by Bill Mellinger
Hebrews 10:24 NIV – “24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”
Whenever we get together, we have the opportunity to “spur one another on.†This is true in the cell and in our other “meetings†as well. I can do all the pastoral care or I can look for opportunities to encourage everyone to “do the work of ministry†as Ephesians 4 says.
One of the simplest things that we can do in the cell is to ask someone to pray for another person who has just shared a heartfelt need? This is great for modeling that prayer is the most important thing that we can do for one another. The personal prayer of someone who felt moved by the needs of their friend draws both people closer to each other and to the Lord. As leaders and pastors, we need to look for opportunities to encourage people to minister to one another.
A great thing about the coaching meeting is that it gives you the opportunity to emphasize important things to the entire team. Since we gather to do training and receive reports on the cells, the coaching time is an important opportunity for people to care for one another. As the group ministers to fellow leaders, we are teaching that we all are ministers. It seems like every time we meet for a coaching meeting, there are personal things in people’s lives that need the support and prayers of the community. Modeling community in the Coaching meeting is an important tool for developing it in the groups.
When we know of a need, we need to let the group know about the need so they can respond with love. Group members can be encouraged to visit or the group can even talk about ways to help someone in the group or in the community. Every cell is a potential force ready for God’s service in our community. Sometimes, we just need to tell them to go.
Comments?
Bill