CCS September 2006 Newsletter: Cell Evangelism

Buddy Tipton, the senior pastor of Central Assembly in Vero Beach, Florida for 30+ years, loves cell ministry because it’s outreach oriented. “We tried fellowship groups for years,” he told the cell seminar participants three weeks ago, “and they turned inward. They didn’t bring new life into our church.” Buddy and his leadership team were attracted to the cell strategy because of evangelism and multiplication that forms the DNA of each cell group.

I had a great time with Buddy and his leadership team this past month. I liked Central Assembly so much, in fact, that I will include their church in the next edition of my book Cell Church Solutions. This isn’t a perfect church, and they are still transitioning to the cell strategy. What stood out was their commitment to cell evangelism.

I went away with a new fire to emphasize evangelism in cell ministry. Buddy’s burden for lost men and women without Christ was obvious. Buddy positions himself as friend of sinners, a title Jesus also wore. I sensed that Buddy was a true fisher for people’s souls. I went fishing and looking for gators on Buddy’s boat at Farm 13, a local wetland hang-out (he caught 10 fish to my 2!). We ate often at Mrs. Bees, a homegrown restaurant where Vero Beach residents gather. I went away challenged to reemphasize evangelism and even preached on evangelism at my own celebration service in California.

Buddy Tipton and Joel Comiskey in Buddy’s office—his office is like a museum, full of stuffed animals and antiques.

Cell evangelism and multiplication pinpoint the main difference between small groups and cell groups. Evangelism and multiplication must be the DNA of each cell. Small groups or fellowship groups, on the other hand, normally serve the purpose of community care for those who are already attending the church. Those who launch care groups often assume that people will come to the Sunday service first and then will be cared for in “fellowship groups.” In this scenario, the church tries to attract people to Sunday celebration, while the small group ministry attempts to connect people. Cell groups, on the other hand, realize that true community is enhanced by sharing it with others. True community seeks to save the lost and then to raise up new disciples to offer God’s community in a new group.

I believe, in fact, that cells must reach out to remain healthy. Not only does cell outreach bless the heart of God in the winning and discipling of non-Christians, but visitors bring new life to the group. The presence of non-Christians or unchurched people in the cell gives a reason for members to exercise their gifts while ministering to those in need.

How are you doing in cell evangelism? Is your small group more inreach oriented or outreach oriented? Be encouraged to renew your commitment to reach men and women for Jesus Christ.

CCS News

• My new equipping series is here! Right now, I’m holding all five freshly printed books, and they look great! The printer sent enough overnight copies, so we can send out books to those who pre-ordered by this Saturday (end of September). The rest of the books will arrive on normal UPS next week. This Saturday, by the way, is the last day to pre-order the series at $39.95 and get free shipping (or $10.00 off on orders outside the U.S.). Order now.
• Next week we will make available the CD that includes teaching notes and PowerPoints for the entire series (on one CD). This will be especially helpful for those who want to teach the equipping series in a group setting. We will also offer each book in PDF format for download on the CCS site. I’ll send you an email next week when CD, PDF, and all five books are ready for shipping. The audio version of the series should be available in February 2007. Suffice it say, I’m thrilled with this discipleship series. And from the initial response, I believe that Jesus is going to use this equipping series to bless His body.

• Next month, October 13-15, 2006, I do a cell seminar in Cambridge, MA at Cambridge Vineyard. If you’re interested in attending, contact Chuck Snekvik at chuck@cambridgevineyard.com. You can now check out my entire 2006-2007 seminar schedule.
• Do you need coaching to help you on the cell journey? CCS offers coaching both in English and Spanish. Check out our website about coaching opportunities.
• Our next CCS board meeting will be February 22-23, 2007 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina (one of the board members, Buddy Lindsay, owns a Hampton Inn in Myrtle Beach and provides great room discounts. And why not take advantage of beach!)

CCS BOARD: Left to right: Celyce Comiskey, Joel Comiskey, Rob Campbell, Steve Cordle (Buddy Lindsay not present)

• Cell Church Solutions is a tax exempt, non-profit organization and your financial contributions are greatly appreciated. Check out the CCS board letter that outlines how you can give and where the money goes.