By Joel Comiskey, Living in Victory: 9 Spiritual Truths for Transformation and Renewal
I recently spoke at a webinar on the theme of my book Groups that Thrive. During the question/answer time, someone said, “Do we exclusively make disciples through the local church?” “No,” I said. “We become disciples of Jesus Christ both individually and through the local church.” Discipleship is all about becoming like Jesus and it happens in and outside the local church.
I believe that cell church ministry is the best way to make Christ-like disciples within the local church. The early church made disciples in both the large and small group contexts (Acts 2:42-46; 5:42; 20:20). But let’s face it, we live most of our lives outside of the local church experience.
We must grow spiritually in our own personal lives as we walk with Jesus each day. How do we do this? Here are a few ways:
- Prayer
- Reading the Bible
- Meditation
- Spiritual warfare
- Fasting and prayer
- Allowing the Spirit to break bondages in our lives
- Practicing forgiveness
- Rest
Titus 2:11-12 says, “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age.” God’s grace works through us as we respond to the promptings of the Holy Spirit.
A large part of my study and ministry has focused on how cell churches make disciples who make disciples. But I’m also passionate about how individuals in those cell churches become more like Jesus in their personal lives and marriages.
So how do we help cell members grasp the importance of personal spiritual growth? And what about the cell leaders? They also need to become more like Jesus in their personal lives. Coaches and pastors have the same need.