By Joel Comiskey, check out coaching
2018
What does it mean to go back to day one in cell ministry? Mario Vega said it well, “There has to be a break with the idea that the main purpose is numerical growth and then to start focusing on making disciples as the essential goal. This reorientation of goals is the fundamental element that makes the difference between stagnation and the constant renewal of passion” (JCG blog on Wednesday, February 14, 2018).
Discipleship is the main purpose behind cell ministry. But what does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus? Paul tells us in Romans 8:29, “For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, . . .” We were predestined to be like Jesus! John says something similar, “But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is”(1 John 3:2). Being like Jesus is the goal of discipleship. The more we reflect Jesus in thought, word, and action, the closer we are to being like Jesus. Jesus chose the cell atmosphere to make his disciples like him, and so should we.
The cell church, however, is more than the cell. The celebration is also essential to help believers to become more like Jesus. The early Christians “. . . devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer” (Acts 2: 42). Those believers were transformed into the image of Christ through the preaching of the Word. God has ordained pastors and leaders to preach the Word and perfect the saints (Ephesians 4:11-12).
Cell and celebration are critical components to transform believers. But cell churches have also noticed that a step-by-step equipping also helps believers become more like Jesus. In other words, certain in-depth biblical truths aren’t adequately covered in cell or celebration. Thus, the equipping helps believers in areas like basic doctrine, holiness, evangelism, devotions, and cell leadership. To learn more about equipping, click here. But what about those who are leaders? Current cell leaders need coaching. When someone becomes a cell leader, he or she must not be left alone. Coaching is essential to help the leader stay close to Jesus, keep the fire burning, and to stay balanced in the Christian life.
Cell church ministry is very simple: making disciples who make disciples through cell, celebration, equipping, and coaching. The goal is to become like Jesus. Prayer covers everything and is like the air the church breathes. When we talk about going back to day one, we’re talking about going back to the basics: cell, celebration, equipping, and coaching.
How are you doing on each of these areas? Remember the goal is helping others become more like Jesus. And the good news is that Jesus is alive and well and will give an abundance of wisdom and guidance—and we are even told he sits at the right hand of the Father and prays for us! (Romans 8:34). He is the head of the church and more interested than we are to make disciples who make disciples.