By Joel Comiskey, Home Cell Group Explosion (2023 edition)
The best cell groups are outwardly focused. And the good news is that reaching out strengthens the group’s community and intimacy.
What are some needs around your group? Homelessness? Drug addiction? Joblessness? Who are the needy people around your group?
Often the neediest have gone through a crisis. Do you know people in that condition? Recently, a person came to our cell group because of a sudden heart problem. He was scared and realized life was short.
Life throws curve balls all the time. We live in a world where trials and tragedies are commonplace. For example, a friend might bring up a recently discovered tumor. That’s your opportunity to listen and sympathize. After showing heartfelt concern, you might want to say, “Jesus is the One who can give you true comfort and peace. Have you talked with Him about your illness?”
God will open doors to share Christ during receptive periods in a person’s life. These receptive periods include significant life changes, such as marriage, the birth of a child, a new job, or retirement. Receptive periods might also have times of stress, such as the death of a spouse, divorce, family crisis, or injury.
Ralph Neighbour has made a helpful chart about ministering to needy people.
EVENT | STRESS VALUE | EVENT | STRESS VALUE |
Death of spouse | 100 | Son or daughter leaving home | 29 |
Divorce | 73 | Trouble with the in-laws | 29 |
Marital separation | 65 | Outstanding personal achievement | 28 |
Jail term | 63 | Spouse begins or starts working | 26 |
Death of a close family member | 63 | Starting or finishing school | 26 |
Personal injury, illness | 53 | Change in living conditions | 25 |
Marriage | 50 | Revision of personal habits | 24 |
Fired from work | 47 | Trouble with boss | 23 |
Marriage reconciliation | 45 | Change in work hours or conditions | 20 |
Retirement | 45 | Change in residence | 20 |
Health change in family member | 44 | Change in schools | 20 |
Pregnancy | 40 | Change in recreational habits | 19 |
Sexual difficulties | 39 | Change in church activities | 19 |
Change in social activities | 18 | Addition to family | 39 |
Mortgage or loan under $10,000.00 | 18 | Change in sleeping habits | 16 |
Business readjustment | 39 | Change in financial status | 38 |
Death of a close friend | 37 | Change in eating habits | 15 |
Change in marital arguments | 35 | Change in number of family gatherings | 15 |
Mortgage or loan over $10,000.00 | 31 | Vacation | 13 |
Christmas season | 12 | Minor violations of the law | 11 |
Change in work hours or conditions | 20 |
The message that Jesus Christ came to give us life and life more abundantly will always be relevant to people who have questions about the trials they are enduring. We should feel free to share Christ with anyone struggling with life’s problems.
I challenge you to take .10 minutes at the end of the cell group to identify the needs of people you know and those in the community. Plan activities to meet those needs.