By Joel Comiskey, Myths and Truths of the Cell-based Church
We discussed goals for 2025 in January. This is good. However, goals without prayer backing will fizzle.
If the church starts by focusing on goals, programs, and strategies without a foundation of prayer, it’s like building a house on sand. It might look impressive initially, but it lacks the stability and strength to weather storms or fulfill its purpose.
When prayer is the priority, it becomes the bedrock of the church—like laying a solid foundation.
We must not move in our strength and techniques. After seeing the vast needs around him, Jesus was moved with compassion. Then he told his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field” (Matthew 9:37-38). Jesus prioritized prayer, and so must we.
God must give grace to win the victory over the enemy and stir people to become disciples. Prayer shows our dependence on God and helps us remember that the battle belongs to the Lord.
The largest church in the history of Christianity is a praying church. Yes, cells were the base, but prayer was behind their amazing growth. Let’s follow their example and dedicate ourselves to prayer.
Whether we’re making disciples in a receptive area of the world or a post-Christian area, only Jesus can open blind minds. We cannot. Paul tells us that unbelievers are blind and cannot see unless the light of the gospel of Christ shines on them (2 Corinthians 4: 4-4). God uses our prayers to open blind eyes and stir hearts for the gospel.
For February, experienced pastors and leaders will post 20 blogs. Click here if you’d like to receive these blogs in your email inbox. We’ll cover:
- February 2-8: The power of prayer in converting men and women. Only God can set a soul free. Regeneration is a miracle from God. He asks us to pray. Beyond regeneration is becoming a true disciple. Many receive Jesus, but few follow all the way. Discipleship is the crying need, and true disciples are formed in prayer. We’ll write about the power of prayer in the salvation and discipleship of souls.
- February 9-15: Praying as a cell. How can cells make a difference through prayer? We’ll write about passionate praying in the cell group and various cell strategies for prayer.
- February 16 to February 22: Prayer in the larger gathering. All of the cell churches in my original study focused on praying as a church. What is your church doing to gather everyone to pray? Morning prayer? Half-night prayer? We’ll write about the power of prayer at the level of the entire church.
- February 23 to March 1: Testimonies of the power of prayer. We’ll remind churches about prayer’s foundation and discuss the fruit God brings through evangelistic praying.