Cell "We Care" Groups

Every living thing is made up of one or more cells and so, the church, being a living organism (the body of Christ) is no exception. For the body to function properly, it must be made up of healthy cells doing what they are supposed to do. Cells that are well nourished and free from disease, and thus able to respond to the direction provided by the head of the body and capable of accomplishing all assigned tasks.

The first cell of Christ’s spiritual body is described in Acts 2:41-47. Let me outline this passage for you: Those who had received His word (v. 41) were continually devoted to the leader’s teaching, to fellowshipping together, to communion, and to prayer. (v.42). All were together and shared all things (v. 44). They dined together in each other’s homes (v. 46). “And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved” (v.47). One of the principles in this description is the obvious emphasis on believers being together (v. 42-“continually”, v.44- “were together”, v.46-“continuing” fellowship). Not just being together, but functioning together as well (v. 46-“with one mind”) for the same high purposes: hearing the Word, fellowship, communion, prayer, sharing together, and praising God.

And the result of this continually being together and working for the same purpose? The Lord was expanding His church (body) “day by day”, Fruit for the Kingdom. Sinners saved from eternal damnation, Christians experiencing the abundant life (v. 46-47, “with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God, and having favor with all the people”).

New Hope established cell groups three or four years ago in accordance with this Biblical model. Some of our people have responded to the opportunity to join in this wonderful experience of Christian fellowship and kingdom building ministry. The testimonies of those who are active participants in a cell group clearly demonstrate how God uses each believer to encourage and build up others in their faith and, at the same time, receive the blessings of loving encouragement from others. In fact, it is only by being actively involved in such small groups of like-minded believers that such ministry can occur. It should be obvious to anyone who seriously considers the issue of spiritual growth that it is very difficult in large groups (over 10 or 12 people) to even get to know other people, much less share each other’s burdens and minister one to another in the love of Christ. Therefore, small groups (cells) functioning like those described in Acts, chapter two are and essential requirement in order “to grow up in all aspects in Him, who is the head, even Christ…By that which every joint (individual believer) supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part (i.e. every believer) cause the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.” (Eph. 4:15-16).

Are you an “individual part” of the body of New Hope Church? If so, are you doing your “proper working”? If you are not satisfied with the “work” you are doing in the church or the “work” God is doing in you, then I encourage you to join a cell group right away.

Love in Christ,

Tim Brown