“Growing Deeper by Going Smaller”
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They go by different names— cell groups, small groups, care groups, discipleship, groups, grace groups, breakout groups. Whatever they are called, the basic idea is the same: a small gathering of people interested in spiritual growth.
Have you heard it said that good things come in small packages? That statement has some biblical backing. God has done some powerful things through people and things that the world considered small.
There seems to be some contradiction between the words “powerful” and “small.” The reason for that is because we are conditioned to believe that the bigger things are the more powerful they are. But that’s always so with God.
My mind immediately goes to the story of David and Goliath: the giant against the young Israelite who was only half the size of his opponent. God worked powerfully through David.
I think of Bethlehem – that rural town south of Jerusalem. Jerusalem is the big city. God instead chose the small town just down the road to bring his Son into the world. God worked powerfully through Bethlehem.
I think of a time in Jesus’ ministry when large crowds were following him. It gets late in the day and this big group of people are all hungry with no restaurants or grocery stores close by. What did Jesus use to feed the big crowd? Five small loaves of bread and 2 small fish.
The idea of church has become corrupted since its inception. Although there are congregations that are becoming more biblical in their mode of operation, there is a prevalent idea of church as being led by a holy man and as meeting in a holy building. The pastor or pastors and the building become the focus.
(Church = cell groups graphic) That concept of the church is far from being biblical. Matt. 18:20 – “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Jesus was not talking about a pastor and a building. He wanted us to understand that when a small group of people come together in the name of Jesus that he is in the midst of them.
Church is not somewhere we go. It is who we are. We are the church and when we meet in His name church can happen.
Cell groups are important because it teaches us this principle. Church
can happen in someone’s living room or around a kitchen table. Church can happen in a park. Church can happen at a coffee shop. Church happens when a group of believers gets together in the name of Jesus. Church happens when a group of believers serve others in the name of Jesus.
Why Cell Groups?
There are three important reasons that we should host and participate in cell groups. They all have biblical precedent. The first one is the most important. Jesus led a small group.
Mark 3:13-14 – Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. 14 He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach .
Second, the early church practiced small groups. Acts 2:46 – Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
Acts 5:42 – Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.
Third, Paul taught small groups. Acts 20:20 – You know that I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you but have taught you publicly and from house to house.
What Happens in a Cell Group?
Number one, you learn that you are not alone. When you spend time with other people you're able to see their finer points. You're also able to see their flaws.
Here’s something to remember: everybody is normal until you get to know them. It's good to know we're not alone in our flaws. Only Jesus is perfect, and it's unfair to expect perfection from anyone else—or yourself. While thinking about our flaws might be depressing, there's good news: Once we see each other as we truly are, in need of someone to redeem and save us, we can move closer to one another in life-changing community.
Most people who have been a part of a group say the greatest benefit is the close relationships and friendships that develop. They will frequently phone or text each other during the week to share an urgent prayer request or an exciting answer. You´ll discover that your needs and problems are not unique ~ we´re all in the same boat. It helps to know that others are facing the same difficulties, or have lived through them and learned spiritual principles in the process.
Number two, you find other people who are new to the cell group experience. When you try something new, you're worried about what to expect: the dress code, the depth of study, the group dynamics. People who have been a part of cell groups for awhile forget how nerve-racking it can be. But remember that you're not the only person who's new to small groups. Others will have the same questions. So relax, open up, ask questions, and just be yourself.
Number three, you begin some new relationships. During your time together, there's a good chance you'll have the opportunity to begin new relationships. At the same time, meeting for only a few weeks doesn't usually translate into a life-long friendship simply because you've met. To build those relationships, get together outside the group meetings. Some intentionality goes a long way in developing meaningful relationships.
Think back to Jesus and the Twelve. They did everything together. They studied together. They ate together. They attended a wedding together. Cell groups aren’t just about studying the Bible together. They’re about doing life together. Make sure to include some social activities in your cell group structure.
Number four, your trust deepens over time. As you meet with your group, you'll develop trust over time. As your trust deepens, your discussions can go deeper as well.
Don't expect to jump into the deep end at the first meeting. It takes some time to develop trust. It's simply a natural part of forming relationships. But don't be content with simply answering basic questions or staying at surface-level sharing. Take a risk and share a little more each time you're together.
One of the best parts of building trust is being able to share burdens and pray for each other. Many people are hesitant to pray in front of others, especially in a large church.
In a small group, you will learn to participate in prayer by having a conversation together with God. No one is pressured to pray, but as you become comfortable, you´ll be able to pray and be drawn together and we find answers to the needs in our lives.
Another benefit of building trust within our cell groups is that you’ll be better able to handle the stresses of life. Small groups provide excellent support in times of crisis, change, and stress. You´ll have a sense of stability and security knowing there are people who really care for you and are committed to standing with you. I have heard many times that people would not have made it through a difficult time if it hadn´t been for the support of their group.
Cell groups also help provide accountability for our lives. Sometimes we just need someone to nudge us along a certain path or to encourage us to continue along a certain path. The reason that accountability happens naturally and works well in a cell group is because that group becomes comprised of people that you care for.
We all have three things in common: We are either in a crisis, coming out of a crisis, or we are getting ready to go into a crisis. Some of you are in a crisis, some of you are coming out of a crisis, and others are getting ready to go into a crisis. One of the benefits of a cell group is that there is someone who will be there for you.
54 times in the New Testament we are told things that we should do for one another: Love one another, pray for one another, bear each other’s burdens, confess your fault’s to one another, forgive one another, be kind to one another, comfort one another, encourage one another. Doing those things can be difficult in a corporate setting but it’s much easier to do in a cell group setting.
Number five, you will learn something new. Unless a cell group is grounded with a biblical foundation, it's no different than a club or social group. A cell group should always point you toward Scripture.
If you´ve ever listened to a Bible teacher or preacher and wanted to stop that person and say, “But what about...?” or “I don´t understand,” then a small group is for you! Preaching is one way communication. You listen while the speaker speaks. It´s fine for imparting knowledge but not as effective for personal application as a small group.
In a small group setting, you can ask questions, participate in a discussion of the text, and hear others share insights and illustrations of the truth you are trying to grasp. The Bible must be applied to your own personal situations and that happens best in small groups.
As you study God's Word and apply it, you'll learn more about God and one another. Studying Scripture in a small group may not make you the next great theologian. But God tells us in 2 Tim. 3:16 – All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.
The Message puts this passage this way: Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way. In a cell group, not only to learn something new, but also to discover your next steps for growth.
You have an opportunity to use your spiritual gifts. As you get to know others better, you'll begin to understand their needs, and this gives you an opportunity to use your spiritual gifts to serve them. When we become a Christian, we are given the indwelling Spirit of God to help and guide us. We also receive a spiritual gift which is a way that we serve others and build up the kingdom of Christ. It can be a gift that puts you up in front of people or it might be one in which you serve in the background such as encouragement and giving.
Here are some ways to practice your spiritual gift within a cell group. You might provide refreshments or record prayer requests. Or you might help a group member with a do-it-yourself project, or simply listen to someone going through crisis.
There’s much more but you get the picture. As a member of the group, you simply need to listen for needs and take initiative to use your gifts to meet them. 1 Pet. 4:10 – Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.
You will have an opportunity to invite your friends and family. Cell groups are a natural way to share Christ with friends, relatives, and people at work.
It may be that some of your friends who don´t know the Lord Wouldn´t be caught dead in a church. They have a preconceived idea concerning church and just the thought of going makes them defensive.
But those same people may be open to an invitation to a casual Bible discussion in a cell group setting. In a small group, your unbelieving friend can ask questions and express honest doubts without feeling “put on the spot”. When your friend sees the love and warmth and honesty of your group, it will make him/her more receptive to the Good News.
You will get back what you put into the group. That statement is true for just about everything in life and it's true of your time in a cell group. Make the most of your time together by sharing in a transparent way. Come to meetings prepared, having read the study material, and you'll have more to offer to the discussion. You'll probably take away more as well.
Gal. 5:7-8 – Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
The Message renders that passage this way: Don’t be misled: No one makes a fool of God. What a person plants, he will harvest. The person who plants selfishness, ignoring the needs of others—ignoring God!—harvests a crop of weeds. All he’ll have to show for his life is weeds! But the one who plants in response to God, letting God’s Spirit do the growth work in him, harvests a crop of real life, eternal life.
How Do I Join a Cell Group?
First, you have to decide that you want to grow closer to God and others. Spiritual growth doesn’t happen by accident. God gives us a choice in everything. We have to decide to take advantage of opportunities to develop closer relationships with god and others.
Second, talk to the group leader. Each group has a leader. That leader has chosen a plan and purpose for the cell group that they lead. Spend some time talking to the leader of the group you’re interested in attending.
Also, out in the foyer is a table. At this table there are some sign-up sheets for each cell groups. Hopefully the group leaders will be there at the table or around the table so that you can converse with them. At least, that’s the plan.
Third, make your cell group a priority. As I said earlier, you get out of your cell group what you put into your cell group. Make it a priority to meet together with your cell group members, Make it a priority to serve your cell group members by participating in discussion and doing things that encourage and edify their faith.
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Connecting to one another is extremely important. God desired connection with us so much that he sent his son to die on a cross to pay for our sin so that we could have relationship with him. That is the epitome of commitment to connection.
(adapted from Rick Warren)
