By Joel Comiskey, Reap the Harvest
If we believe the cell is the church, it’s logical to view cell leaders as pastors. Some people have trouble calling cell leaders “pastors,” but they fulfill every biblical principle of a pastor. Pastoring involves five main principles.
1. Care for the Sheep (Acts 20:28-29)
The cell leader visits, counsels, and prays for the sick flock. The cell leader cares for the cell as a shepherd cares for his flock. Karen Hurston’s long involvement with Yoido Full Gospel Church in Seoul, Korea, convinced her that cell leader visitation is paramount.
2. Know the Sheep (John 10: 14,15)
Fruitful cell leaders get to know each person who enters the group. Ralph Neighbour Jr. recommends that the cell leader talk one-on-one with new members, using a booklet called The Journey Guide to facilitate this initial interview. He urges:
Nothing can substitute for personal time with each member of your flock! In such private times, you will discern their value systems and deepest needs. While you will usually have your Intern at your side when you visit, there will be times when more private sessions may help you gain special insights into each person.
3. Seek the Sheep (Luke 15:4)
Jesus talks about leaving the flock of 99 sheep to seek the one who has gone astray. Knowing that a satanic-dominated world always works against godliness in the lives of the cell members, a faithful shepherd goes after the sheep who stop attending.
4. Feed the Sheep (Psalm 23: 1-3)
The cell group is not a Bible study, but the Word of God always has a central place. Many meetings prioritize the practical application of a scripture passage, and leaders preparing for the cell often meditate on a passage longer than they would if they were leading a Bible study or Sunday School. They must know it well enough to lovingly draw the group into understanding how the Bible applies to their daily lives. In this way, the sheep are fed, leaving the cell group satisfied.
5. Watch Out for the Sheep (John 10:10, Ephesians 6:12)
Satan walks about like a roaring lion, hoping to devour God’s flock (1 Peter 5:8-9). In many churches, Satan has free reign to attack because the people are not cared for properly. In the cell church, every ten or so members are under the care and guidance of the cell pastor and intern, who are responsible for protecting their sheep. Paul’s advice to the pastors in Ephesus is helpful to every cell leader:
Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. Even from your own number, men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. So be on your guard! (Acts 20:28-31)
Satan attacks from without and within. He controls self-proclaimed leaders in Christian small-group gatherings to create division and attract a following. Problem people are normal in small groups, and the cell shepherd must ensure their behavior does not negatively affect his flock.