Large and Small Cell Churches

Worldwide Cell Churches

by Joel Comiskey

Fall 2011

Some in the cell church movement believe that the goal of each cell church is to grow larger and larger. After all, huge cell churchescan have a powerful impact on cities and nations.

Others, however, believe that cell churches should be small and simple. Simple cell churches, after all, reproduce more easily and rapidly. I’ve heard the arguments on both sides and have even written books both on the power of large cell churches and the reproducible nature of simple cell church planting.

The problem is when one side thinks they are exclusively right. I’ve heard simple cell church promoters talk against large cell churches. Their argument is that large cell churches are too cumbersome and not reproducible.

The mega cell church promoters, on the other hand, tend to ignore simple cell church planting as lacking the effectiveness to penetrate entire cities for Jesus.

Here’s the truth: Large cell churches and simple cell church planting are both needed and necessary! The cell church movement is a big tent and there is room for both small and large cell churches.

I cringe when I hear simple cell church people talk against the large mega cell churches. Yet, I also grieve when large cell church pastors lack the vision to plant small simple cell churches because their only goal is to grow larger and larger.

God is very creative. He’s not limited by our own biases. Rather, God sees the benefits of both.