Today's Bible verse

Provided by Christ Notes Bible Search

At Valley, we have a network of about 30 Cell groups. These small groups of about 5 to 15 people meet during the week, some in the morning, others in the evening.

At these groups friendships are formed; worship is shared; folk wrestle with how the Bible applies to their lives. 

The Cell Groups are places where people experience the belonging and pastoral care we all expect from church.  They also offer opportunities for service and involvement, which people look for in church as well.

The Cell Meetings are regarded as the most important aspect of the church's life because, quite literally, this is where church happens!

HOW CELL GROUPS WORK

1. Cell Meetings are designed to last 90 minutes. Don’t let it go on too long. Allow time for prayer, fellowship, chatting etc. Tea and coffee can be served either at the beginning or at the end of the meeting.

2. Leader’s Role. The Cell Leader should guide and facilitate discussion and sharing. You don’t have to teach or give learned input but the depth of discussion will be proportional to the amount of preparation you put into the meeting.

3. The Cell is my Basic Church Community. This is where people can really experience what it means to be part of the church family. They should come to feel that the cell is their ‘church’, as part of the larger congregation.

4. Content. The basic teaching is given in the sermon on Sunday. Encourage people to take notes and bring them to the group.

5. Life Application. (Building one another up in love — Rom 15:1-2, Eph 4:15-15, 1 Thes 5:11). The aim of the discussion is to help people to grow in faith and life; it is not simply about head knowledge. It is about heart knowledge and experience. Try to get the discussion to be deeper and more personal, not just superficial. Help people to share their story, feelings and concerns.

6. Worship should be meaningful and deep. A real encounter with the living God.

7. Pastoral Care. Care for each other. Pray for each other, Watch out for each other. Help each other.

8. Evangelism. The Cell must try to be outward looking, not just inward looking. Evangelism is best done by inviting people to join the cell.

9. Friendship Evangelism. It is vital to build a relationship or a friendship with people before you try to share your faith with them. Encourage people to make and keep friendships with un-churched people. (Mat 13:33)

10. Outreach. Meeting practical needs of people and the community. Group and individual action.

11. Birthing New Cells. The aim of the cell church is to grow as new people join and as the cells birth new cells. It should be made clear from the start that the aim of the cell is to grow so that it can birth to a new cell. This should happen when they have reached l5 members for a consistent time. Cells should aim to birth a new cell every 12-18 months.

12. Intern Leaders. Identify a potential cell leader and train them by allowing them to share the leadership with yourself.

Cell group information