CELL MINISTRY THAT RESULTS IN GROWTH
A successful cell ministry is one that leads to growth. This session is designed to highlight key factors for success in the cell ministry.
A CORRECT CONCEPT ABOUT A CELL AT THE START
1. Analogy from Biology: In living organisms the cell is the basic unit of life. It is able to carry out all the functions of life and it has the capacity to grow. New cells are formed by the process of multiplication, which results to the growth of the organism as a whole.
2. The cells in the church: Are small groups entertwined into the life of the church that meets regularly to build up each other as embers of the body (edification and discipleship) and to spread the gospel to those who don't know Jesus (evangelism)
Healthy, dynamic, and growing cells are those that stand on two legs or better still ,that have two wings: discipleship and evangelism. Then the church can run and fly high. The balance between the two legs must be carefully guarded.
CELL MINISTRY ESSENTIALS
Cell ministry is not just having cell groups as one of the optional programs
of the church. It is organizing the whole body of believers belonging in your
local congregation into small groups (cells) and making the cells the primary
place for maturing the believers, evangelism and expression of gifts, and mobilization
for service.
Careful study of Ephesians 4:11-13 reveal two essential factors:
1. The Role of Pastors (Leaders) - to prepare, make ready, put in place, equip the people to minister to needs of one another. (v.11,12)
a. Pastors should NOT BE AFRAID TO put himself where God designed Him to be in the church: focus his efforts in equipping believers for ministry.
b. He should put himself in the center of the cell ministry. He determines the quality of cell life the church cells must have. He is like the nucleus in the mother cell that contains the chromosomes carrying the genetic material. He reproduces his kind to the people he trains to lead the cells.
c. He should continue to direct, sustain and guard the ministry. He provides vision and direction. He should determine the food being fed to his people through the cells.
d. Practical Actions:
· Standard training before leaders are released for cell leadership
· Weekly cell leaders meeting for continued motivation, equipping, reporting
· Uniform lesson materials prepared by the pastor himself,
2. The Role of the peoplea. Minister to one another not be dependent on the pastor alone. In cell life, even the young believers can participate in building up others. A careful look at verse 13 show us that as the believers participate in edifying one another, - they mature. Maturity is a result of participation in doing works of service - rather than a requirement before people can participate. Scriptures teach that it is the responsibility of believers to edify one another. 1 Thes 5:11; Eph 4:16.
b. Members should break the mindset that ministry is having a part in the Sunday service program. Ministry should be in the cell life level.
KEY FACTORS IN MULTIPLICATION
The life of a cell goes through stages of growth and the final stage is multiplication.
As it grows, the ultimate goals of a cell is multiplication. All the discipling,
teaching, nurturing, caring and equipping of the members of a cell should result
to cell multiplication.
1. Multiplying leaders - leadership determines the future of cell ministry. The pastor must work to transform lay people into leaders, and the goal of each cell leader is to raise up his intern to be a leader.
2. Evangelism and Outreach - The cell grows by evangelism and conversion. Evangelism in the cell must be well planned and deliberate.
a. Each member must know how to communicate the gospel in a clear and friendly manner.
(Illustration: In the Philippines, we study the mindset of a Catholic and develop approaches and lessons to evangelise the Catholics in a non-intimidating way)
b. Have regular contact with new people
c. Win your oikos'
d. Make social gatherings opportunities for evangelism.
e. Reach out as a team, group evangelism activities
MEANINGFUL AND ATTRACTIVE CELL MEETINGS
Regular attendance of members and bringing unbelievers to our cell meeting is
a common challenge for a cell leader. People will keep coming back to meaningful
meetings. Below are some characteristics of a meaningful cell meeting,.
1. The presence of God experienced
2. Needs are met
3. Prayers are answered
4. Word of God understood and made applicable or relevant
5. Productive participation
6. Relationships have been established
7. The unsaved visitors are linked to regular members.
8. Atmosphere of friendship and acceptance
9. Questions are answered
10. Anticipation for the next meeting
11. Goals accomplished