Cell Group System

last SG · 2005-12-30T13:32:33+00:00

It's once a week I assume? Another thing I realise, that the control exerted on the members by leaders can sometimes be very overpowering...

M©+square SG

Was in FCBC when they explained the G12 concept.
Logically, G12 will reap growth super fast IF all members are commited like the apostles did.

But when they start using verses as to support such movement/concept.
I frowned real hard.
Quite concern by the way it will run. I have friends there who have his Cell of only 4-5 members...for two years constant.
He's very discouraged because other G12s are doing well.
I wonder how many were stressed. Rolling Eyes

ceecookie SG

but sometime the leader abuse their power Laughing

M©+square SG

Religion and Sociology is closely related, esp the studies of Church system.

Cell Group was started because of the needs in individual.
There was this study by Max Weber and later studies by sociologist, to briefly put across.

The smaller the church, the more emotional, kinship, unity, expressions, openness and warmth.
The bigger the church, the opposites from above - Less expressive, less warmth, cliches formed for unity.
Though bigger churches also do have those listed above, but because there are too many people. each person can only minister or cater to what his/her capability.

When a church gets big, there are bound to have many 'strangers' or people you are not close to or don't know. That is when everyone will search for their 'group' for security/secure their social circle.

Cell group is a way is a social security to many.
Of cos, it have it's benefits.
But ultimately, CG is about security - concern party, sharing, social interaction.

All social groups have it's benefits.

fandango SG

if the purpose of a cell group is to facilitate bible study and a fellowship to encourage christians in their daily walk, i do not see the reason why the group leader is stressed and pressured just because his/her group only have 4-5 members. "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them" Matt 18:20

otherwise, if the cell group is made for the purpose of expanding the church population through activities other than bible study (games, movie going, picnic, night safari, zoo tour, etc), ofcourse the leader will be pressured to get more people into the cell group.

M©+square SG

huh?

I understand you're 15 yr old?
So have you experienced any awkward situation in Cell Group?

M©+square SG

You got me right.
Cell CHURCH's main purpose is Growth and multiply.

L.Khong did state and used Peter Wagner's call growth theory to explain. As far as i can remember.

'If a Cell Group stays stagnant for 6 months, it is considered a dead cell, it should collapse and send the members to different Cell groups which are growing.' (someone care to correct on the exact period of time)

I think it is a honest approach since the cell is not moving, might as well eat humble pie and disperse them to a healthy cell.
Then again, it reaps pressure and stress. Not only to conduct proper discipleship but also have to worry about tangible growth.

I suppose it works hand in hand.

Cheers

ceecookie SG

The stupid leader telling the members what to do and then cannot do certain things...i finally cannot tolerate it and left the church...its not for me anyway....
so when im thinking of it now i sort of realise that the leader have corrupted the members to do his bidding Laughing

fandango SG

This is a perfect example of how pressure from church Leaders come about.

Pressure for growth in any ways that the cell group leaders can think off. Pressure to show others that "my cell is not a dead cell".

Isn't this the same pressure as "You can choose not to give your offering. It's ok you know, it's really ok, no problems at all.........but God knows. So it's ok not to give, its really ok."

M©+square SG

can you be more specific?

Because having to deal with a younger youth like your age. He needs to still set certain guidelines to prevent you guys from being heavily corrupted.

Adolescent of 15-18 are most vulnerable in their beliefs and stand in motives and course of action.

M©+square SG

Laughing
that's why we say, different churches cater to different individuals.

ceecookie SG

putting it in another way...when i was in the group i felt that i was being controlled by the leader and i must report to the leader abt everything...its like being in a jail or being restricted....

M©+square SG

The course of action is simple.

Go to another church or change to another group.
One lousy leader doesn't mean Poor leadership from the church, but of cos the Leadership has to be blame for the selection of CGleaders in this case. Wink

Cheers

M©+square SG

I remember recently i was sitting at the back of the congregation.

During sermon, there were youths sitting infront nudging their friends by their side, some other youths smsing or playing with their handphone.
Some giggle and whispering to one another.

The sermon ends, everyone seated packing up their bags and wait for the service leader to announce the serivce to offically end.

So there's this closing song which the Worship commented. 'Those who wants to seek after God today and today is the day you decide that you want to get right with God, i invite you to stand up.'

What i see: The youths were reluctantly standing up one by one. There are youths who are seated looking around left and right at their friends and decided to stand up also. Laughing
Only left with my two close friend and me.
Those seated at the back turned and looked at us.

Then the worship leader took another huge step of Faith!

'Those who wants to be prayed for, come to the altar now'

I see friends pulling another(by the sleeves) and the next thing you see is a whole string of people going to the altar.
The unwilling became willing! Expected, the altar was filled with people.

Idea I concluded, the power of peers and pressure at times can actually allow 'Function of a ministry' and at many times, supersede the actual works of the spirit! Amazing!!! Laughing

fandango SG

very common. same goes for "receiving the gift of tongues"

ceecookie SG

church is not suited of rme anyway...i prefer computer and such...

and oh the sermons...i cant sit still and listen for an hour

M©+square SG

Sad case ain't it?

Cheapened...

SingaporeMacross SG

Is there really a need for a cell group to grow larger and larger?

vince69 SG

the notions of Cell group(if I don't remember wrongly) according to Dr Ralph Neighbour is that like the cells in our body, it is to grow, expand and split (the word used was mulitiply), thus when a certain cell group grows bigger, it is split up to form new smaller cells as such cell groups are to be kept 'small and cosy'.

sgdiehard SG

Yes, tool of the devil is a bit too strong, sorry, I retract.

CG emphasizes on leadership, nothing wrong. then those who are supposed to be leaders went through training sessions and on completion, they are like "all can do and know all" . Problem no. 1.

CG is often implemented as a completely new system, so old system taken off immediately, those holding on to the old system got hurt, no properly link, or hand over, misunderstanding and other problem follows. Problem no. 2.

CG emphasizes on result, competitions among leaders follows. Difficult members are asked to join other groups, all ways and means are taken to increase no. Caring only to those who come once a while, those who come regularly neglected (cause they are there so no need to care). Problem no. 3.

Members tend to depend solely on CG and neglected Sundays Schools, corporate prayers, ....other forms of "spiritual diets". Problem no. 4.

Now I see some churches using "purpose driven life" as The must do course for spiritual and church growth. Problem coming again.

I really don't want to appear whining, but it does seem that that too much emphasis is on the way to growth and these ways do not include love and caring as a must. At the end of the days, all these become part of church "activities" only. Am I too negative?? Mr. Green

sgdiehard SG

Laughing I saw that many many times.

I brought a friend to an evangelical rally and after the meeting a councellor came and spoke to him. Surprised at how quick he made the decision, I asked if he was really touched. He said if he was not quick enough he would have no chance of tasting the free refreshment. I had a good laugh.

It is sad how people today think programs and activities can convert a person to christainity.

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