Why we have Cells

At St James we began the process of developing cell groups back in 2000, running a prototype cell group and starting to train leaders. The first cell groups started in 2003, with 4 cell groups.

Since then we have learned a lot through ups and downs, and now we have 23 groups. How they operate varies from group to group, but all of them are underpinned by the same five cell values:

  • Christ at the centre
  • Everybody plays their part
  • Everyone learning and growing
  • Creating a community to belong to.
  • Everyone reaching out to friends.

With the objective to:

  • Love God.
  • Love one another.
  • Love our neighbour.

At St James we believe that cell groups are a vital part of the church and for the growing of disciples and fellowship. We see them as places where community is built, and discipleship and accountability are practiced. Where people encounter Jesus, and grow in relationship with him by exploring faith in a supportive and loving environment.

The following pages of the website contain information to help cell leaders and members to effectively run their cells.

Pages include:-

  • Why we use the 4 ‘w’s to run cell meetings.
  • Resources to download.
  • Prayer and worship links on the web.
  • Resources available from the Parish office.

The 4 'W's

Cells are like bodies - they are organic but also have structure. We need to have both to function properly.

In cell meetings it's important that everyone participates and that talk is not just dominated by a few people, for example the leader, the quirky, or extroverts. We need structure but that structure needs to create space and be flexible to allow the organic to flourish.

Part of the purpose of cell is that, with each other, we cultivate an awareness of God in every part of our lives.

For each of us our lives are the chief instrument of God's Mission. People will look at you and say, "If I become a Christian, is that what I will be like?". What do they see?

The Four "W"s are

  • Welcome
  • Worship
  • Word
  • Witness

This structure for cell meetings is designed to help us to achieve these aims. Here are some thoughts and ideas for each of the sections.

Welcome

Why have a Welcome?

  • The beginning of every member ministry - everyone should be able to contribute something.
  • As we learn about each other it creates bonding by sharing.
  • Introduces common facts about people.
  • Encourages deeper level of sharing.

Worship

  • Can be non-musical.
  • Recognise and learn the difference between what is appropriate for big and small gatherings - cells are small gatherings.
  • Promote creativity and experimentation.
  • Allow new and old styles and traditions.

Word

  • Good to base this on the sermon on the previous Sunday - creates a link and brings common themes.
  • 3 basic things to ask.
    • What was the truth in the talk on Sunday? Recap in 5-to-10 mins.
    • What is the application today of that truth, to you and to the group?
    • Who needs help to put it into practice? Pray for people.

Witness

  • Always think "How are we going to be missional?’.
  • Luke 10 v. 2. Pray for the workers.
  • Each week choose one person and ask:
    • How is life? What is happening in your life? How are you being salt and light?  Pray for them.
    • How are you connecting with non-Christians? How are your relationships with non-Christians? (If they don’t have any non-Christian friends pray and seek ways for them to get some.)
    • Pray for them + be accountable for what they are doing.
  • Over the weeks go round the entire group. When you come back to the first person, follow up about last time plus ask the questions again. Then go round again over the weeks.
  • Also look at the bigger picture. What is going on missionally that we can be involved in and pray for?