Cell church
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A cell church is a Christian church structure centering on the regular gathering of cell groups. Small group ministries are often called cell groups, but may also be called home groups, home friendship groups, home care groups, house fellowships, or life groups.
A definition of a cell church is notably tricky. A church with cell groups is not necessarily a cell church. A cell church must be composed of cell groups and centered around them. In cell churches, a cell leader (if any) is considered to be effectively a pastor or mentor within the church.
John Wesley used a form of cell group structure which he called Class Meetings as he formed his Methodist societies into national movement, first in Great Britain and later in the United States of America in the 18th Century.
[edit] Cell structure
There are a number of structures used to organize and coordinate multiple cells within a church.
- The G12 Vision consists of a leadership cell consisting of 12 people who each facilitate and lead their own cell group.
- A Tree Network consists of multiple cell group leaders that report directly to a cell coordinator. Each cell coordinator manages multiple cells in this way, and several cell coordinators may be present in a single cell church. Additional levels of hierarchy may be added as well depending on the size of the cell church. While similar to a G-12 Structure, it is unrelated in inspiration.
[edit] External links
- Listen to an Example of a Cell Church Interest Meeting
- Church Growth Through Cell Groups: A Consideration of Four Books on Cell Church Methodology
- New Testament Restoration Foundation
- Kingdom People - Cell-based church and resources
- The Biblical Basis for Home Groups
- The Normal Christian Church Life by Watchman Nee
- Cell UK, a UK charity promoting cell principles and training
