What is your most satisfying accomplishment? In your early life? In recent years?

6. Share your three strongest points.

7. What is your happiest memory (at various ages)?

8. Describe the most significant event in your life.

9. Describe the characteristics of the "ideal person" to the group.

10. Who, besides your parents, has been most influential in your life?

11. What gift would most bless you?

12. Whose approval do you need the most?

13. In whose presence are you most comfortable? Why?

14. If you had what you really wanted in life, what would you have?

15. Briefly list your long-range and short-range goals.

16. Describe the most exciting, creative person you have met.


17. What will people say about you after you die?

18. List some creative, helpful ways to begin and to end a day.

19. In what do you trust the most?

20. Who has most changed your life?

21. What are the two best books you have ever read (besides the Bible)?

22. How do you like to spend your spare time?

23. What makes you feel most impressed?

24. What makes you most worried, anxious, or afraid?

III. RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHERS 1. Describe the person who means the most to you, and tell why.

2. Who is the first person who really understood you?

3. What kind of person do you find yourself confiding in the most?

4. What makes a person a good listener?

5. Are you the kind of person others confide in? Why?

6. How do you feel this group has listened to you (corporately and individually)?

7. What makes a good marriage?

IV. RELATIONSHIP TO THE WORLD 1. What would you most like to be known for by the world around you?

2. What is most needed in our society?

3. Describe your feelings about injustice in society. What most concerns you?

4. What is the most important thing you can do about that injustice?

5. What is the most obvious need in society?

6. What will you do to change your church, your community, or your job for the better?


CELL GROUPS

LESSON 8 Caring for People in a Cell Group

!!!! Lesson Purpose The purpose of this lesson is to enable the cell group leader and the members of the cell group to be able to discern and genuinely care for the needs of people.

!!!! Main Points • Relationships are the key to meeting needs. • Meeting needs is an important part of cell group life.

!!!! Desired Outcomes When the content of this lesson has been mastered, each participant should . . . • Understand the components of building relationships: love, prayer and time spent together. • Know how to discern needs of the members in the group. • Learn how to meet the needs of those in the group or people to whom the group is reaching out.

!!!! Suggestions to Trainers Plan to spend at least 10 minutes of class time on the “Care for People” exercise at the end of this lesson. Note that there are not “correct” and “incorrect” responses to the situations given. The goal of the exercise is to help the trainees understand that love expresses itself through action when needs arise in a cell group. By thinking through some of the given situations, the trainees will be better equipped to handle similar situations in their own cell groups.

I. Build Relationships Natalie had been attending her cell group for several months. She liked the people in the group, and although she didn’t know any of them very well, she enjoyed going to the meetings once a week. Natalie’s husband, who did not come to the group, recently lost his job. Their money was running out, and Natalie was very worried about what they were going to do as a family. She wanted to say something to the group, but she was embarrassed and did not want to bother them with her problems. Soon after that, she stopped coming to the group meetings, and the members sometimes wondered out loud, “Whatever happened to her?”

What is wrong with this situation? Maybe Natalie should have spoken up and at least asked her cell group to pray for her family. But the real problem is a lack of genuine relationships in her cell group. She did not know the people in her group, and they did not know her. One of the purposes of a cell group is to provide the fellowship, nurturing and encouragement that Christians are to give to one another. But without caring relationships, this will not happen.

A cell group provides an excellent setting for relationships to grow and develop. It will take time and effort to really get to know the members of your group, but effective “people” ministry requires these close personal relationships. Until you build trust between yourself and the people in your group, you cannot truly minister to their deepest needs.

In the same way, you want the members of your group to develop relationships between themselves. You need to model the process of building relationships, as well as provide opportunities for this to happen in your cell group. In order for relationships to grow and develop in a cell group, three components are necessary: love, prayer and time spent together.


A. Love One Another Relationships with fellow believers must be based on the “agape”2 love of 1 Corinthians 13. This type of love does not love another person based on his personality, looks or intelligence. Love continues to love, even when no love is shown in return. Love is motivated by God’s infinite and unconditional love for us. The Bible says, “We love because he first loved us…And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother" (1Jn 4:19,21).

How is love expressed in a cell group? People feel loved when they are accepted and have a sense of belonging in the group. Love is present when members feel that people care for them. Love is shown when someone has a problem and the group (or individuals in the group) help him or her. Love is evident when visitors come and see a difference in the relationships between the believers in the group. Christian love between the members of a cell group is shown by actions, and not only by words.

B. Pray for One Another Sincere relationships with fellow believers require prayer, especially with those believers who are “difficult” to love. As a cell group leader, you need to pray and ask God to give you an honest love for each member of the cell group. Think about each person and pray for him or her. Pray for your relationship with each and your ability to minister to each person. Pray for the spiritual growth of each member and that each member will discover and use his or her spiritual gifts. Pray that each person will be an effective witness to the people in his or her network of relationships. Pray also for each member’s personal needs and struggles. As you pray for each person in the group, your love for them will grow and your relationship with them will deepen.

In the same way, encourage your group to pray for one another. Plan times in the cell group meetings when people can share both personal and ministry-related problems or needs. Then spend time praying for one another.

C. Spend Time Together It takes time to build relationships. You must plan to spend time with the people in your group outside of the cell group meetings. You can invite them to have a meal with you, join your family for a walk in the park, or simply spend evenings together in their homes or at yours. The activity is not as important as the time that you spend with them. Trust is developed in a relationship when people see that you are genuinely interested in them, in their family and in their interests. When problems come into their lives, the trust that has developed between you will allow you to minister to them. You can also let them know that you are thinking about them and praying for them by calling them or sending them quick notes or letters.

It is also very healthy for the cell group to gather occasionally for special events outside of the cell group meetings. This will help to deepen and strengthen the relationships between the group members. These activities can be very informal, such as having a picnic together or going cross-country skiing. They can also be more structured, such as working together on a project to help one of the group members or someone in the community (e.g. repairing a roof, helping with the garden of an elderly person, etc.). If the members of your group have been praying and meeting with unbelievers who would not feel comfortable coming to a cell group meeting, these are also excellent events to which they can be invited. This gives them a chance to meet with other Christians in an enjoyable, non-threatening environment.

II. Discern People’s Needs Cell groups provide a marvelous environment in which to minister to people’s needs. Often, as the group grows and matures, members will feel comfortable sharing needs and looking for help. But there will always be some members who will not openly share their needs, especially when the group has first formed, or if they are new to the group. As the cell group leader, you need to be aware of some

2 αγαπη


indicators that signal a problem or need. You can also help the group to learn how to discern these clues so that they can ask about needs and minister one to another.

There are several factors which will help you and the group determine if needs exist which are not being expressed. Once you get to know someone, often his or her facial expression or tone of voice might indicate a problem. Sometimes, his comments or answers to questions during the Bible discussion time can reflect spiritual or emotional problems. How does this person feel about himself? How does he feel about God? This might also be evident when he prays.

Sometimes while prayer requests are being shared, people will “hint” at a problem without actually disclosing it. The group should tactfully ask for more details, so that they can help meet the need. Sometimes a person’s inappropriate behavior during

the group meeting will indicate that there is an underlying problem. Instead of the leader simply taking him aside and asking him to stop, the group can begin to ask questions and probe to see if there are deeper, underlying reasons for his behavior.

Don’t ignore the Holy Spirit as He helps you discern people’s needs. As you pray and study the Scriptures personally, learn to rely on His guidance as you seek to minister to the members of your group. Don’t forget that in order to discern needs, you need to watch for them! Sometimes we get too busy with all the “details” of our ministry and forget that the most important thing is the people with whom we are involved.

III. Care For Needs In Your Cell Group If your cell group is going to be the caring, nurturing community of believers that God calls it to be, members must learn how to love one another and “carry each other’s burdens” (Gal. 6:2). The leader of the cell group needs to set the example by caring for others in ways that show love and concern.

A. Respond to Needs When a member of the group has a need or problem:

• Strive to understand the problem and to empathize with him. “If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it” (1Co 12:26). Demonstrate that you care for him as an individual. Take the time simply to listen to his need. Imagine how you would feel if you were in his situation.

• As a group, pray about a solution. We need God’s wisdom, not our own. “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him” (Jas 1:5). Doing this as a group helps to strengthen relationships and to give the group a feeling of solidarity.

• As a group, look to the Bible for answers. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2Ti 3:16-17). The better your group knows their Bible, the more they will be equipped to minister to people’s needs. This is also an opportunity to demonstrate how the Bible is applicable to the problems of everyday life.

• Consider what the group can do spiritually, emotionally, or materially to help. Sometimes all that can be done for a hurting person is to pray, offer encouragement and let him know that you care. If a material need can be met, the group should decide what they can do to help.

Obviously needs don’t exist only within the group—if someone has a friend with a problem, the group can decide if and how they could help meet the need. This is one of the best ways for the group to reach out with the love of Christ in a tangible way.

Sometimes problems are an issue of sin in the life of one of the group. If someone in the group has sinned against another member, Jesus’ instruction in Matthew 18:15-17 should be used as the method to address the situation. If someone in the group has fallen into sin, the group needs to “restore him gently” (Gal 6:1). Holding one another accountable to our walk with Christ is an important aspect of the fellowship of believers in a cell group.


How should the group respond when someone misses a meeting? Someone from the group (not necessarily the leader) needs to contact this person the next day to let him know he was missed. Perhaps he is ill, or has some other problem. Again, the group should decide what they can do to help. When people don’t come to the meetings, don’t ignore it. Go after them! Let them know that the group cares!

Caring for one another is a mandate that all Christians have. However, some problems, especially severe emotional problems, are serious enough that professional help should be obtained. As this person works with a specialist, the group should continue to pray for and encourage him or her.

B. Exercise: Care for People Following are several scenarios of some situations you might face in your cell group. In class, discuss each situation and suggest ways that the cell group could help. There are not necessarily “correct” and “incorrect” responses to these situations. The main point is that love expresses itself in action – different people might react in different ways.

• Katrina: You receive a phone call from Katrina the morning after your most recent cell group meeting. She tells you that she is not going to attend the meetings any more, but she is very vague about the reason why. As you think about it, you remember that Katrina spoke very little during the fellowship or discussion time, and left without talking to anyone after the meeting was over. What would you do?

• Olga: During one of the meetings, the group members have been sharing personal prayer requests. When it is Olga’s turn, she looks at the floor and says quietly that everything is fine, thanks. During the prayer time, you are not sure, but suspect that she is crying. What would you do?

• Andrew and Maria: A married couple, Andrew and Maria, have been coming to your group for almost a year. During that time, their attendance has been sporadic, at best. Lately, during the group meetings, it is obvious to the group that there is some definite tension between them. You suspect perhaps they have a problem in their marriage, but don’t feel that you know them well enough to ask them about it. What would you do?

• Michael: Recently, one of the group members invited a co-worker named Michael to the group. During the Bible discussion times, he asks a lot of questions and wants to learn more about Jesus. However, Michael has a very irritating personality, and he is constantly insulting people (apparently without realizing it). His presence has disrupted what used to be very enjoyable meeting times. For several weeks now, he has not attended the meetings, and to be honest, most of the group members are relieved that he is no longer there. What would you do?

QUESTIONS FOR CONSIDERATION, REVIEW AND APPLICATION • In 1Th 2:8, Paul writes, “We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the

gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.” Why was “sharing their lives” an important part of Paul’s ministry?

• Review the story at the beginning of this lesson about Natalie. What should have happened differently in her group, and how might have the group helped her?

• Should a cell group be quick to help with financial needs? Why or why not?

ACTION PLAN • Write down two or three ways that your cell group can grow in their love for one another. Write down

several activities that your cell group can do to pray more for one another. • Write down two ideas for ways that your cell group could spend time together outside of a regular

meeting. Plan to do this sometime during the next three months. • Encourage the members in your cell group to share needs, concerns and problems with the group, and

look for ways the group can help.


SOURCES • Mackey, Bob. All About Cells, Unpublished materials, 1996. • Neighbour, Ralph. The Shepherd’s Guidebook. Houston: Touch Publications, 1992.


CELL GROUPS

LESSON 9 Training New Cell Group Leaders

!!!! Lesson Purpose The purpose of this lesson is to provide practical guidelines for existing cell group leaders to train new cell group leaders.

!!!! Main Points An apprentice group leader must be chosen, prepared, and released.

!!!! Desired Outcomes When the content of this lesson has been mastered, each participant should . . . • Know the importance of having an apprentice leader in his cell group, and know how to choose an

apprentice. • Understand the process of preparing an apprentice for leadership by involving him or her in all

areas of ministry. • Understand the process of releasing an apprentice to lead his own cell group.

!!!! Suggestions to Trainers The in-class exercise “Whom to Choose When No Choice is Obvious” contains several scenarios of cell group leaders who are having a difficult time choosing an apprentice leader. Remember that there is not one correct answer for each of these scenarios. The purpose of the exercise is to help the trainees think in practical terms of choosing an apprentice, and to deal with situations which may be similar to what they will face in their own cell groups.

Cell Group lesson 10 in the next manual provides an opportunity for cell group leaders to discuss questions and problems which they are having in their groups. Remind the trainees to make a list of these questions and problems to bring with them when they receive Manual 4 training.

I. Choose An Apprentice Leader

A. The Importance of Apprentice Leaders A biological cell in the human body, by its very nature, will reproduce itself. The definition we have chosen for a cell group, which sets it apart from other groups, is that a cell group also multiplies. However, whereas a cell in the body is able to multiply on its own, a cell group cannot multiply without someone to lead the new cell which is formed.

The overall philosophy of cell group ministry is that cells are only a building block, or smaller part, of a larger ministry strategy to start new churches. There are many methods and approaches to using cell groups in order to start churches, and the groups themselves are often an integral part of the church planting process.

Without new leaders to begin new cells, it is obvious that this process breaks down. Where do you find new cell group leaders? From within the cells themselves! One of the first tasks of a cell group leader is to prayerfully choose and develop an apprentice leader. The process of cell group multiplication becomes a reality only when new leaders are chosen and discipled.


B. The Process of Choosing an Apprentice Cell group leaders are to entrust the teachings of Christ to “reliable men who will be qualified to teach others” (2Ti 2:2). These are people who are not only able to become leaders, but who are also able to repeat the process and train other leaders themselves.

We have many examples from the Bible of mature believers who spent time and ministered with those who were less mature in their faith and ministry experience. The well-known exhortation from Paul to Timothy can be seen in some of the examples we have in the New Testament: Jesus with his disciples, Paul and Timothy, Aquila and Apollos, Paul and Silas, etc.

What are the requirements for an apprentice cell group leader? Every mature cell group leader should have the following three aptitudes: character, experience, and skills. Of these three aptitudes, only character is required for someone to begin the process of developing as a cell group leader. Experience and skills will come in time, as the cell group leader disciples his apprentice and involves him in various areas of ministry.

The issue of character is very important. The apprentice should be growing in Christian character, as listed in the qualifications for overseers and deacons in 1 Timothy 3:2-12. If these character traits are evident, this person can be considered a “candidate” to become a cell group leader. The goal of our search is not a perfect person, since that person doesn’t exist. Rather, we want a person who is diligently pursuing growth in these areas. Spiritual character is discussed in detail in the spiritual character track of this training program. You can use it as a guide for encouraging the development of your own and your apprentice’s spiritual character.

The cell group leader should spend much time in prayer before choosing an apprentice leader. He should pray for guidance and wisdom from the Holy Spirit as he makes a decision. Selecting someone as an apprentice leader is no small matter, and the cell group leader must seek confirmation from the Holy Spirit about the choice he is making.

The timing for choosing an apprentice leader is important. The cell group leader cannot make the choice too early, when perhaps he has not had sufficient time to observe and get to know the members of his group. On the other hand, the apprentice leader cannot be chosen at the last minute, when the cell is ready to multiply and the leader realizes that he needs a new leader to help. Sufficient time must be spent with an apprentice leader in order for him to learn and grow in his experience and skills in the cell group. The cell group leader must prayerfully decide when to choose his apprentice and begin modeling ministry with him.

C. Exercise: Whom to Choose When No Choice is Obvious? Cell group leaders often struggle with the important decision of whom to choose to be an apprentice leader. It is helpful to observe the example of the Apostle Paul as he traveled and started new churches. As we look in the book of Acts, Paul and Barnabas did not install leaders in the new churches until their second missionary journey. They did not immediately appoint elders to lead these churches.

1 Timothy 3:1 says, “Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task." 1 Peter 5:2 says, “Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers - not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve.” Leadership is to be appointed to the person who “sets his heart” on it and is “willing” and “eager to serve." Spiritual maturity is a prerequisite for leadership, but an apprentice leader must also earnestly desire to serve the Lord.

In class, discuss the following situations:

1. Scenario: Michael has recently started a cell group in his neighborhood. His goal is to start enough reproducing cell groups so that several new churches can be planted in his city. He has invited several friends and family members, and the group has met for several months already. Everyone in the group is a new believer, and no one seems mature enough to be an apprentice leader. Michael has prayed about it, but he is unsure what to do. Can he choose a new believer to be his apprentice leader? What would you suggest to him?


2. Scenario: Peter has started a cell group with the help of two other believers. These other men have been Christians for several years, but neither of them has much ministry experience. Peter thinks he should wait a long time before choosing one of them to be his apprentice leader, so that they will have lots of opportunity to watch him as he runs the cell group. What do you think of his approach? What would you suggest?

3. Scenario: Eugene started a cell group in a community with a very high unemployment rate. The group attempts to help the men in the community find work, as well as introduce them to the Bible. Eugene asked the first few men who came to invite other friends who were out of work. The response was overwhelming, and the group grew to 15 people in one month. Eugene knows that the group should multiply when it reaches 15, but this obviously cannot happen since none of the members are even believers yet. He is worried that the group will continue to grow, and he doesn’t know what to do. What advice would you give him? What do you think of his strategy? Is there anything you would have done differently?

II. Prepare Your Apprentice For Leadership A. Involve Your Apprentice with You in All Aspects of Ministry

Once you have chosen your apprentice leader, you must make a conscious effort to involve him in everything you do with regard to the cell group. Everything that you used to do on your own, you must now attempt to do with your apprentice leader. Explain everything, more than once, until you are sure that your apprentice understands it well enough to pass it along to another new leader.

You should begin involving your apprentice with the preparation and running of each cell group meeting. Discuss in advance what you are going to do in each meeting, and explain why you are taking this approach. After each meeting, discuss what you both learned from that meeting. Then plan the next meeting together. Discuss problems in the meeting, such as someone dominating the conversation, and how the issue was (or wasn’t) resolved. This increasing involvement of the apprentice is illustrated in Figure 9.1.

Figure 9.1 Developing an Apprentice

Once your apprentice is comfortable with the various aspects of planning and running individual meetings, you can begin to help him develop an understanding of the bigger picture and philosophy of cell group ministry. Discuss your church planting goals and explain how the cell groups are a part of your church planting goals. Help him understand the life cycle of a cell group, and discuss at which phase your group is currently.

Choose Prepare Release

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Of course, this process of involving your apprentice with you requires a significant investment of your time and effort. But in the process of discipling, there are no shortcuts. Investing your life in the life of another requires commitment, perseverance, and a lot of help and encouragement from the Holy Spirit.

B. Evaluate your Apprentice As a cell group leader, you know all too well that you have strengths and weaknesses as you carry out your ministry. In the same way, your apprentice will excel in some areas of ministry, while making mistakes or struggling in other areas of cell group leadership.

You should discuss with your apprentice the things that he does well. This will provide encouragement and confirmation of his calling to be a leader. It is also beneficial to talk with him, in love, about areas in which he needs to grow. A cell group apprentice can have lots of ministry experience and yet lack good ministry skills. As you disciple your apprentice, you need to help him to see where and how he can improve as a leader. When you see an area of need, offer constructive ways to improve. In other words, don’t simply point out the problems; offer suggestions on how he can correct problem areas.

As you model ministry with your apprentice, ask him also to share with you areas where he thinks you might have room for improvement. None of us is perfect, and quite often we have shortcomings or weaknesses that we don’t even realize. The beauty of the discipling relationship is the ability to help each other towards deeper Christian maturity and growth. By discussing and evaluating together your strengths and weaknesses, you are demonstrating the value of team work. Church planting is best done in a team of people who can help to compensate for one another’s strengths and weaknesses and help one another grow towards deeper Christian maturity.

C. Pray For and With Your Apprentice As you disciple your apprentice and model ministry for him, take time to pray for growth in his character, his experience and his skills. Pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to comfort, encourage and guide him. Pray also for your ability to disciple him and to be an example of a cell group leader for him.

It is also important to pray with your apprentice. Make time to spend together in prayer as you plan meetings and evangelistic events. Pray together about individuals in the group, about their needs and the people to whom they are reaching out. Pray for each other regarding areas of struggle or other personal needs. Attempt to instill in your apprentice the tremendous importance that prayer has in all areas of cell group ministry.

III. Release Your Apprentice For Ministry A. Give Vision to Your Apprentice

One of the most important steps in releasing your apprentice leader is to continually give him a vision for what could happen through his life and ministry. Ministry skills training without vision is like preparing to go on a journey but having no destination in mind. Your apprentice needs to understand that the potential end result of his ministry could be many, many new churches started through his cell group ministry. He needs to see how what he is learning and doing right now fits into this larger “end result” vision. The realization of what God can do through His imperfect people can be a tremendous motivation for your apprentice leader. Take time to ask your apprentice what his own vision is for the work God is calling him to do. Evaluate whether or not you are helping develop his vision. Make sure your apprentice understands that he has an important role in helping to fulfill the Great Commission.

B. Delegate Ministry to Your Apprentice As your apprentice grows in his understanding of the various aspects of cell group ministry, you need to begin to delegate more and more responsibility to him. In general, you want to first model ministry for your apprentice, explaining what you did and why. Then, perform the ministry together with your apprentice (such as planning for a meeting or leading the Bible discussion time). Now


allow your apprentice to perform the ministry on his own, with your encouragement and supervision. Objectively explain strengths and weaknesses you observed, and provide constructive suggestions for improvement. Finally, allow your apprentice to perform the ministry without any involvement on your part. When he reaches the point of being able to completely run the cell group meeting, you might want to “be busy” from time to time so that he gains confidence in his abilities without your being there.

This process of delegation starts small, but eventually you want your apprentice to have many experiences in leading a cell group without your involvement. It is the only way that he will be truly prepared to lead a group of his own, trusting the Lord Jesus to guide him in that leadership role.

Realize that delegation is not always easy for the cell group leader. Giving up the authority and responsibility for your group is hard to do. What if the apprentice doesn’t do a good job? What if he or she makes lots of mistakes? What will the group think, and how will they react? The cell group leader must step out in faith as the apprentice takes on more and more responsibility. He must decrease as the apprentice increases. To some leaders, it feels like they have “lost” their job and they are now unemployed. Share your feelings with your apprentice during this time, so that he will be prepared to deal with it when the time comes for him to turn over his group to a new leader.

C. Release Your Apprentice to Start a New Cell Group As your cell group continues to reach out and grow, the time will come when it is ready to multiply into two cell groups. As this time approaches, discuss with your apprentice an overall ministry strategy for his new group. What are his goals for starting a church, and how will his new cell fit into this larger ministry strategy? Perhaps his cell group will be a building block for the same church as your group, or perhaps his group will help start a different church. The important part is that your apprentice understands the larger strategy and where his cell group fits into that strategy.

Encourage your apprentice to develop a prayer support team to pray for him before, during and after the beginning of the new cell group. Help him to understand how to prepare for the very first meeting, since he may not have been a part of that process when your group was started.

During the final month before your cell group is ready to multiply, completely turn over the ministry of the cell group to your apprentice. In this way, the members of the cell group will have confidence in him as a new leader when two groups are formed from one. Finally, stay close and be available to help your apprentice with his new group. Don’t “abandon” him to swim in the deep waters alone. Pray with him and hold him accountable to select an apprentice of his own from the new group. Continue to encourage him as he leads his own group.

(The process of multiplication in a cell group will be discussed in detail in lesson 11, "Cell Group Multiplication" in Manual 4.)

D. Begin the Apprentice Process Again After your cell group has multiplied into two groups, your former apprentice leader will now be working with some of the people from your original group. This means that the original group can begin again to actively reach out and draw in new people. This also means that you again need to prayerfully consider who will be your next apprentice leader. This process of finding, discipling, and releasing leaders is an effective method to see new groups started, to see people come to the Lord, and to fulfill the Great Commission through new churches.

QUESTIONS FOR CONSIDERATION, REVIEW AND APPLICATION • What are the qualifications for an apprentice leader? • If no one in your cell group appears to qualify as an apprentice leader, what are some concrete ways that

you can develop leaders from within your group? What would you need to do to make this happen? • What would you do if you prayerfully chose an apprentice leader and he or she refused?


ACTION PLAN • If you have not yet chosen an apprentice leader from within your cell group, pray about it and then do it.

If no one seems qualified, select someone to disciple and develop into a leader. • Begin to involve your apprentice in ministry with you, and actively delegate more and more ministry to

him. • From time to time, evaluate your apprentice, and ask your apprentice to evaluate you in regards to your

ministry with the group. • Pray for your apprentice leader.

SOURCES • Neighbour, Ralph. The Shepherd’s Guidebook. Houston: Touch Publications, 1990. • Logan, Robert. Multiplication of Cell Groups. Old Tappan, NJ: Fleming H. Revell Co., n.d.


CELL GROUPS

LESSON 10 Discussion of Cell Group Questions and Problems

!!!! Lesson Purpose The purpose of this lesson is to provide for a time of interactive discussion between the trainees regarding problems and questions they have about cell groups.

!!!! Main Points • Interactive discussion of real cell group problems.

!!!! Desired Outcomes When the content of this lesson has been mastered, each participant should . . . • Understand some of the common problems which arise in cell group ministry. • Use personal experience to provide answers to some of the questions or problems which are

discussed. • Apply answers and suggestions given by other trainees to help solve problems or answer questions

in his own cell groups. !!!! Suggestions to Trainers

This lesson has been designed to provide for a time of interactive discussion between the trainees. Your role is one of a facilitator, or mediator, between the trainees. You will need to ask the trainees for their problems or questions. Do not provide answers or suggestions yourself – allow the answers to come from within the group, if possible. In the unlikely event that none of the trainees has any questions or problems, there are some suggested common questions given in the lesson. Try to use the experience of the trainees to answer the given problems and questions during this lesson time.

Emphasize that the trainees need to think about the solutions or suggestions which are discussed and determine how they can be applied in their own groups. Encourage them to write down specific, concrete ways in which they will try to resolve some of the problems in their own groups.

I. The Realities Of Cell Group Ministry Max has been leading a cell group for over four months. Although six people come regularly to the cell group meetings, they don’t seem to be growing much in their faith, and the group does not express any interest in reaching out to people around them. They seem content to meet weekly, to talk about their problems, and to study the Bible a little. Max is growing more and more frustrated, and does not know what he can do differently in order to help the members of his group become more spiritually mature. Some days he feels like giving up on the group altogether.

As “Max” has discovered, cell group ministry can be both rewarding and frustrating. When things are going well in a cell group, it can be very satisfying for the cell group leader. However, when problems arise, it can be very difficult for the leader to prayerfully work through them.

In any cell group, problems will arise at one time or another. The purpose of this lesson is to provide a time of discussion of various problems or questions which the trainees may have regarding their own cell groups. It is hoped that some of the trainees will have experienced similar problems or difficulties and will have some suggestions for the group. If questions arise which have no easy answers, the group can take as much time as is needed to discuss possible solutions or answers to those questions.


II. Questions And Problems Begin discussing problems or questions in your cell group(s). The trainer will be responsible to mediate the discussion time. If the group of trainees has had extraordinarily good success with their groups and they have no problems, the following list can be used to discuss typical areas of problems in a cell group ministry. Remember, this list is only in the event that the trainees have no further questions or problems to discuss:

• The cell group is not growing spiritually. • The leader cannot find an apprentice leader. • The cell group does not want to multiply itself. • The cell group cannot find a good place to meet. • The cell group is not growing numerically. • Some type of conflict exists between two or more group members, and the leader cannot seem to

resolve it.

III. Solutions Every cell group is different, and each problem situation has its own unique characteristics. Even so, often there are common underlying principles or reasons for the problem. Each cell group leader should listen carefully to the suggestions or solutions which are offered during the discussion time of this lesson. If possible, he should think about how to apply the principles of the given solutions in his own cell group if he is experiencing a similar problem.

QUESTIONS FOR CONSIDERATION, REVIEW AND APPLICATION • What is the largest problem or concern in your cell group(s)? Was a solution or suggestion given during

this class time which you can use to help solve this problem? • Do you know other cell group leaders who were not in this class but who might benefit from this time of

discussion? How could you encourage them and share with them some of the things you learned? • Who can you talk to about ongoing or future problems in your cell groups?

ACTION PLAN • Write down the three main problems you are experiencing in your cell groups. • Based on today’s discussion, write down at least two possible solutions to each of these problems. • Pray for wisdom in implementing the solutions you just wrote down. Plan to implement them as soon as

possible.


CELL GROUPS

LESSON 11 Cell Group Multiplication

!!!! Lesson Purpose The purpose of this lesson is to equip the trainee with the skills and knowledge which are necessary to be able to facilitate multiplication in a cell group.

! Main Points • Multiplication in cell groups is intentional. • Clusters facilitate the natural process of cell division and multiplication.

!!!! Desired Outcomes When the content of this lesson has been mastered, each participant should . . . • Understand why it is necessary for a cell group to reproduce itself. • Understand how to use “clusters” to help with the multiplication process. • Learn how to deal with several typical barriers which can make it difficult for a cell group to multiply.

I. The Goal Of Multiplication The group was meeting together for the last time. Things couldn't have been worse. Their leader was leaving, the apprentice was unreliable, others in the group were squabbling and vying for positions of prominence, and one member was about to be exposed for embezzlement, fraud, and disloyalty. Defeat and fear permeated the atmosphere of the room as the leader stood to speak. He said,

"Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God . . ."

The leader was Jesus, the dysfunctional cell group was the twelve disciples, and the meeting took place just hours before His arrest, trial, and execution. In spite of the advanced deterioration of this group's morale during the multiplication stage, by the power of the Holy Spirit, it survived to multiply again and again. Within a generation, its numbers had increased exponentially to fill the Roman Empire.

In the same way, each cell group which is approaching the multiplication phase needs to consider Jesus' words: "Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God..." (Jn 14:1).

No matter how difficult this transition may seem, multiplication in a cell group is for the greater good of the Kingdom of God. Our ultimate goal in cell group ministry is the fulfillment of the Great Commission. Our method of approaching that goal is through cell groups which evangelize, disciple believers, equip leaders, and reproduce. Without reproduction, this goal will never be reached.

It has been stated before that cell groups can be used as “building blocks” for a larger ministry strategy. Cell groups which reproduce themselves can be used to strengthen existing churches and start new churches. In this way, they can be used as a foundation for a church planting strategy. In the same way, multiplying cell groups makes it possible not only to see new churches started, but also to help develop and advance a saturation church planting movement in a region or nation. Cell groups naturally contribute to the small “grassroots” activities of evangelism, discipleship and leadership development which are necessary in order to see a movement of new churches started.

In many ways, multiplication is the culmination of many months of effort in a cell group. It is an important occasion for the group, and one which should be encouraged and celebrated. Although


there are several things that the cell group leader can and should do to prepare the group for multiplication, perhaps the most important is simply to trust in God, that He will lead the one group to become two. By His power and the leading of the Holy Spirit, multiplication is a process which will happen over and over again in cell groups.

II. The Process Of “Natural” Multiplication A. Biological Multiplication

In biology, cells multiply by a process of growing and duplicating themselves. Each cell has a nucleus (shown as “N” in Figure 11.1), which controls the activity of the cell. As the cell is nourished and grows, the one nucleus begins to grow and develop into two nuclei. When the right amount of growth has taken place, the one cell multiplies into two, each with its own nucleus. This process of growth and duplication continues over and over again, as long as the cells are nourished and can grow.

Figure 11.1. Cell Multiplication

Multiplication in cell groups also happens in a way similar to biological cell reproduction. Each cell group has a leader, who provides the right “conditions” for the group to grow and be nourished. If the cell group is not nurtured and developed (i.e. spiritual growth and evangelistic outreach), the group will not grow. The leader provides the example, teaching, and incentive to the group members to reach out to the people around them. Through the working of the Holy Spirit, these friends and acquaintances are brought into the group and have opportunity to learn about Jesus and receive Him as their Savior.

As the cell group continues to grow in maturity, the cell group leader also begins to work with an apprentice leader. This new leader learns from the words and actions of his mentor, and in many ways becomes an imitator (1 Co. 11:1) of the mentor. When the apprentice leader is mentally and spiritually prepared to lead his own group, the original cell group will multiply into two groups. Each group has its own leader, and can begin the process of growing and multiplying again.

God created biological cells with the purpose and ability to duplicate themselves. However, without the right conditions for growth and development, this will not happen, and the cells will eventually die. Cell groups also have the potential to grow, develop and duplicate themselves. In the same way as a biological cell, without the right conditions for growth, this will not happen in a cell group.

B. Natural Clusters Imagine a cell group where the leader is holding two large, juicy oranges. He asks for two volunteers from the group to each peel one of the oranges and then divide it in half. However, they

N NN

N

N

N

N

1. 2. 3.

4.

One Cell NucleusDivides Cell

Multiplies

Two Cells


each must use a different method to do this. The first person must divide his orange in half crosswise, along its equator. The second person must divide his on the north-south axis, along the naturally occurring segments.

Figure 11.2 Dividing an Orange

Right! Wrong!

You can imagine what will happen with each orange. A parallel can be drawn to what can happen in cell groups when it is time to form two groups from the one. A group torn apart, without regard for the naturally occurring friendships within the group, can make a big mess. If you split a group arbitrarily, by numbers, by geographical boundaries, or by some means other than natural relationships, you may end up with many injured group members.

However, if you identify naturally occurring clusters of relationships within your group and then divide the group by these clusters, the result will be much more beneficial. To encourage the formation of these clusters, start early in the group's life to experiment with different compositions. Observe how your members naturally divide into sub-groups of three, four, or five members. Note who gravitated toward whom, and who took leadership. Try this for three or four weeks to see if any specific clusters are naturally developing.

You may wish to plan for the formation of these sub-groups by drawing a diagram of the relationships. What groups of three, four, or five people are most alike? Who has children with similar ages? Similar jobs? Similar interests? Who has previously developed friendships or networks of relationships? You can allow these sub-groups to form on their own, or you can encourage certain people in the cell group to form a sub-group based on what you know about their personalities and interests. Clusters will be, in a sense, "mini cells." You will want to meet as a large group for most of the cell group meeting, but you can dismiss into clusters for Bible study, for prayer or for sharing.

Your apprentice leader should either naturally, or by your suggestion, begin to work with one of the clusters. If there are several clusters in your cell group, have your apprentice work with the cluster which seems to have the greatest potential for becoming a new “daughter” cell group. By being involved, the apprentice leader will develop closer relationships with these members and will be better prepared to lead them when it is time to start a new group. This also contributes to a better pastoral care within your group. Many people will talk more freely in a smaller group of three to five than they would before a larger group of ten or more people. Linking people into a cluster means that their absence will be noticed more quickly. They will realize that their presence is needed, and they will be touched by the others in such a way that they will become more committed to the group.

Clusters can also be used to help identify potential apprentice leaders. Experience has shown that in a small group of people, one person will always naturally emerge as the leader if no one has been assigned that role. As a cell group leader is prayerfully determining who might become the


apprentice leader, he or she can examine the clusters to see which members are naturally emerging as “leaders” of the clusters. These are people whom the leader should pray about and perhaps approach about becoming an apprentice leader.

C. Steps to Multiplication Multiplication in a cell group is intentional – the leader and members of the group must set this goal before themselves, and actively work towards reaching that goal. This is the only way that multiplication will be seen as a natural part of the life cycle of a cell group. If the cell group leader does not make multiplication a priority, the members of the group will not make it a priority, either.

1. Preparing Ahead for Multiplication of the Cell Group The cell group leader should prepare the cell for multiplication throughout the life of the cell. In order to provide the right “conditions” for growth and multiplication of a cell group, the leader has several responsibilities:

• The leader must continually give a vision to the members that their one group will develop into two. This vision must start when the group starts, not several weeks before it is time to multiply. He should explain why multiplication is good and necessary to help fulfill the mandate which Christ gave us in the Great Commission.

• The leader must encourage the group to reach out to the unbelievers in their network of relationships. Without numerical growth, there is no need to multiply.

• The leader must provide an environment in the group where discipleship takes place between the believers. Without spiritual growth, the need to multiply may not be clearly understood.

• The leader must mentor an apprentice leader who will take the responsibility for leading one of the two groups. As the time for multiplication approaches, the apprentice must develop an overall goal for his new group, as well as a plan for at least the first several meetings. The leader should review this with the apprentice and offer advice or suggestions.

• There must be a planned date when multiplication will happen. The leader must hold the group accountable to completing the process of multiplication on or near that date.

2. Implementing the Multiplication of the Cell Group Assuming that a cell group leader has done all these things, how should the cell group actually be multiplied?

• Discuss the upcoming changes with the group. People who have never before been in a group which has multiplied will be, in varying degrees, apprehensive about multiplication. They mistakenly believe that the strength of the group consists in who belongs to it rather than to Whom it belongs. Take their fears seriously and help them through. During the multiplication process, LISTEN, PRAY, & ENCOURAGE. Do all you can to keep discouragement or negativity from becoming the dominant force. Read and meditate on John 14-17 to gain spiritual insight on how Jesus handled the multiplication stage with his group of disciples.

• Determine who will lead which group. In some cases, when a cell group multiplies, the apprentice leader will become the leader of the “daughter” cell group. However, this depends entirely on the group itself, and it is just as acceptable for the current cell group leader to begin working with the new group, while the apprentice leader becomes the leader of the original group. This sometimes works well when the members of the new group are not as spiritually mature as are the members who stay with the original group.

• Decide who will join the new group and who will stay with the original group. The cell group leader needs to ask the group members to pray and decide which group God wants them to be a part of. He or she should not ask which leader they would like better. This can create competition, disunity, stress and an uncomfortable situation for everyone


involved. The leader should not presume or choose which members will go with which groups. Any suggestions should be made carefully without even the appearance of coercion or manipulation. Rely on the Holy Spirit to arrange the groups the way He wants.

• Choose a meeting location for the new group. The new group needs to decide where it will meet. This might be in the home of the new leader or in the home of one of the new group members. It is important to decide on a location and to make arrangements to use it. The new group members need to feel a sense of stability, security and identity in the place where they will meet together.

• Plan to meet with the apprentice leader to continue to mentor him/her in the new group. The cell group leader must plan to spend time with his apprentice leader after multiplication happens. The first several weeks and months of the new cell group will be the most difficult for the new leader. Having a mentor close by to pray with and discuss problems with will be immensely helpful for the new cell group leader.

• As a group, decide when the last meeting date of the original group will be, and plan to make it a celebration! Review and give thanks for all the things God has done in and through the group. Pray for each other and for the future of both groups. Rejoice that through two groups, more people can be reached with the love of Christ. Show the group the importance of this step in helping to fulfill the Great Commission. Have a special “commissioning” for the new leader and group members – gather them together and pray for them, that God will use them mightily in their new group.

Each time a new cell group is started, there are naturally some doubts, fears and uncertainties. What if the new group is not as “good” as the original group? What will change? How will the relationships be different? It is important to remember that the new group will be significantly different from the old one. Don’t expect that everything will be the same as it was in the original group, because it won’t. The Holy Spirit desires to work through the lives of the believers in the new group in a unique and special way.

Perhaps most important is simply to trust that God is in control and that He will guide and direct both the old and the new groups. Jesus said in John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." These are words to live by, and especially during the time when a cell group has reached the phase of multiplication.

III. Barriers To Multiplication The topic of multiplying cell groups is of great interest among cell-group members and leaders. Two dynamics in cell groups wage war one against the other. The first is the fact that multiplying a group is healthy for both the group and the kingdom. The second is the fact that, left to their own devices, very few groups ever would multiply. Multiplying is perceived as a potentially painful event, a split which severs relationships. People want to get together and stay together. They rarely realize that the group that focuses only on its own members and needs will grow stale or die within one or two years.

In any cell group, there are some common barriers which can prevent multiplication from happening. The following table describes some of these barriers, and offers suggestions to the cell group leader as to how he or she can overcome them. Of course, there may be other barriers or hindrances which are unique for your culture or context. If so, try to think about how you could possibly overcome those barriers so that multiplication can happen in your cell groups.


Table 11.1 Barriers to Cell Multiplication

Problem Suggestions The group does not understand the importance of multiplication.

• The cell group leader must not only give a vision for multiplication, but he or she must also explain why multiplication is so important. The cell group members must understand what benefits there are for the group and for the advancement of the Kingdom of God.

The group understands the need to multiply, but they are comfortable with each other and do not want to split.

• Pray that the Holy Spirit will give you wisdom in understanding your group and your unique situation.

• Stress the importance of multiplication and explain that it is the next step in the natural progression of the life of the group.

• Demonstrate how multiplication is being obedient to God’s command to “go and make disciples” in Mt. 28:19. Through multiplication, your cell group has an important and active role in helping to fulfill the Great Commission.

• Pray about dividing the group along natural lines, using the cluster concept.

There is no apprentice leader • First, the cell group leader must spend time in prayer, asking the

Holy Spirit to give him wisdom about whom to choose. Then, he must purposefully make this choice and begin to disciple and mentor the apprentice.

• Use clusters in your cell group to possibly identify naturally emerging leaders. Pray about these people as potential apprentice leaders for a new cell group.

• For guidelines on choosing an apprentice leader, review the Cell Group lesson in Manual 3, “Training New Cell Group Leaders,”

There is disagreement about who goes with which group

• If your group has several clusters, consider using one or more clusters to start the new group. Consider lines of natural relationships in the group.

• Ask each group member to pray and ask the Holy Spirit to make it clear to him/her which group to be with.

• Conduct an open and honest discussion in the cell group meeting to find out the reasons for the lack of unity in this decision.

The cell group members feel the apprentice is not yet qualified to be a cell group leader

• Wait to start the new group until the apprentice is ready. • Involve the apprentice in ALL aspects of ministry with you. • Have the apprentice do more and more of the ministry in the group.

Have the cell group leader do less and less ministry. • Set a new date for the apprentice to become a cell group leader and

strive to develop him or her mentally, emotionally and spiritually before that time.

There can be barriers to multiplication in any cell group, but if the leader thinks about the possible problems beforehand and works proactively to overcome the barriers before they become problems, many of them can be avoided altogether. The most proactive thing which the cell group leader can do is to continually keep the vision and benefits of multiplication before the group from day one.

QUESTIONS FOR CONSIDERATION, REVIEW AND APPLICATION • How does multiplication in cell groups help to advance a saturation church planting movement?


• What are “natural clusters” in a cell group? How can they be used to help a group move through the multiplication phase? What can happen when a group is ready to multiply and the members are divided arbitrarily, without consideration for the relationships in the group?

• How can clusters be used to help identify potential new cell group leaders? • What is the most common barrier to multiplication in a cell group? How can it be overcome?

ACTION PLAN • Clusters in a cell group will sometimes just naturally occur. If your groups do not already have clusters in

them, consider using them during different parts of the cell group meeting. Do you see any benefits to using clusters in your groups?

• Begin to think about what needs to happen in each of your groups in order to reach the goal of multiplication. Write down 5 things that you will do in the next three months in order to move your groups closer to multiplication.

• Think about potential barriers to multiplication in each of your groups. What can you do ahead of time to overcome them and to avoid problems when it is time to multiply?

• Develop a plan for multiplication in your groups. Be sure to include your apprentice leaders in this process so that they will also be equipped to plan for the multiplication of their groups. Pray about and include in your plan a multiplication date for each group. Find someone that will hold you accountable to implementing this plan for multiplication.

SOURCES • Portions of this lesson were quoted with permission from an article entitled, Multiplication by Dan Smith

(Small Group Network, 1996. http://smallgroups.com). • Logan, Robert. Multiplication of Cell Groups. Old Tappan, NJ: Fleming H. Revell Co., n.d.


CELL GROUPS

LESSON 12 Cells That Saturate Through Local Churches

!!!! Lesson Purpose The purpose of this lesson is to explain how to plan for and implement a ministry of cell groups in an existing church.

!!!! Main Points • Cell groups can be used in any church that wants to grow and fulfill the Great Commission.

!!!! Desired Outcomes When the content of this lesson has been mastered, each participant should . . .

• Understand that cell groups can be used to strengthen an existing church in the areas of fellowship, discipleship, evangelism and leadership development.

• Think about the positive and negative impact that cell groups can have on the existing ministries of a church.

• Understand the steps which must be taken in order to plan for and implement the use of cell groups in an existing church.

• Be able to develop a basic plan to begin using cell groups in an existing church.

INTRODUCTION The goal of starting a movement of new churches is to fulfill the Great Commission and ultimately to reach "the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8) with the good news of Christ. The fellowship, discipleship and evangelism in cell groups provides the building blocks that an existing church needs in order to start many new churches through these groups. Churches which have a vision for multiplication can use cell groups not only to start new daughter churches but also to bring renewal and growth to their own church. Cell groups are certainly not the only way in which this can happen, but they are an effective method for bringing new life and focus to the ministry of a church. Through the use of cell groups, existing local churches can saturate their "Jerusalem,” i.e. their city or town, with a relevant, viable witness for Christ.

When you look at the benefits of ministry in groups, it becomes obvious that there are many reasons why a traditional church would want to make use of cell groups as well. Cell groups in an existing church can make it possible for the members to develop and strengthen their relationships. As they spend time together, they will begin to learn about one another’s joys and burdens, and they will be able to fulfill the biblical commands to love one another (Jn 13:34-35) and to carry each other’s burdens (Gal 6:2).

Through the use of cell groups, members of a church can learn to identify their spiritual gifts and then develop and use them. Instead of the majority of ministry being done by only a few (often overworked) leaders in the church, more and more of the members would begin to become involved in ministries of discipleship, nurturing and evangelism. The groups would provide for the development of new leaders in the church from among the members. The church would grow as a result of the evangelism in the groups.

At the same time, the use of cell groups in an existing church often changes some of the dynamics of ministry in the church. The leadership of the church must be committed to this type of ministry and have an active role in it. There are several issues which must be discussed and prayed about before a cell group ministry can begin in a church. Once the decision has been made to incorporate cell groups into a church, the church leaders need to create a plan and then, under the leading of the Holy Spirit, implement that plan in the church.


I. Evaluation In order to use cell groups in an existing church, there are several issues which must be given careful thought. For purposes of discussion in this lesson, we will assume that a church planter has been working with cell groups and would like to introduce them into his home church. He must spend some time with the pastor(s) and leaders of the church to explain the concepts and advantages of cell groups, as well as to discuss with them some of the issues which will affect the decision whether to use cell groups in the church.

The issues which must be discussed with the leadership of any church that is contemplating the use of cell groups are as follows:

A. Vision What is the vision that the leaders have for the church? Is it possible that cell groups can be used to support and encourage this vision? Cell groups can be used as a foundation for a larger ministry strategy. Assuming that evangelism and growth take place in the groups, how can the reproducing groups be used in an overall ministry strategy? Does the church want to grow larger, does it want to start new daughter churches, or does it want to send out some of the members on missionary teams to other cities? The church leaders need to decide on a ministry vision and strategy for the cell groups, as it relates to the overall vision of the ministry of the church.

B. Commitment One of the most important factors which can determine the success or failure of cell groups in an existing church is the level of commitment among the church leaders. They need to understand the benefits, functions and goals of a cell group ministry. They need to understand that a cell group is not simply a small group where people will get together to study the Bible. Of course, Bible study will be a part of the groups, but it is not the main purpose. The main purpose is to experience the body of Christ in action: worshipping the Lord, edifying believers, and evangelizing the lost. Are the leaders willing to be committed to this emphasis in the ministry of the groups? There will need to be some flexibility on the part of the existing church leadership in order to accommodate some of the changes which the cell groups will introduce into the church.

C. Existing Ministries The use of cell groups in a church will support and encourage ministries of evangelism, discipleship and leadership development. Careful consideration must be given to the effect that the cell groups may have on the existing ministries in the church. In some churches, the ministry of the cell groups might complement the ministries which already exist. However, the cell groups might also "compete” or interfere with existing ministries in the church. Sometimes the cell group ministries turn out to be more effective than already existing ministries. For example, if the church has been doing evangelism by holding outdoor campaigns, the number of people who usually respond might be very few. If the relational evangelism which happens in the groups works very well, the existing evangelism ministry leader may feel "threatened” by the cell groups. This can lead to problems between those who are doing ministry "the way it has always been done” and those who are doing ministry in cell groups.

Discuss the use of cell groups with each ministry leader in the church, and see how he feels about it. Are there areas of potential conflict? Would some of the existing ministries (e.g. discipleship) need to be changed or eliminated if groups are used? These questions must be asked before cell groups can be used in a church.

D. Tradition vs. New Ideas For some of the people in an existing church, the concept of cell groups might be strange and somewhat frightening. They may resist the use of groups, especially if they have never been in a group ministry. Sometimes people resist cell group ministry because they have been part of a group at some point in the past, and the group did not work out well. Sufficient time and energy must be spent in order to help the church members understand the groups and see the benefits of using them in the church.


Depending on the church, the underlying principle of doing relational evangelism in the groups might be a hard thing for some of the church members to accept. If they have never done much evangelism, if they have done it differently, or if they are uncomfortable with the idea of making friends with unbelievers, they may have a hard time agreeing with the need for cell groups in which relational evangelism is a top priority.

E. Location No matter how many groups are started initially, each group will need to have a place where they will meet together weekly. In some cultures, meeting in homes or apartments is acceptable and this will not be a problem. In other cultures, the problem of where to meet might be more difficult to resolve. The leaders must consider where the first groups meet, especially in light of potentially many more groups being started over the course of several years. Assuming that the groups grow and multiply, where will the new groups meet? This should be discussed before cell groups are started so that it does not become a problem later, when the groups are ready to multiply.

F. Leadership Initially, the church leadership needs to decide who is qualified and available to become leaders of the first cell groups (see Manual 3, Cell Group lesson, "Training New Cell Group Leaders”). These people must be given training and preparation in order to successfully lead their groups. This training should include the lessons from these manuals on Cell Groups, Leadership, and Bible Study Methods. Other lessons from these manuals can be taught based on the needs and experience of the future leaders.

A supervisory structure should be planned and put into place from the time that the first cell groups are started (this will be discussed in detail in lesson 13, "Supervising Cells”). Someone must be appointed as the mentor of these cell group leaders and must be willing to meet with the leaders at least once a month, as well as provide for ongoing training and encouragement. The mentor may choose to form a cell group of leaders to provide them with continued support, teaching and encouragement.

Remember that you cannot have more groups initially than you have leaders for those groups. Some churches decide to divide the entire congregation into groups, while others start just with the people who are interested in this type of ministry. If church leaders give an open invitation to anyone who wants to be involved, they might find themselves in trouble if more people respond than there are leaders available.

All of the above issues must be taken into account when a church is considering the use of cell groups. After the church leaders have discussed the use of groups in their church, time should be devoted to prayer about whether or not to go ahead with this type of ministry. This decision will have a profound impact on the lives of the church members and should not be taken lightly. If the Holy Spirit confirms the use of groups in the church, then the church leadership must plan for how the groups will be started and implemented.

II. Planning And Implementation Every plan which is developed for cell group ministry in a church will be unique and will reflect the distinctives and characteristics of that church. Although the details will vary from plan to plan, there are certain steps which must be planned for and then implemented in order to introduce a ministry of cell groups in an existing church.

A. Step 1 – Develop a Ministry Vision Which Includes Cell Groups The pastor(s) and church leadership must understand the goal of cell group ministry. They should also understand the functions of a cell group, as well as how ministry happens in a cell group. They should be able to explain the benefits of cell groups to someone who is not familiar with them. They must approve of and encourage the cell groups in the church.

An overall ministry strategy should be prayerfully thought out. How will cell groups fit into the vision and goals of the church? Will the groups be used simply to help with growth and discipleship in the


church? Does the church want to start one or more new daughter churches? Does the church want to send out teams of missionaries to start cell group ministries in other areas? The overall strategy will guide and direct the ministry of the groups in the way that they will develop and interact one with another.

B. Step 2 – Begin to Share the Vision with the Congregation The pastor(s) and church leaders need to begin to share the vision and benefits of using cell groups with the congregation. They need to show how the groups fit into the goals of the church, and how the groups will strengthen the church and its ministries. They should also explain the benefits to each of the church members.

C. Step 3 – Choose Leaders and Train Them Determine those in the church who would be available and qualified to lead a cell group. Spend time with them to explain the goals, benefits, concepts, etc., of cell groups. Ask them to prayerfully consider leading one of the groups.

Decide on a supervisory structure for the cell group leaders. At least one person must be responsible to mentor the leaders, hold them accountable, and provide ongoing help with problems and questions. One way to mentor leaders is to form an initial cell group with the future cell group leaders as the members. This group should meet for several months before any other cell groups are started in the church. This will give the leaders both training and experience in cell group ministry. The person who leads this "leadership” cell group should be the same person who will mentor the new leaders. This leadership cell should continue to meet on a regular basis (perhaps once a month) after the new groups are started. This should be a time for fellowship, teaching, and discussing problems and questions in the groups.

Train the future cell group leaders in all aspects of cell group ministry. At a minimum, they should receive the training from the Cell Group lessons, the Bible Study lessons, and the Leadership lessons in these manuals.

D. Step 4 – Start the New Cell Groups After several months of meeting in the "leadership” cell group, the leaders should begin to plan for the start of their cell groups. When will each group meet (i.e. which day and at what time)? Where will each group meet? Assuming that some people in the congregation have expressed an interest in being part of a group, how will it be decided which group they will join?

There is a large amount of initial preparation which must take place before the very first new cell group meeting (in manual 2, see Cell Group lesson 2, "Principles of Cell Group Leadership” and lesson 3, "Starting a Cell Group”). The mentor of the cell group leaders should help and encourage each leader to prepare for this first, important meeting.

It can be helpful to set a beginning date for the new cell groups and share this with the congregation, so that they can be praying for this new ministry, as well as looking forward to the time when it will start. This will help to generate enthusiasm and excitement about the new groups.

E. Step 5 – Provide Ongoing Evaluation and Adjustment to Cell Group Ministries The church leadership should, from time to time, evaluate the progress of the cell groups. As with any type of ministry, adjustments might need to be made to initial plans and ideas. Be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit, and continually pray for the groups and their leaders, that God will use them to build up the church and to help it fulfill its goals and purposes.

QUESTIONS FOR CONSIDERATION, REVIEW AND APPLICATION • Considering all of the benefits of cell groups in the areas of fellowship, discipleship, evangelism and

leadership development, why shouldn’t every church use cell groups? • Let’s assume that a church has decided to start using cell groups. How can you avoid "competition”

between existing ministries of discipleship and evangelism with these same ministries in the cell groups?


• Why is it important to have a mentor for the cell group leaders in the church? What is his role and responsibilities?

• Why should a "leadership” cell group be started among the future cell group leaders in the church before any new cell groups are started? What is the benefit of having the church leadership involved in this "leadership” cell?

• What is the overall goal of using cell groups in an existing church structure?

ACTION PLAN • Think about the church which you consider to be your "home” church. What is the vision of the church?

What goals does it have? Would it be possible to use cell groups to help reach these goals? • In this same church, what problems or difficulties would there be if cell groups were to be used? • Develop a brief, written plan for using cell groups in this church (or in any church that you are very

familiar with). How would you implement this plan? • Think about the churches you know which could benefit from cell group ministry. How would you

approach them about using cell groups to strengthen the church and to help it reach its goals? Would you be willing to help them start a cell group ministry in the church? Give this some careful thought and prayer.


CELL GROUPS

LESSON 13 Supervising Cells CARE AND COORDINATION FOR CELL GROUP LEADERS

!!!! Lesson Purpose The purpose of this lesson is to motivate each trainee to develop a supervisory structure in order to promote and sustain growth in his cell group ministry.

!!!! Main Points • The roles of Cell Coordinators and Overseers. • There must be a structured approach to supervising cell group ministry.

!!!! Desired Outcomes When the content of this lesson has been mastered, each participant should . . .

• Understand the advantages of and the need for some type of supervisory structure in cell group ministry.

• Know the roles and responsibilities of each person in a supervisory structure and how they contribute to the growth and success of the cells.

• Develop a basic plan to implement some type of supervisory structure in his own cell group ministry if one does not already exist.

!!!! Appendix 13A Cell Groups: The Final Step

!!!! Suggestions to Trainers In the "Action Plan" section, the trainees are asked to read Appendix 13A "Cell Groups: The Final Step" and create a basic plan for a supervisory structure in their cell group ministries. Since this is the final cell group lesson, be sure that this plan is reviewed either by you or by another mentor/trainer.

INTRODUCTION A team of three missionaries (Peter, Sandra and Michael) has been working in a city of about 35,000 people for the past three years. They have each begun several cell groups, and some of these groups have multiplied several times over. If one were to look at the number of groups meeting and the numbers of people who have been saved, it would seem that their ministry has been successful so far.

However, as the groups continue to grow and multiply, Peter, Sandra and Michael are becoming more and more frustrated. Each of them has had problems and questions trying to develop new apprentice leaders, and there is no one for them to turn to for advice. They are all so busy that they rarely even see each other, and it seems that they have all drifted into their own separate ministries. When Peter, Sandra and Michael first started working in the city, Peter had a vision for starting several new churches using the cells. Lately, though, everyone is so busy with his or her own groups that no one talks about that anymore.

What Peter, Sandra and Michael don’t know is that several of the newest groups are experiencing problems that some of the more experienced leaders could help with, but no one has told them or asked them for help. Two of the groups are both planning to hold evangelistic outreaches in the same exact area of the city, while large areas of town remain without any kind of witness for Christ. Peter is glad that the cells are continuing to grow and multiply, but it seems to him that somehow they could accomplish more if they could find a way to work in harmony one with another.


What Peter doesn't realize in this scenario is that there is an administrative aspect which is missing from his cell group ministry. Someone needs to provide supervision for the cells in order to organize and coordinate their efforts as they reach out to their city.

Unfortunately, for many people involved in ministry, the word "administration" brings to mind images of boring paperwork and unnecessary interruptions. Sometimes "administration" even means authority, hierarchy and control, and therefore is something that people want to avoid in their ministries. However, administration that is properly developed and applied can help to make the best possible use of God's resources and can enable ministries to be very fruitful.

Administration is an essential aspect of cell group ministry, and it is absolutely necessary in order to bring about a church planting movement through the use of cell groups. Administration in the form of a supervisory structure is a necessary component of a larger ministry vision, especially as the cell groups begin to grow and multiply.

I. Supervision Of Cell Groups In a general sense, a "supervisor” is someone who oversees the work of another person. He or she is responsible to make sure that the work is done well and on time. In a ministry of cell groups, there is a need for "supervisors” to help the cell group leaders with the "work” that happens in a cell group. These supervisors do not "control” and force cell group leaders to do things their way; instead, they provide insight, wisdom and practical advice to the leaders, so that the cell groups are effective in their ministries.

A. Importance of Supervision No matter how cell groups are used in ministry, consideration must be given to how the cells will be supervised in that particular ministry context. There are several reasons why some type of supervision is needed in cell group ministry:

Coordination: Groups which are supervised have a leadership structure which is able to coordinate the efforts of individual groups in light of an overall ministry strategy. As the cells minister individually, there is coordination so that the efforts of each group contribute towards the accomplishment of a larger ministry task. Coordination is the result of being able to see the "big picture" of what is (or could be) happening outside the individual cell groups.

For example, let's say that the overall goal of a particular cell group ministry is to evangelize a whole town or village and start three new churches. If the efforts of the cells are coordinated, the groups are able to spread throughout the town and not "overlap" each another. Research will be done to determine different target areas in town, and each cell group will draw a "circle of accountability" around the area to which it will reach out. In this way the cells are able to be an effective witness throughout the entire town. As the time comes to start the new churches, coordination between the cells provides a balanced and reasonable approach to grouping the cells into churches.

Guidance: When some type of supervisory structure is in place, each cell group leader has someone to whom he can turn with questions, problems and difficulties. There is a structured environment in which the cell group leaders can learn from each other, as well as learning from more experienced leaders. Instead of cell group leaders struggling with problems or questions by themselves, they have someone to turn to for help and advice.

Cell group leaders finds themselves constantly ministering to the needs of the people in their groups, but no one ministers to them. One of the most important aspects of supervision is that it provides care and nurture for leaders of cell groups. One practical way that this can happen is to create a "leadership" cell group, in which the cell group leaders come together to be ministered to and to learn from one another.

Accountability: Each cell group will have its own goals that contribute towards an overall ministry focus. The leaders of the cell groups need someone to whom they are accountable to meet those goals. The goals of each group can be periodically evaluated and adjusted, if necessary. This is especially helpful with new groups and leaders, to help them pray and think about God's will for


their group and to help them set realistic goals for the group. Rather than "waiting for things to happen," a cell group leader who is held accountable will strive to help his group accomplish that which God has set before them as a goal.

Integrity: One of the advantages to ministry in groups is that new believers are discipled and new leaders are developed within the cells. However, a lack of maturity mixed with excessive zeal can sometimes be a dangerous combination. It is possible for a cell group to get off track and begin to misinterpret and/or misapply the Scriptures. A supervisory structure can provide the "checking" which needs to happen in any cell group so that exaggeration, extremes and even heresy do not become a problem. A group which is left to itself can end up with faulty interpretation and teaching of God's word.

B. Supervisory Structure No matter how cell groups are supervised, the basic concept remains the same: there must be a structured approach to coordinate and help the cell group leaders as they strive to develop the people and ministries in their cells. The supervisors hold the cell group leader accountable to tasks and goals in the group, and observe the teaching and spiritual development of both the leader and the members in the group.

A typical supervisory structure for cell groups usually consists of two levels: We will call the first level Coordinators, who work directly with cell group leaders. We will call the second level Overseers, who work primarily with the Coordinators. Both Coordinators and Overseers have specific roles and responsibilities to help to develop the cell group leaders and the ministries within cell groups:

1. Coordinator Since the role of a Coordinator is primarily to guide and teach cell group leaders, a Coordinator should spend time as a cell group leader before being appointed to this position. Cell group leaders need to have someone who will mentor them if their ministry is to be successful. Following are areas in which a Coordinator needs to be involved in the life and ministry of a cell group leader:

• Problems in the group - The Coordinator meets with the cell group leaders on a regular basis. In some ministries it is as often as once a week, and other times it may be only once a month. This may be an informal meeting, or the Coordinator may choose to create a "leadership" cell group. During these meeting times, the cell group leaders are free to ask questions, discuss problems, and learn from one another in their cell group experiences.

• Personal spiritual growth - The Coordinator should also make it a point to spend time individually with the cell group leaders and their families, to get to know them better and to better understand what is happening in the life of each leader. These should be informal times of sharing and fellowship, such as having a meal together or maybe just tea/coffee in the home of the leader.

• Developing apprentice leaders - One of the most difficult areas of ministry for the cell group leader will be the development of his apprentice leader. Most new cell group leaders have never worked actively to develop another person as a leader, and they will have plenty of questions and problems in this area. The Coordinator can share practical ways in which he or she has developed apprentice leaders in previous cell groups.

• Planning and accountability - The Coordinator is responsible to help the cell group leaders develop goals and plans for ministry and to hold them accountable to achieving those goals. This includes drawing a "circle of accountability" with each group to help them understand where they will be working (in what geographical area), and to what segment of the population they will reach out. The Coordinator must also help the cell group

CellCell

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leaders to develop a plan for multiplication and to carry out that plan. In addition, each cell group leader should have individual plans for the spiritual development of each member of the group, and plans for evangelism and other group activities. Reviewing and adjusting these plans with the cell group leaders is essential to the growth and success of each cell group.

• Practical ministry skills - The Coordinator should also provide ongoing training and teaching for the cell group leaders, to continue to equip them for fruitful ministry. The Coordinator should strive to provide teaching that will meet the needs which currently exist in the lives and ministries of the cell group leaders. The teaching should provide practical ways to help with real life problems and situations that the leaders face.

• Encouragement - It is a good idea for the Coordinator to visit the cell groups from time to time, and he or she should have a clear understanding of what is being studied and taught in the groups. Every ministry context is different, but the Coordinator should keep track of how many members are in each group, how many visitors come to the groups, where the groups are meeting, and any unresolved problems which the leaders are currently facing.

• Prayer - The Coordinator must spend time in prayer with the cell group leaders and should also pray for the cell group leaders in his own personal prayer time. He or she should constantly be looking for ways to help the leaders, so that their ministries are successful and so that they are growing in maturity and Christ-likeness.

Because of the significant amount of time and energy that a Coordinator must devote to the care and development of each cell group leader, he or she should be responsible for no more than four or five cell groups.

2. Overseer The role of an Overseer differs from a Coordinator mainly by the fact that an Overseer does not interact directly with the cell group leaders – he works primarily with the Coordinators. The Overseer should be well experienced in cell group ministry, having been a cell group leader and Coordinator himself. The Overseer is interested in the life and ministry of each Coordinator, as well as the overall ministry direction of the cell groups. The Overseer is a mentor for the Coordinators in the same way that the Coordinators are mentors for their cell group leaders.

The Overseer should meet with the Coordinators on a regular basis, no less than once per month. During these meeting times, the Coordinators can report on the progress and activities of each of the cell groups for which they are responsible. For purposes of record keeping, the Overseer may choose to develop some type of written form(s) that each of the Coordinators can fill out with information about the cells.

One of the most important functions of the Overseer is to monitor and develop the ongoing coordinated effort among the cell groups. The Overseer must keep the "big picture" of ministry in mind, and he or she should make sure that each Coordinator clearly understands the role of each of the cell groups in that plan. For example, the goal of one particular cell group ministry is to start two new churches in an area of town. Two Coordinators work with independent cell groups, while a third Coordinator has some independent cell groups as well as some cell groups that were started in an existing church. It is the responsibility of the Overseer to help the Coordinators understand how all of the cell groups can work together to form these two new churches and what steps need to be taken in order to see that happen.

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When there are problems in the groups, or in the life of a Coordinator, the Overseer is always available to listen, to pray, and to give counsel. He or she should maintain a time of regular prayer for each Coordinator, as well as for any urgent prayer needs within the groups.

Some cell group ministries choose to physically gather all the cell groups together on a regular basis (perhaps once a month) for worship, fellowship and/or teaching. Sometimes these gatherings are referred to as "celebration” times. If these gatherings take place, an Overseer (or Coordinator, if there is no Overseer) will be responsible for leading the time together, and he may ask one or more Coordinators to help with the worship or teaching.

II. Supervisory Structures For Different Models Of Cell Group Ministry

Many times, the physical organization of a cell group ministry will determine the form that the supervisory structure will take. Cell Group lesson 6, "Philosophy Of Cell Group Ministry,” presented several different models that can be used in a cell group ministry. Following is a brief review of each of those models, along with the types of supervisory structures that might be used in each situation:

A. Model 1: Cell Groups That Start a Traditional Church with Cells In this situation, one or more initial cell groups grow and multiply until they are able to start a new traditional church. This church will meet in a central location with a traditional worship service appropriate for the local context and culture. The church will continue to use a ministry of cell groups for evangelism, fellowship, discipleship and continued growth of the church. It may also choose to develop traditional ministry "programs" such as Sunday School, women's ministry, an outreach to children on the weekends, etc. Figure 13.2 shows this kind of model.

In this case, a supervisory structure will be needed long before the church is started. This model would require at least one Coordinator to oversee the ministries of the individual cells and to help the leaders coordinate the effort of starting the new church. It is interesting to note that after the church is started and the cells continue to grow and multiply, that the Coordinator might be called a "deacon” or "elder” in charge of cell group ministry.

B. Model 2: An Existing Church Begins to Use Cell Groups It is possible for an existing church to begin using cell groups for fellowship, evangelism and discipleship (see Cell Groups lesson 12). The existing leadership in the church must decide how many groups are needed/possible based on the number of members in the church and the number of people who could be trained to be cell group leaders. In time the church will begin to grow as the cell groups grow and multiply. This arrangement is shown in Figure 13.3.

Typically, the supervisory structure in this situation uses existing church leaders to fulfill the roles of Coordinator and Overseer. The deacons or elders might be the Coordinators, and the pastor (or

Figure 13.2 Cells Start Church

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Lead to . . .

New Cell Groups Traditional Church with Cells

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Figure 13.3 Cells Added to Church

Creates . . .

Traditional Church Traditional Church with Cells

Cell Cell

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ChurchChurch


pastoral team) may the most logical choice to fulfill the role of an Overseer. As the groups grow and multiply, most often cell group leaders will begin to fulfill the role of Coordinators and eventually Overseers.

C. Model 3: Cell Groups That Start a Cell Group Church A cell group church differs from a traditional church in the sense that there is neither church building nor regular Sunday morning worship service, and the church does not exist to create and maintain "programs” within the church. The church is comprised of the cells themselves, and all the functions of a church happen in each cell, including baptism and communion. The cells come together on a regular basis (e.g. once a month) for a "celebration” meeting. This is a time of encouragement, fellowship, worship and/or teaching. The cells all consider themselves to be part of one, large church. Figure 13.4 demonstrates this model.

Many times, the supervisory structure for a cell group church is simple and hierarchical. Every five cell groups has a Coordinator, and there is an Overseer for every five Coordinators. If the number of groups grows quite large, there is a need for another level of mentors, sometimes called "Cell Pastors” who work with the Overseers.

D. Model 4: Several Cell Groups Grow, Multiply and "Feed” Existing Local Churches It is not a requirement that cell groups directly start new churches. It may be more strategic to build up and strengthen existing local churches which in time will start new daughter churches. Cell groups are started independently of the existing churches. As new people are brought into the cell groups, they are encouraged to begin attending a local church as well. Often they will continue to be a part of their cell group as well as attend a church. This process is shown in Figure 13.5.

In this situation, one of the cell group leaders can fulfill the role of a Coordinator, in order to help organize the efforts of the groups to build up the churches in that area. If, in time, one or more of the existing churches desire to use cell groups in their church, a different supervisory structure will need to be considered and used.

III. Application For Your Cell Group Ministry The titles which are chosen for each person in a supervisory structure such as "Coordinator" and "Overseer" are not important. In your particular ministry context, you can choose and use whatever titles you feel are appropriate and understandable. The most important thing is that there are people who are performing the functions of Coordinators and Overseers in any given supervisory structure. These are the people who are needed to help the cell groups accomplish the goals that God has set before them.

Your context will determine who actually fulfills these leadership roles. If new cell groups are being started independent of an existing church, often the cell group leader with the most experience fulfills the role of the Coordinator once the groups begin to grow and multiply.

Figure 13.4 Cells Start a Cell Church

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Figure 13.5 Cells Feed Churches

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Independent Cells Feed Traditional Churches

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Perhaps you are using cell groups in a traditional church in order to help the church to grow (and eventually start new, daughter churches). In this situation you need to use wisdom and discretion in deciding who should fill the roles of Coordinator and Overseer. It is always preferable that these people have been leaders of groups themselves and are well-experienced in cell group life. However, in a traditional church, problems can quickly arise if existing church leaders are assigned to these roles but they themselves have never been a part of a cell group ministry. Much prayer and discernment should be used if you are in this type of a situation. If you have no choice but to use "cell-inexperienced" leaders in these positions, do as much as you can to help them understand the concepts, advantages and distinctives of cell group ministry. In time, leaders from within the cell groups can assume these positions of leadership within the supervisory structure.

Unfortunately, one of the first things we think of when we see any kind of hierarchical structure is the element of control. It's important to understand that a supervisory structure is not needed in order to control the ministries of the cell groups. Instead of controlling the cell groups, each leader in the hierarchy of the organization should be doing all that he or she can to equip, empower and release the cell groups to minister in whatever way the Holy Spirit is leading them. A cell group movement under the direction of the Holy Spirit is actually very "uncontrolled" in terms of human intervention. It is the faithful obedience of God's people to be completely given over to His use of their lives, time and talents as they minister in and through the cell groups.

QUESTIONS FOR CONSIDERATION, REVIEW AND APPLICATION • Explain the need for some type of supervisory structure when working with cell group ministry. Why not

let the cells do whatever they want? What are the advantages of having a supervisory structure in place?

• In your own words, briefly state the administrative functions which should happen in any developing cell group ministry.

• If you are currently involved in a ministry of cell groups and there is no one yet fulfilling the role of a Coordinator, whom could you approach about becoming a Coordinator? Would you consider fulfilling this role at some point in the future?

• How is the role of an Overseer different from that of a Coordinator? • Is it possible for Coordinators and Overseers to continue to be leaders of cell groups?

ACTION PLAN • Read Appendix 13A "Cell Groups: The Final Step." Prayerfully consider what God desires for your cell

group ministry before you begin to plan for some type of supervisory structure in your ministry. • Next, develop a simple plan for the type of supervisory structure that is necessary in your particular cell

group ministry context. Think of the titles you would use for the roles of Coordinator and Overseer. Even if you have only several cell groups at the moment, who could fulfill the role of a Coordinator for these groups? As the Holy Spirit continues to work and your groups grow and multiply, how will you decide who future Coordinators and Overseers will be? Where will they come from, and what types of training or experiences will they need in order to prepare them for this type of ministry? What type of supervisory structure do you need to sustain and promote the growth that God desires to see happen in your cell groups? What kind of supervisory structure would best complement the model of ministry that you are working with? Draw in your plan a diagram of the model you are using and how the supervisory structure which you have chosen fits into this model.

• Review your plan for a supervisory structure with your mentor or with the trainer of this lesson.


CELL GROUPS

APPENDIX

13A Cell Groups: The Final Step

I. A HEART FOR THE NATIONS As we study the Bible, it is very clear that God desires to make Himself known among all the nations of the earth. In Exodus 19:5 God instructs Moses to tell the people of Israel that "if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation." Up until the coming of Christ, the nation of Israel was God's chosen instrument to be a witness to His sovereignty and glory. Psalm 96:2-3 says, "Sing to the LORD, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples."

When Jesus came, He fulfilled the Old Testament Law (Ro 10:4), He established the Church (Mt 16:18) and He commanded His disciples to be His witnesses (Ac 1:8) to the "ends of the earth." The Church became the instrument through which God desires to make His love and grace known to all people.

Our motivation for starting new churches is to fulfill the command which Christ gave us in the Great Commission. We have discovered that cell groups are one way in which to help establish growing, healthy, reproducing churches. We have spent much time discussing the details and workings of cell group ministry.

It is important to know and understand the specifics of cell group ministry. The functions in a cell group are seen in the example of the early church in Jerusalem (Acts 2:42-47). Cell groups are one way to imitate and provide a means for these same functions to happen in our churches and ministries today.

However, it is important to keep in mind the overall goal, the "big picture” of what God desires from our individual ministry efforts. What role do cell groups play in the fulfilling of the Great Commission? What should be happening in your cell group(s) in order to move closer and closer toward that goal? Is it enough to start several groups and see them begin to multiply, or does God desire more? What is the "final" step for cell groups to take in helping to fulfill the command that Christ gave almost 2000 years ago?

II. MULTIPLICATION BY FAITH One of the main distinguishing characteristics of cell groups is that they multiply. Multiplication must happen if groups are to stay "alive" – without it, they will eventually grow stagnant and die. Multiplication is not the motivation for evangelism in cell groups, but it allows active and ongoing evangelism to take place. There is always "room" for more unbelievers and new converts in multiplying cell groups.

Each of us understands and agrees with the need for multiplication in a cell group ministry. However, how often do we "limit” the power and sovereignty of God by our own limits of faith and vision? Are we seeing our cell group ministries with the same eyes that God sees them? If we could see our ministries as God sees them, what limitations and restrictions would be removed? What would be different? How would we understand the importance and potential impact of our cell groups?


When we first start working with cell groups, it is difficult to think about much more than getting those initial groups going, training apprentice leaders and working towards making multiplication happen. We learn much about groups through the mistakes, problems and joys of being a cell group leader. Soon we realize the need to have separate groups work together in harmony and cooperation one with another in order to accomplish larger ministry goals. In time we begin to think about some type of organizational structure which is needed to help coordinate the efforts of many cell groups.

Isaiah 40:26 says, "Lift your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing." In our own ministries of cell groups, we also need to "lift our eyes and look to the heavens." When we look anywhere but towards God, we consider only what can be done in our own strength. But as we look to God, we begin to understand His might and power, and what He can do through us.

If we had eyes which could see that which God sees, would we be excited, frightened or perhaps both? Does our lack of faith sometimes limit our ability to be used by God in the fullest measure of His will for our lives and ministries? Faith enables us to dream the big dreams and attempt great things for God, when we realize that His strength is available to empower our efforts.

Faith does not concern itself with all of our limitations and inadequacies. Instead, faith focuses on the provision and ability of God Himself to accomplish that which He desires. Faith is seeing a seemingly unattainable, impractical goal, and then being willing to step out and be used by God in achieving that which by human terms was an "impossible" task. Faith is not understanding exactly how to accomplish a particular goal or task, but understanding that God is able to complete that task in and through people who are willing to be used regardless of their situation and circumstances.

We have mentioned that leaders of cell groups should strive to release those groups to minister in the power of the Holy Spirit and under His direction. When cell groups contain members which in obedience have completely given over their lives, time and talents to the Lord, then the Holy Spirit has people with whom He can work and through whom He will bring forth much fruit.

Being completely given over to God means having faith which will allow us to minister in difficult circumstances, to overcome seemingly impossible barriers, and to stop accepting the limitations who the world would put upon us. We need to pray that God would give us such a faith that we could be used to accomplish through our cell groups the great things that He has upon His heart.

III. CHURCHES FOR THE NATIONS If one of our goals in ministry is to have multiplying cell groups that develop into churches, how many would be enough? What if we had several groups active in ministry in our town or city? How about 10 groups, or 50 groups, or even 500 groups?

2 Peter 3:9 reflects the heart of God toward the lost: "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." Our heart's desire should also be to reach "everyone" with the saving news of Jesus. We need enough groups that would minister not only throughout a particular neighborhood or village, but throughout entire towns and regions of a country. Jesus spoke of faith that can move mountains (Mt. 17:20). Do we have enough faith to see an entire country filled with cell groups which are reaching the lost, edifying believers and proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ until He returns?

When our ministries of cell groups stop being limited by our own lack of faith and short-sightedness, then they become useful in the hands of God. When our groups have a


vision not only for the immediate future, but for a time when an entire country will be saturated with churches, then God will begin to use them in ways which we would have never dreamed were possible.

This, then, is the "final" step which we need to take if our cell groups are to help fulfill the Great Commission. This final step is the process of encouraging all cell group leaders and cell group members to see their group being used in the way that God desires to use them. It is the process of giving wider and wider vision, of challenging cell group leaders to "lift their eyes" towards the heavens and to see their nation filled with the glory of God. It is the process of actively working toward that goal in and through our cell groups.

Only when our cell group ministries have eyes that can see and faith that will rise to the challenge will we see the Holy Spirit begin to use those groups in a tremendous and miraculous way. Only as we pray fervently for our nations will the Lord begin to work to multiply groups that will have an impact on entire cities, regions and countries.

This final step in our cell group ministry is simply a "Step of Faith." It is the final step which must be taken if our cell group ministries are going to be used by the Holy Spirit of God to help bring about the completion of the Great Commission. We do not need to fear failure. William Carey, pioneer missionary to India, once said, "Attempt great things for God; expect great things from God."

The strength is the Lord’s – we need to be servants through whom that power will flow. The vision is the Lord’s – we simply need eyes that are willing to see it. The completion of the task is also the Lord’s – we need to believe in faith that our efforts are leading to the fulfillment of the task which God Himself has promised to complete.

God is waiting for faithful servants to take this "Step of Faith” with Him. Will you be one of them?

Documents

Omega Course: Practical Church Planter Training