About Cell Groups

What is a ‘cell group’ you may ask?  In Dunamis’ context a ‘cell group’ would be anywhere from 2 to 70 people that meet in a house or appropriate facility to connect with God and hear His word, connect with each other, and see people come to know Jesus Christ as their Lord.  We call it a ‘cell’ because we want it to be organic, we want there to be ‘life’ that happens.  When people walk out from attending a cell group we want them to have experienced the life of God and know they have connected with people that are full of the life of God!

So what is the big deal with cell groups?  Here at Dunamis Church we commonly say that if you miss cell group you’ve missed half of church.  Why is it so important that every person be connected to a cell group?  Why is it emphasized so much?  Does it really matter if you go or not?  Here are seven reasons why meeting in cell groups throughout the week are so important.

1. It is a Biblical mandate.
Jesus had a 'small group' (or a cell group) that he spent regular time with - his 12 disciples.  In the book of Acts we are told that the early church met regularly in the temple and from house to house (Acts 4:46).  They met regularly in the large service and small group context, and it definitely had a massive impact on the community (Acts 4:47).

2. It facilitates relationships. 
Jesus told us to go make disciplined followers, or disciples (Matt.28:18-20).  Each one of us has the responsibility and privilege to do that.  But how can we help people to be disciples of Jesus if we have no relationship with them?  It's impossible.  Relationships are built through talking, spending time together, discussing, praying together, working through issues – Friday nights (or larger corporate meetings and services) are good and so important but not necessarily the best time for a lot of the kind of activity that meeting in a smaller group would enable.  Cell groups are the most effective way to facilitate relationship building - which is necessary to obeying Jesus' commandment.

3. People don't get lost. 
When the church is at 400 or 500 people (even now actually) so many people can come to service, go home and never meet anybody - never develop any friendships.  They would get lost in the crowd.  Cell groups stop that from happening because everyone who goes to one has a personal relationship with a leader and other people.  If you didn't go to a cell group, who in Dunamis Church would know you?

4. It facilitates greater learning. 
Friday and Saturday nights are good to learn but what if someone has a question?  They may not have an opportunity to ask it in a bigger meeting.  What if they don't understand something?  They can't stop the preacher and get him to explain it right then.  But all this can and does happen in a cell group. 

5. It releases people to do the work of the ministry (serving Jesus). 
Ephesians 4:11-14 talks about the job of Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers – it is to equip God's people for ministry/serving Jesus.  It is not just the Apostles and Pastors job to lead, teach, and serve people; it is every believer's job.  The Pastor simply shows them how and then gives them an opportunity to do it.  Cell groups give 'every-day' believers the opportunity to do this...lead, teach, and serve people.

6. It is what God told Pastor Josh to do.
Pastor Josh believes concretely that he has heard from God specifically to do cell groups.  He also believes it is one of the most effective means to disciple believers.

7. It an extremely effective organizational principle that is vital for us to do what God has called us to do. 
Every successful large organization operates on some form of a small group principle.  Take the army for example - an army of thousands are broken down into independent groups of 10-12 that are part of the larger whole.  What if an army just had large rallies with all their soldiers but then each soldier just went out and did his own thing?  They wouldn't accomplish much would they?  They do it by working together in teams of 10-12.  If we as God's army only met in large meetings and then just went out and tried to do our own thing we wouldn't accomplish much for God either.  Cell groups are effective when people have servant-hearts and a desire to fulfill the mission that Jesus gave us - to go and make disciples.  If a person’s focus is only on themselves, and 'what does cell do for me' they'll never go too far with it.  But if someone sees it for what it is - an opportunity to serve, give, and minister to others, as well as receive - they will buy into it 100%.

In conclusion, it has been said about the mission of the church, “We’re producing leaders rather than maintaining followers.”

Someone else said, “My role in the church is not just to sit there and be ministered to, but to minister to others.”

Being involved and connected into a cell group first and then leading one gives every believer the availability to produce fruit for God in a simple, structured way that works in any societal context.