Jeff Tunnell
Recently I spent one-half of a day with a cell church pastor and his leaders for coaching and encouragement. One part of our conversation was focused on having a good definition for their cell groups. M. Scott Boren in “How Do We Get There From Here” states: “Without a clear definition, cell group leaders become confused, pastors lack a clear standard for measuring group success, and groups will be more likely to develop cancerous habits.”
Joel Comiskey Group has published the following definition: A group of three to fifteen people who meet weekly outside the church building for the purpose of evangelism, community, and spiritual growth with the goal of multiplication.
While our definitions will vary and contain personalization for each congregation, they should reflect these vital elements: penetration of the surrounding population, regularity in meeting, being in community with others, spiritual maturing and multiplication.
This is a ‘basic’ building block for cell churches and I am wondering if you would be willing to post yours today? If you don’t have or know the definition for your cells, just state that in a quick comment as well.
Here’s mine:
A healthy cell group is comprised of 3-12 persons who have chosen to live together in biblical community for the purposes of Christ-centered worship, edification, relational evangelism, and discipleship.
I believe that group multiplication is a natural byproduct of effective discipleship leading a believer into leadership of a new group as opposed to making it the ultimate goal for the group.
It’s a small distinction, but it keeps the cart behind the horse.
Mine is a combination of Randall’s and Joel’s…… A cell is group of 4-15 people who have chosen to live together in biblical community for the purposes of Christ-centered worship, edification, relational evangelism, and discipleship, with the goal of multiplication.
Thanks guys for the input and response. It’s hard to believe that there weren’t more responses, but I am sure our readers have gained benefit for their churches fro your statements.