Why cell?

A cell is the basic unit of structure within a living human body. A body is comprised of cells that have been formed and patterned by God. Every one of these cells is unique yet they all function together to keep the body healthy and co-ordinated. It is important to realise that as a body grows larger, cells have been reproducing and multiplying on the inside.

1 Corinthians 12:27 says, 'you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.'

As the church, the body of Christ, we are also a living organism. The way we grow is by each member fulfilling their role in relation to other members. As we find each other we begin to function together, multiply and grow the church. We cannot function in isolation.

A cell is the 'basic building block' of church. We all need relationships with people we can identify with and who can help us in our Christian walk. The cell group is a practical way for us to find true community, and more importantly, participate in it.

With cells, we are not limited by the capacity of physical buildings, central church meetings or the skills of a few full-time workers. Cells enable many more young people to be empowered and released to reach their friends with the good news about Jesus.

Many churches and youth works have a form of small group attached to a main event but, with cells, the focus is changed from the rather large 'congregation plus pastor', or ' youth work plus leader', to the small group of like-minded people loving God, caring for one another and reaching out to those who as yet do not know God.

A cell group is:

• small - between 12-15 people
• temporary - the aim of each cell is to grow and multiply
• a place to encounter Jesus
• a place to belong
• a place to grow
• a place to give
• a place to reach out

Cell Vision

The heart of ANBC cells is the desire to see all people develop in their RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD, learn how to LOVE OTHERS and make an IMPACT on those around them at school or college or at work place.

Cell Values

1. A place to encounter Jesus

Jesus said that when two or three people meet together he is there with them. God has a purpose for each one of us - to become more and more like Jesus. When cells meet our goal is to encounter Jesus and in that encounter experience his life changing power. We do that as we pray, worship, learn from the Bible and share honestly together.

2. A place to belong

A cell is more than a meeting. A cell needs to develop community that is built on strong, caring relationships. A place where we can be open and transparent without fear of rejection. It is not only the leader's responsibility to care but everyone within the cell needs to recognise they have a role to look out for the other members of the group. More than anything else our society is looking for true community. Within your cell make love a priority.

3. A place to grow

The apostle Paul said that it was his goal to present everyone mature in Christ. We want to create an environment within our cells that facilitate growth in every individual's life. As a cell leader your role is to help people identify where they are in their walk with God and enable them to take a step forward. For some that may be overcoming an area of sin in their life, for others developing discipline in their personal life, for some working through a difficult relationship. Whatever the area cells provide a framework of accountability to enable each person to grow.

4. A place to give

Cells are not to be dominated by a few strong individuals but rather they should be a place where everyone has opportunity to participate. Each person has gifts and talents that they can contribute to the group. Cell is a place where we can learn to exercise spiritual gifts in a safe environment, where we can serve one another and encourage each other.

5. A place to reach out

Cells are not exclusive groups for a few Christians but need to be inclusive of those not-yet Christian. When Jesus called his first disciples he said to them that he would make them 'fishers of men'. For a long time we have focused on individual fishing techniques but cells are like fishing not with rods but with nets. People not-yet Christian are able to become part of our cell life before they have made a definite commitment to Christ.

 Role of the Cell Leader

The whole aim of ANBC cells is to empower and release people to reach their peers and become true disciples of Jesus Christ.

When appointing a cell leader these are the qualities that we want to see.

1) An example in Christian lifestyle 1 Tim. 4: 12

This will of course be relative to maturity. You as a cell leader will 'set the tone' for conduct and behaviour within your youth cell. If it's okay for you to do it's okay. People, especially young people, won't be conned by Christians who talk a good talk but don't live the life. We need to be open, transparent and vulnerable in our relationships with others.

2) A willingness to learn 2 Tim. 2: 14 - 26

We all need to be open to take advice, to learn from others and at times to be corrected. We will probably never get to a place where we have everything sown up so it's important to remain teachable.

3) A servant attitude Phil. 2: 1 - 11

As a leader we are servants of those we are leading. We must not use our 'status' to allow ourselves to feel superior or that we've really made it because we're a leader. We are also not in competition with the other cells or other church groups. We are here to serve, to help people grow, to think more highly of others than of ourselves.

4) The ability to gather others Acts 6: 3

With youth cells we are simply using a natural dynamic - peer level leadership. Within any group there are always people who emerge as leaders, who others follow and who are easily recognised. There may be some people who have all 3 of the above qualities but are not really people orientated - they do not make ideal cell leaders. Cell leaders who are fruitful are those that others want to be around. They are positive, enthusiastic and fun to be around.

5) Availability Mark 1:17,18

Leading a cell requires a commitment of time. It takes time to prepare for a cell meeting; it takes time to see people to encourage them; it takes time to meet with friends who are not yet Christians. Before agreeing to take on the role of a cell leader you need to be sure that you are able to give the time needed. Because cells operate in a cycle, it is possible to take a break from leading a cell if you have important exams or extra time pressures.

6) Has vision Pro. 28:16

People with vision create vision. Does the person you are considering has the vision of cells or is it just a way to have a 'position' that may make them feel good about themselves. Look for people who want to help others, who want to reach out and who are hungry to know God.

The Cell Meeting

It is important that there is a good flow to a cell meeting. This will take preparation in prayer and in leading everyone to recognise the presence of Jesus in each meeting. If it appears disjointed some may become unsettled or restless, so try to keep it moving!

The cell meeting should normally consist of the following elements:

WELCOME

How welcome people feel will affect the whole evening. It's normally good to have some music playing and some refreshments at this stage. A lively and warm environment will help people feel relaxed and welcome. Try to get everyone involved from the start. How appreciated people feel will make a big difference to the rest of the meeting. It is also an important time to create an atmosphere of openness and trust.

Using an 'ice breaker' at this point can take the getting to know you stage a bit further. See the 'Ideas - Ice Breaker' chapter for some inspiration. This section is most important in the early stages of a cell cycle.

WORSHIP

Once the ice has been broken it's important to get people centred on God. We do this because we recognise that Jesus is with us and we want to encounter Him. Sometimes, this stage may go so well, God may break in and bang goes your programme. That's okay! Again, have a look at the chapter on 'Worship' for some ideas.

WORD

This is the point in the evening when you need to draw people out. The discussion may spring out of what you read in the week, the weekend meetings, the cell guide or what happened in the worship. Try to make sure that this time does not end up in a debate or discussion of an abstract truth. Remind people that Jesus is there and to personally apply the discussion. This time will become increasingly open and it is important that everyone knows that the conversation is confidential to the cell members. If the cell has grown to 10 or more it is good to go into smaller groups at this point or only the loudest will be heard.

Ideally, the cell meeting should be held in someone's home but you may prefer to meet in the park (in summer!) or McDonalds depending on the stage your cell has reached. There are no rules.

Works:
The WORKS TIME is a time for cell to focus on holding individuals or the cell group accountable for what each one or
the cell is doing to reach out to the Lost.

HOW LONG SHOULD THE MEETING LAST?

A cell meeting will realistically take between 1 1/2 to 2 hours from start to finish. Many are tempted to go for longer but it is usually better to leave people hungry than full. Don't be afraid to call a stop even if it is still pretty wild, they will often show up the following week wanting to finish off where they left off.

Multiplying a Cell

Multiplying a cell is a very delicate, but vital, part of the growth of the cell, the church and the individuals involved.