QUOTE
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Unit 3: The Second Wave: South American Innovations
Lecture: Introducing the G12 Systems
Our example church for Unit 4 is Bethany World Prayer Center near Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Bethany was originally inspired by the Elim Church 5×5 cell management structure and had a net growth of 600 families in 1993, their first year of cell ministry. Net growth had been flat for 1990-92, so they know that the increase is due to the transition to cell. In 1993-1996 they had gained a net growth of 2000 families (CC: 22). In 2002 their goal is to plant 500 indigenous churches in Third World countries. Bethany is now the primary proponent of the second wave G12 management structure in the United States.[1]
The G12 is truly an innovation in evangelistic small groups and is spreading widely throughout the cell church world. Joel Comiskey is the authority on the G12 and there is a folder on the G12 in the Workshop Materials section; two books by Comiskey are essential:
1999: Groups of 12: A New Way to Mobilize Leaders and Multiply Groups in Your Church
The International Charismatic Mission in Bogota, Colombia is infiltrating its nation and touching the world with the G‑12 model. Through on site research, international case studies and practical experience as a G12 pastor, Joel Comiskey has discovered the secrets behind this powerful model. In this book, he not only tells you what ICM does, he also outlines the G12 principles that your church can use today.
2002: From 12 to 3: How to Apply G‑12 Principles in Your Church
In this book, Joel Comiskey
creatively adapts the G12 system more directly for implementation in North
America, particularly with regard to easing the leadership time investment
needed to make the system work in our culture. Lack of free time to invest in
ministry is a primary limiting factor for us.
[1] For a comparison of the 5×5 and G12 model, see the article by Ralph W. Neighbour, Jr. AStructuring Your Church for Growth – An Examination of Three Cell Structures@ in the Workshop Materials section of this unit.
NOTE (my response)
DISCERNMENT QUESTIONS
RESOURCES
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.