QUOTE
Joel Comiskey identifies sixteen principles “fundamental to developing a strong cell system” (RH 46-56). Chapters in Reap The Harvest expand on each principle. These principles provide a good summary of the second wave of cell innovation.
5. Emphasis on Goal Setting. The Agoal of each cell in these churches is always evangelism that results in multiplication.@ There is no subtlety or hidden agendas; the major quantitative goal is the number of new cells to be formed. The International Charismatic Mission of Bogota, Columbia, has grown from eight members in 1983 to 24,000 in cell groups by 1998 using their G12 cell management structure and was reported in 2002 as having 300,000 participants. Highly visible banners on the front wall of the church proclaim the specific number of new cells which are the churches goal. ICM pastor Cesar Castellanos declares AAll of the growth we=ve obtained thus far has come by focusing on specific goals@ (RH: 50).
6. Cell Ministry Is the Church=s Backbone. The cell is the priority ministry of the church with the goal of participation in cell by every member. Other programs are not allowed to compete with the cell ministry; all scheduling is done so as not to interfere with cells.
7. Importance of Both Cell and Celebration. A Faith Community links worship with a discipleship system.Churches in the second wave offer multiple opportunities to gather and experience community in small and large groups. These gatherings occur in both Awings@ and without conflict; they include weekly worship in an overcrowded facility to occasional gigantic rallies in stadiums filled to capacity. In the small group wing, community is experienced in the cell and also a variety of other small groups and weekend retreats. This differentiates the cell church movement from the house church movement.
NOTE (my response)
DISCERNMENT QUESTIONS
RESOURCES
RH: Joel Comiskey, Reap the Harvest: How A Small Group System Can Grow Your Church (Houston, TX: Touch Publications, 1999)
CC: Larry Stockstill, The Cell Church: Preparing Your Church for the Coming Harvest (Ventura, CA: Regal Books, 1998)
Footnotes:
The quote is from Major League Disciple Making: An Overview of the Best Research on the Cell Church, an online course developed for the Institute for Discipleship at www.BeADisciple.com in 2009. Course materials, including these lectures, can be downloaded here: http://www.disciplewalk.com/IFD_MLD_Class_Links.html
All Scripture quotations are from the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1946, 1952, and 1971 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Please review the page How and Why We Use Quotes.