What is a Cell Group?
The ministry and activities of Doulos for Christ World Harvest Ministry are built around groups called Cell Groups—the basic foundation of a church life. Cell group, or sometimes called as small group or life group, is a small gathering of people who, through friendship, meet together to live out the vision and values of the church. The main purpose of the cell group is the development of personal growth of each member as being centered on the Word of God.
Members of the cell group normally meet once a week to pray, worship and learn together about the Word of God and the vision of the church. It also provides an avenue to supply every person’s needs which allows us to pastor each one.
There are two kinds of cell group. First is the Open Cell which has the purpose of evangelism and connecting people to God. Next is the Leadership Cell which focuses on growing the existing cells. In this, leaders are being raised up to reproduce leaders who are also caught by the vision. We fulfill the vision through the Government of 12 or G12 vision that has a goal to make every attendee be promoted to a cell member, a cell leader, a G12 leader and eventually a network leader.
Cell your life for your life is for cell. The following are some of the reasons why you should be part of the cell group:
1. You will better understand the Bible in a cell group. In a cell group, you can ask questions, participate in the discussion of the text and hear others’ insights and illustrations. You will also receive inspiration and instructions that you can apply to your own personal situation.
2. You will begin to really feel like part of God’s family. Most people who have been part of the cell group say that the greatest benefit is the close relationships or friendships that develop in time. Over fifty times in the New Testament, the phrase “one another” is used to describe our relationship to others. We are instructed to love one another, encourage one another, pray for one another, accept one another, bear one another’s burdens and build up one another. The only way we can obey these commands is by being part of a cell group. We really do need each other. God never meant for us to go through our Christian lives alone.
3. Prayer will become more meaningful to you. Many people are hesitant to pray in front of others, especially in a large crowd. In a small group, you will learn to participate in prayer by having a conversation together with God. No one is pressured to pray, but as you become comfortable, you will be able to pray sentence prayers and join in. There are many promises in the Bible related to group prayer. In praying together with few others, we are drawn together and we find answers to the needs in our lives.
4. You will be able to handle stress and pressure better. Cell groups provide excellent support in times of crisis, change and stress. You will have a sense of stability and security knowing that there are people who really care for you and are committed to stand with you. Many people in the church could testify that they would not have made it through a difficult time if it hadn’t been for the support of everyone in the cell group.
5. You will have a natural way to share Christ with friends, relatives and work associates. It may be that some of your friends who do not know the Lord would not be caught thoughtless in a church. They have a preconceived idea and just the thought of them getting inside the church makes them defensive. However, those same people may be open to an invitation to a casual Bible discussion in a home, school or office setting. In a small group, your friends can ask questions and express honest doubts without feeling being “put on the spot.” When your friends see the love, warmth and honesty of your group, it will make them more receptive to the Good News.
6. You will develop leadership skills you never knew you have. The Bible teaches that every believer is given certain talents or “gifts” to benefit others in the family of God. As you share and participate in a small group setting, you will discover your confidence and improve your self-esteem. This will surely help you at work, at church, and in every other relationship that you have.
7. You will deepen your understanding of worship. Many people thought that worship only happens during Sunday services in large groups with a message, special music and an offering basket. As you connect to a cell group, you will better understand what worship really is. Worship happens anytime we focus on God. Sometimes that happens best in a cell group while praying or singing together.
8. You will be a New Testament Christian. The Bible is very clear about how God intends his people to grow and have their needs met in the church. Cell groups are made available to fulfill the vision of God though the G12 vision and reach more needs of the family of God.
The vision in each cell group is broken down into three components:
1. Growth. We want each cell group to grow by reaching out to those who do not yet have genuine relationship with God and by helping existing Christians join the church. The goal is to have a rapid cell multiplication, not only by bringing in new people to the cell group but also by raising up new leaders who will also open their own cell groups for the glory of God and for the cause of nation transformation.
2. Community. The cell group is a place where friends care for one another’s spiritual and physical needs. It is where we share our lives with other people and help one another in bringing out the best in us. In cell groups, we worship God together and encounter Him through the power of the Holy Spirit.
3. Discipleship. Through cell groups we want to see every person participating in the life and ministry of the church, growing personally in their relationship with God and being equipped and trained to serve God.
¨They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need.¨ – Acts 2:42-45
The cell group exudes the spiritual family atmosphere and caters to every age group in the society. Its inclusiveness provides opportunity for children, youth, marketplace people, young couples and parents to be part of this family. The cell vision is designed for everyone who is willing to renew their minds and be victorious with their lives through all the blessings coursed through the cell groups.
¨Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.¨ – Matthew 9:35-36
Jesus gave this cell vision because He had compassion on the crowd. Let compassion motivate us to be part of the cell and lead a cell.
Want to be part of a cell group? Celebrate with us in our regular services. Follow this link for our schedules this week.