Cell groups provide a welcoming environment in people’s homes where every person in the church family can belong to a small community marked by honest, caring and purposeful relationships. The groups are a place for pastoral care, personal growth and sharing the gospel with others.
Cells (small groups and teams) are the foundational unit of church life. The expression “small group” includes the variously named midweek groups which meet under our cell structure. Discipleship can best happen in cells, as does getting tasks done and making decisions. It is there that people study the Word and apply it to their lives. They experience the Holy Spirit as they build up and encourage one another. Healthy groups combine evangelism, spiritual growth, calling to service and decision making. It is in small groups that believers can use their gifts to serve one another and their world.
Cells can be formed of couples, singles, men only, women only, or any combination.
Several key elements of healthy Christian discipleship are incorporated in small group life:
- Jesus is placed at the centre, through worship and obedience to His commands
- Each individual’s relationship with Jesus is strengthened by prayer and Bible study
- Everyone is given the opportunity to play a part in sharing the gospel with others
- Everyone is given the opportunity to use their gifts and abilities for the good of others.
Our cells (small groups and teams):
• Have the same purpose (loving, learning. deciding, doing) but in different degrees. Therefore most are nurture based but some will be task based.
• Are open to new people. The cell is the basic unit for the expression of Christian community. Therefore, a cell can never say, "You cannot come in!" Small groups and teams are always open to new people, except in some therapeutic groups.
• Are at the heart of church growth became they are committed to birth new cells. New cells form by the existing group becoming two groups, or by the existing leader going to form a new group, or by an apprentice leader starting a new group from within the original group.
Practically:
Most small groups meet at 8.00pm on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, but groups are free to meet when it is best for their members. A group for older people meets on a Thursday afternoon, and two groups for women meet on Friday mornings. Two groups for younger people meet on Sunday evenings. Everyone in the church is encouraged to be part of a group.
Contact the church office for more information.