The word ‘Witness’ is used only because it fits with the other three ‘W’s! ‘Evangelism and Mission’ would be better. Evangelism is sharing the Good News of Jesus through friendship and relationships. Mission is a little broader. As well as evangelism it includes anything which expresses the loving reign of God, and so can be very practical and down to earth. For example, your Cell may take turns to visit a neighbour or a church member while he is in hospital, and to keep an eye on his house, feed his cat and mow his lawn.
8 – 12, the same as any small group. Not too small to be too intense; not too big to become impersonal.
With great delight. Unlike a traditional home group, Cells are set up to grow in number as well as in depth. They are always on the look out for new members and regularly hold events to introduce others to Cell members – a social here, a trip out here, an invitation there. Because the focus of a Cell in the Word section is usually on down to earth, practical faith it is not hard for new people to join in (you don’t need a degree in theology or years of Christian life behind you).
Cells do not ‘split’ – but (like healthy cells in the human body) they do divide. This happens when they regularly start to get more than 12 people coming. Dividing is a cause for great celebration in the life of the Cell, a bit like having a baby. Yes, it can be a sad time too, rather like when one of your children leaves home to get married. But the joy of seeing 2 healthy Cells where there was one is a sign of blessing which outweighs any regret. It is why we are here, to grow God’s new community.
Unlike home groups or a programme approach to ministry, Cells are set up to release all kinds of ministry, including leaders. From the start, each Cell has a leader (facilitator) and a deputy leader – a person who is being trained as a leader of another Cell. When the Cell divides, or when a new Alpha group is created, the intern becomes a leader of the new group, which then also has a leader and a deputy, and so on. This is a far more effective strategy for encouraging ministry of all kinds than relying on the talent spotting of a short-sighted vicar!
This seems extremely unlikely, certainly in the sense of the total number at worship on Sundays. Far more likely is that some don’t join Cells, but remain committed to Sundays. The experience of one nearby church was that unexpected growth in their Cells immediately led to growth on Sundays too. Remember that our model is of the 2 winged bird, where Cells are the little wing, and Sundays the big wing. We need both to fly.
However, the question does raise the issue, what if someone finds Cell fits their life pattern, but they can’t make Sundays, or can’t get on with Sundays? Why would that matter? If we find that we are reaching people who can’t handle Sunday church but love Cells, isn’t that a cause for learning and rejoicing on our part?
Christians not worshipping on Sunday may seem odd or even threatening – especially to those of us who invest a lot into Sundays. But if our culture requires us to find fresh expressions of church which do not depend on Sundays – why not?
Some will not join Cells. All will be encouraged, but no one will be put under pressure to join Cells. Sunday will still be Sunday for them!
It may be that, behind this question, there is a concern about new people finding it somehow harder to find their way into church. Again, the answer is that Sunday is still Sunday for them: they are hardly worse off. Indeed, as we multiply the small communities in the church which offer genuine welcome and friendship for the newcomer it is hard to foresee anything but gain. The real problem for us has been finding appropriate opportunities for newcomers to feel involved, while at the same time encouraging those who have been around for a while. We have reached the limit without more paid staff or full time workers. But Cell offers a relationship-based way forward for all who wish to take advantage of it.
A Cell has a clear vision and purpose to be a growing community. A Christian community is inherently attractive, and so will find it hard not to grow provided it does not become too large. Additionally, the ‘Witness’ value finds some expression in every meeting. At one meeting it may be that we pray for our non-Christian contacts. At another we may spend a little time discussing our next Cell Social – what would our contacts really enjoy? Who will bring the 7 varieties of quiche?! One week we miss the Cell meeting to do the social or lead worship in the hospital chapel – or whatever you get a vision for.
Finally, it may be helpful or necessary to reform groups after a period. Either they are not thriving, or we feel that it is helpful to do this periodically anyway. Small groups were never intended to get stuck and not develop significantly for years on end, though this is what has regularly happened in churches over the last 30 years. The time comes for us all when we need to leave the womb – or there is no growth.
St Alphege, Seasalter ~ walking together in faith
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