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Christ
Church is becoming a Cell Church In the early church believers met together in each others homes to pray, worship, study the scriptures, share each other's problem and joys, share meals and enjoy fellowship. Their lifestyle encouraged many to join them. As in those days, we believe that such groups are a great source of strength and a means of growth for each member in their walk of faith. The groups, which are known as cells, are also a means of introducing non-christian contacts to Jesus through an invitation to come along and join in the group meeting. Christ Church has committed itself to develop as a cell church, and has adult cells meeting at various times during the week which are organised into clusters to facilitate pastoral oversight. The children have their own cells which meet on a Sunday during the morning service and these are organised by age. We encourage all members of the fellowship to join a cell to help them grow spiritually and develop their gifts and ministries, but all members are equally valued whether in a cell or not. What happens in a cell meeting? Each cell is different but we encourage our leaders to follow the following framework:
The meetings only lasts about 90 minutes, so as to allow time for fellowship and specific individual prayer. Most of the groups also enjoy socials during the cell 'term' such as BBQs, concerts, trips to the theatre or even weekends away.
1. The aim of Cells is to grow the Kingdom of God: Cells are small groups of about 6 to12 people who meet weekly as small communities. Their primary aim is to grow the Kingdom of God by bringing healing and wholeness to the members as well as aiming to grow other Cells. 2. Cells are at the heart of the Church: They have high priority during the week. They contribute to the whole body, so that every aspect of church life, such as pastoral care or evangelism, is supported by the Cell. Each Cell will have its own vision and together the Cells will fulfill the Church's vision. 3. Cells are based on relationships: Loving God - growing closer to God. Loving one another - encouraging each other to grow closer.
4. Cell meetings will use the 4 W's as a framework: Welcome, worship, word and witness 5. Sunday services: These are important opportunities to come together for worship, teaching and celebrating all that God is doing amongst us. 1. The Leadership Cell (TLC): The vision is for 10 members, including the Wardens. The number 10 came out of the word from Zechariah 8:23. TLC provides support for the Vicar and his ministry as he leads the Church, assisting with pastoral care, seeking vision, reflecting and praying together. 2. Cluster Leaders keep regular contact with the Cell Leaders to support their ministry. 3. Cell Leaders minister to their members by imparting the values and vision of the Church, as well as encouraging their members on their spiritual journey.Cell Growth:
Growing Cells is our fundamental goal. We encourage any growth that the Lord is blessing: 1. Cell Planting:
a) through the Alpha, Life Worth Living courses.
b) as new Cell Leaders start new cells. 2. Each Cell Member
will be encouraged to be
an ‘inviter’ to grow the Kingdom in their Cell. As a Cell grows in numbers, the Cell will be encouraged to multiply. 3. Cluster Leaders
will review with Cell
Leaders how best to encourage growth in Cells by planting, multiplying and joining.
To be effective disciples we all need to be trained and
equipped. The framework for training will be broadly based on the following 5 'F’ principles, but will be flexible, in order to adapt to individual needs and to develop activities of the church as God leads us forward. Where appropriate training will be "Jesus style" i.e. "watch me, join me, do it". 1. Finding: 2. Foundation: 3. Freeing: 4. Follow on: 5. Forward:
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