CROSS CULTURAL MINISTRY CM 3303 The Cell Church Structure

Overview of a Cell Group Church

The CELL is the “Basic Christian Community” The local church is formed from them and is the sum of them Cells never grow larger than 15 people and multiply as they reach this figure There are no other activities which exist in competition with the cells

Overview of the Cell Church THE CELL (SHEPHERD GROUP)

Overview of the Cell Church Approximately five Shepherd groups are clustered and guided by a “Zone Servant” This servant will be appointed to this task only after serving effectively as a Shepherd of one or two groups Zone Servant

Overview of the Cell Church 25 Shepherd Groups then become a CONGREGATION They cluster for the weekly celebration service, ordinances, evangelism, etc. Congregations are activated by the cells, not vice versa The term “congregation” is used for the clustering of cells, not for the controlling of them

Zone Servant Zone Pastor Zone Servant

Overview of the Cell Church As the church grows, Zone Pastors and the Senior Pastor form the Pastoral Ministry Team A third gathering, the CELEBRATION, is a mass meeting in which all the cells gather for public witness, praise and worship, preaching, teaching and evangelism

Zone Servant Zone Pastor Senior Pastor Ministry Team Zone Pastor Zone Servant

Yoido Full Gospel Church David (Paul) Yonggi Cho Began 1958 Keys: * Prayer * Cell Groups *“Let my people grow and go” First six year without a system of cells Cho collapsed. Initiated the cell model Exod 18:21 "Moreover you shall select from all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them to be rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens. 65,000 cells and 750,000 members

The International Charismatic Mission Cesar Castellanos Began April 1983 Keys: – Groups of twelve – Cell Groups – Evangelism First 7 Years worked with Cho’s system and the church grew to 3000 members Started to focus on planting new cells instead of multiplying existing groups 2400 cells and members in 1999

Ideal Timeline Leadership CellY 115 People LC + 2 Proto-CellsY 230 People LC + 4 CellsY People LC + 8 CellsY 3120 People LC + 16 CellsY People LC + 32 CellsY 4480 People LC + 64 CellsY People LC CellsY People LC CellsY People

Overview of a Cell Church Cell Groups will go through four stages: First Stage: Get-Acquainted Stage Second Stage: The Conflict Stage Third Stage: The Community Stage Fourth Stage: The Ministering-to-Others Stage

Overview of the Cell Church Cell groups have a six month life Any group will stagnate after a period of time (atrophy) Each cell group will be expected to multiply naturally after six-nine months or be reconstituted with another cell group

Overview of the Cell Church There will be a continuous process to develop leadership in anticipation of cell multiplication Intern Leader Intern

Overview of the Cell Church Format of a Cell Meeting: WelcomeIce BreakerYou to me WorshipSingingUs to God WordEdificationGod to Us WorksShare the VisionGod through Us

Overview of the Cell Church Worship The purpose of this part of the meeting is to connect us to God in worship The important thing is that you recognize and welcome the presence of Christ among you

Overview of the Cell Church Worship (Cont) Pick familiar songs which are more immanent versus transcendent Have a song sheet for new people to utilize Keep the flow going – Don’t use the time between songs to preach or talk!

Overview of the Cell Church Word The focus of this time is edification In a Cell meeting you aren’t trying to convey volumes of new Bible knowledge The goal is to discover and apply the simple truths of scripture as people reflect on their experiences

Overview of the Cell Church Teaching Provides Information “Fan” Communication, back and forth between teacher and students Points out logical conclusions Written or oral testing of memorized information Facilitating Provides an Experience “Circle” Communication, often only observed by the Facilitator Conclusions are discovered Feedback – observed change in values

Overview of the Cell Church Example Questions: What stands out to you in this passage? Can you illustrate this truth from an example in your own life? In what area do you struggle with the most in applying this truth? Where do you need God’s help right now?

Overview of the Cell Church Works – Share the Vision It is an important part of the Cell Group devoted to telling the story of Cell Group Life

An Example of a Cell Group Meeting Sharing Ground Rules Ice Breaker “Where did you live between the ages of 7 – 12?” “When did God become more than a word to you?” Praise Time (10 – 15 Minutes) Edification Time (Based on Sunday’s Sermon) Prayer Time Share the Vision

A Typical Week in Cell Life Sunday Morning: Celebration Service Monday – Saturday: Cell Life, Paul/Timothy Activities Monday Evening: Leadership Cell Meeting Thursday Evening: Cell Group Meeting

Journey Guide “Discipleship” A road map guiding the believer on their journey as they learn to become a servant in the Kingdom of God Evaluates the present level of maturity in the believer A plan of action will be implemented by the Cell Group Leader and a Paul and Timothy will be assigned

Journey Guide Twenty Five “Stations” by which a believer can gauge their maturity Ranges from Assurance of Salvation through Strongholds, through Relationships to Internship and Cell Leadership