 At
Valley, we have a network of about 30 Cell groups. These small groups of
about 5 to 15 people meet during the week, some in the morning, others
in the evening.At these groups friendships are
formed; worship is shared; folk wrestle with how the Bible applies to
their lives.
The Cell Groups are places where people experience the
belonging and pastoral care we all expect from church. They also
offer opportunities for service and involvement, which people look for
in church as well.
The Cell Meetings are regarded as the most important
aspect of the church's life because, quite literally, this is where
church happens!
HOW CELL GROUPS WORK
-
Cell Meetings are designed to last 90
minutes. Don’t let it go on too long. Allow time for prayer, fellowship,
chatting etc. Tea and coffee can be served either at the beginning or at
the end of the meeting.
-
Leader’s Role. The Cell Leader should guide and
facilitate discussion and sharing. You don’t have to teach or give
learned input but the depth of discussion will be proportional to the
amount of preparation you put into the meeting.
-
The Cell is my
Basic Church Community. This is where people
can really experience what it means to be part of the church family.
They should come to feel that the cell is their ‘church’, as part of the
larger congregation.
-
Content. The basic teaching is given in the
sermon on Sunday. Encourage people to take notes and bring them to the
group.
-
Life
Application. (Building one another up in
love — Rom 15:1-2, Eph 4:15-15, 1 Thes 5:11). The aim of the discussion
is to help people to grow in faith and life; it is not simply about head
knowledge. It is about heart knowledge and experience. Try to get the
discussion to be deeper and more personal, not just superficial. Help
people to share their story, feelings and concerns.
-
Worship should be meaningful and deep. A real
encounter with the living God.
-
Pastoral Care. Care for each other. Pray for
each other, Watch out for each other. Help each other.
-
Evangelism. The Cell must try to be outward
looking, not just inward looking. Evangelism is best done by inviting
people to join the cell.
-
Friendship
Evangelism. It is vital to build a
relationship or a friendship with people before you try to share your
faith with them. Encourage people to make and keep friendships with
un-churched people. (Mat 13:33)
-
Outreach. Meeting practical needs of people and
the community. Group and individual action.
-
Birthing New
Cells. The aim of the cell church
is to grow as new people join and as the cells birth new cells. It
should be made clear from the start that the aim of the cell is to grow
so that it can birth to a new cell. This should happen when they have
reached l5 members for a consistent time. Cells should aim to birth a
new cell every 12-18 months.
-
Intern Leaders. Identify a potential cell
leader and train them by allowing them to share the leadership with
yourself.
Cell group information, click here to download an Excel spreadsheet with more information
|
