AFRICA MULTINATION FOR CHRIST COLLEGE

P.O. BOX W 258 Waterfalls, Harare, Zimbabwe Tel: +263 42920717

LECTURE: CHURCH GROWTH/HOME CELL GROUPS

COURSE OBJECTIVES

1. To equip the student with the necessary knowledge of growing the church quantitatively
2. To equip the student with knowledge of growing the church qualitatively.
3. To equip the student with knowledge of why and how to plant and maintain a healthy church
through cell groups.

PRESCRIBED LITERATURE

Leaders Manual for Home Cell Groups

Home Bible Study Groups/Cells Book 1, 2, 3
Guidance Rules and Policy
History of ZAOGA FIF
African Apostle
Do you want to know what people expect when they come to church?

COURSE OUTLINE

Definitions
What is Church Growth?
Quantitative Growth Methods
Qualitative Growth Methods
Why Small Home Groups or Cells
Advantages of Cell Groups
How to start a Cell Group
How to conduct a Cell Group
Different stages of a Cell Group
Types of people who attend Cell Groups
Vital Personnel and their Responsibilities
Tools for success – Cell Group Leader

DEFINITIONS: -

1. CHURCH - The word CHURCH in this lecture refers to a group of people saved to serve God in a
particular church in total adherence to a specific vision given by God to its founder.
2. GROWTH - The word GROWTH herein refers to expansion, increase, multiplication and maturity
of the local church.
3. QUANTITATIVE - Refers to numerical growth.
4. QUALITATIVE - Refers to spiritual growth.

WHAT IS CHURCH GROWTH

According to yourdictionary ....Growth is defined as a gradual development in maturity, age, size, weight
or height. Therefore, church growth refers to the gradual development of the church in maturity, longevity,
size (that is numbers) and its ability to go far and wide.
One can as well refer church growth to mean the ability of the church grow both quantitatively and
qualitatively.
Both the Old and New Testament show that it is God's desire for the gospel to touch the whole world by
reaching out to everyone. This means that, as the church reaches out, many who do not believe are
convicted and they become part of a spiritual family, or a local church.
Habakkuk 2:14 - For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the waters
cover the sea.
Matthew 19:18 - 20 -
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore
go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the
Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always,
to the very end of the age.”
Mark 15 - And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. NLT
Acts 1:8 - But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in
Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

The Guidance, Rules and Policy of FIFMI defines the purpose of the church in:
Article 2.1 - ..To fulfil the commission of the Lord Jesus Christ. Matthew 28:19
Article 2.2 - .... To go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.
The numerical growth of the church is both at the heart of God and at the heart of the vision of the church.
The local church must never lose sight of the purpose of its existence but must annually plan activities that
brings souls to the Lord and work MISSIONS.
From Adam to Moses Bible scholars believe that it's a period of about 2500 years. Construction of a
tabernacle only came with Moses, so before that where did man meet with God? • Mankind is a relational
creature and thrives through inter dependence. • God created mankind to have relationship/intimacy with
Him and each other. All the activities of man under the sun aim at creating, enhancing, and maintaining
those relations. The Ten Commandments attest to that. • When God created man, it was not good for him
to be alone, but God did not create a clan for him, BUT a partner with whom he could develop a nucleus
family, through which a community could be developed from. The two of them had to do something for
the numbers to increase, and each member of the family born, equally had to do something for the family
to grow into a community and fulfil God's command to multiply and replenish the earth. • The
family/home became the cradle of the village, and the village, the cradle of a community, and a community
the cradle of a nation, and the nation the cradle of the world-wide have today

QUANTITATIVE GOWTH METHODS

• MASS CRUSADES Mass crusades are one of the oldest methods of bringing people to the saving
knowledge of Jesus Christ. John the Baptist drew crowds across the Jordan River. Jesus during His earthly
ministry was constantly followed by crowds whom He would now and then preach to. The Apostolic
ministry in the book of Acts begun with a massive Mass Crusade that brought 3000 souls to the Lord in a
day. Acts 2:14, 37 - 38. The key to Mass Crusade is an undeniable ministry of signs and wonders and a
charismatic Evangelistic ministry. Biblical examples...... Mark 10:1 -, Luke 5:1 - , Luke 9:11, John 6:2.
- Advantages • Many souls can be one at a goal. • They make an effective and unforgettable footprint for
the ministry. • They transform communities. • They reduce crime rate. • They positively affect the moral
fibre of communities. • They provide a platform for the demonstration of the Kingdom of God on a larger
scale.
- Disadvantages • They are expensive to run. • They need a large number of personnel. • They take time
and a lot of resources to organize. • Community leaders, and law enforcement agents need to give
approval. • They need large venues. • If not well planned, most of the converts go back into the world. •
The souls won are not easy to follow up because they tend to want the person who preached to them
more than anyone else.

• ONE ON ONE WITNESSING In Forward In Faith we have a living example of this method in our father and
mother, the Apostles of God, Prof E. H and Dr E Guti. This method involves an individual reaching out to
the unsaved on a personal level. Some people exercise this method when approached by friends, relatives,
or even strangers who need help. They use the opportunity to tell the needy person how God can take
them out of their dilemma. Others use their free time to go on the streets to witness to others about Jesus
Christ. For this method to be effective, the local assembly should organize days where a group of people go
to the streets, or malls, etc to witness.
Biblical Examples - John 3: 1 - 16; 19:39. John 4:6 - 29.
- Advantages • It produces lasting fruits. • The soul won immediately has a discipler in the form of the
person who witnessed to him. • Follow up is easy because of the relationship created by the close
interaction. • It costs no money.
- Disadvantages • You win one person at a time.

• SOCIAL MEDIA The world has become a global village. Technology has advanced drastically. Today's
people spend most of their time on social media. While social media is highly risky and has many pitfalls, if
well harnessed it can be a very effective way of reaching out to millions of souls across the globe at a go.
Biblical Examples - The Samaritan woman in John 4 went back to her social group, or social circle of
influence (friends and associates) and told them about her experience with Jesus thereby turning the
whole city's attention to Christ.
- Advantages • You can speak to many people at the same time. • You can witness to many people in
different countries and in different set ups at the same time. • Its cheap • Its relevant to the present
generation
• It has a global audience and presence. - Disadvantages • Some people may choose not to attend church
physically and rather listen to God's word on the social platforms. Heb 10:25 • Delinquent people and
hackers can easily post ungodly stuff on your platforms just to spite you and derail your godly efforts.

• FLYER DISTRIBUTION. This methods involves a church group invading a mall, or location to distribute
flyers. The flyers basically contain information about the quality and location of the church and the unique
services offered. The group must be clothed in church regalia. Individuals involved must be sociable and
pleasant mannered. Stand up banners and other large advertising tools must be used so as to attract
passersby. The individual passing on flyers' responsibility is to greet and invite the passerby while handing
over the flyer.
- Advantages Today's people are very busy, therefore they are not prepared to stand and listen to
someone talking. Even new believers can be involved since one has to just smile and handover a flyer. The
whole church can be involved even the young ones. It’s a modern method that appeals to modern society.
- Disadvantages Some people might be reluctant to attend. Some people might not even read the
information on the flyer.

• SOCIAL GATHERINGS. Biblical Examples - Jesus at Lazarus' funeral, and also Jesus at Jairus's daughter's
funeral. John 2, Jesus's the wedding at Cana.
- Advantages - Social gatherings normally attract many people from different backgrounds, hence it is a
fertile ground for soul winning. - Many people who wouldn't want to come to church find a social gathering
more appealing to them for socialization. - People tend to be desperate when funerals take place, hence
the preaching of the word tends to be the only way of comfort and inner healing. - Social gatherings bring
families together therefore they are a breeding ground for winning whole families to Christ.
QUALITATIVE GROWTH

Ephesians 4: 12 - 13
Until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God, as we mature to the full
measure of the stature of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed about by the waves and carried
around by every wind of teaching and by the clever cunning of men in their deceitful scheming.…
GUIDANCE, RULES, AND POLICY ...Article 2.3 - To establish the indigenous church which is self-supporting,
self-administrating, and self-propagating.
God's desire and the vision of the church that we should not only come to God but that we should grow in
Him as well.

After coming to Christ, the believer asks himself, WHAT NEXT? They need to find something that can keep
them busy in the church and to grow in their relationship with God.
- As a new baby, the new believer needs constant feeding with the word of God. 1 Peter 2:2 - Because he is
new in Christ, most of the language used to interpret the word of God and the texts in the Bible are a
mystery to him, he therefore needs an environment that allows him to ask questions and openly air their
views. Acts 8:31
- To grow in one's relationship with God, prayer is important, but the new believer on his own does not
know how to pray, so he needs an environment that practically teaches him how to pray. Luke 11:1.
- The old life was moulded by the environment that the new believer spent most of his time, so for the new
lease of life to gain ground in him he needs to spend time in a godly environment, unfortunately Sunday
service is always seven days away.
- They say show me your friends and I will tell you who you are. One's identity and ideals are moulded by
the quality of people he befriends, therefore the new believer needs new friends and new relationships
that are godly to mould him, unfortunately, Sunday service is most of the time four hours of activity and
everyone goes to their home. Amos 3:3, Prov. 13:20.
- How then can the new believer develop his new identity, create new friendships and relationships, learn
the word of God interactively, and be nurtured for service?

As the church attracts people from all walks of life and different religious backgrounds, it is important for
the church to mould its membership according to the pattern of the vision given to the founder. This is
step is known as qualitative growth. The membership are taught and trained to reflect the spiritual content
of the church they belong to. A church in this context is a spiritual home or family. As much as there are
many families around us, we all belong to a specific family and are brought up with certain principles. Our
behaviour and general worldview is informed by where we were born or our spiritual parentage. There is a
medical view that says....... you are what you eat... Meaning that just by looking at you, one can tell
whether in your home you are fed healthily or otherwise.

Qualitative church growth requires the establishment of a church leadership structure. Prof EH Guti writes
in his book DO YOU WANT TO KNOW WHAT PEOPLE EXPECT WHEN THEY COME TO CHURCH?....Leadership
is key to setting the atmosphere of growing the church. The leadership structure provides the channel for
accountability, direction, and enforcement of the pattern of the Vision. • The Vision, Mission, and Goals of
the church must be properly laid out. This gives the church a sense of uniqueness. The vision is what
attracts people to be part of one congregation than the other. The Vision also provides guidance in how
the membership contacts themselves in and outside the church.
Administratively, the church is a voluntary organization, therefore all service is provided on a voluntary
basis. This means that all personnel provide free services using own resources. • As the local church grows,
the leadership structure is adjusted to suit the prevailing needs, however positions must be according to
the pattern of the church, e.g, Deacons, Elders, Pastors, etc, meaning only quantities can be adjusted and
elevation according to titles already available. •
Two patterns of church governance prevail today, i.e, the centralized system and the decentralized system.
Centralized churches are basically controlled by an individual as the centre of attraction for membership
and growth. These churches use the Mega Church method to gather all their membership regardless of
distance; or the same preacher rotates around the Mega Assemblies every Sunday. This system brings the
people to the church. • ZAOGA FIFMI has grown this far through the decentralized system. This system
brings the church to the people. The assemblies are constantly split as they grow to make the church as
much accessible to the masses as possible. This in turn enables the church to grow faster in membership
and in leadership development. • Individual….} Cell Groups….} Sections….} Assemblies….} Region….}
Province/District. The Book Of Remembrance....pg 16 - 21. WARNING .. Let people be taught to do what I
taught, and not just to like my face only, but to love my God and His word not my word... If people lean on
me as their source of strength, they will be led astray when I am gone because they will say ' our strength is
gone. Only those who kept my teachings will survive. My aim is that everyone clings to what I preach about
Jesus who sent me. He who loves me, let him keep the salvation of Jesus that I have taught and that I will
teach till He comes.... We will stay together in heaven. He who is desirous to see me must keep all l have
taught in Christ....

Acts 2:42, 46 – 47, And they continued steadfastly in the Apostles' doctrine and fellowship and in the
breaking of bread, and in prayers.
And day after day they regularly assembled in the temple with united purpose, and in their homes they
broke bread [including the Lord's Supper]. They partook of their food with gladness and simplicity and
generous hearts,
[47]Constantly praising God and being in favor and goodwill with all the people; and the Lord kept adding
[to their number] daily those who were being saved [from spiritual death].
2 Timothy 2:2
The Main Purpose of the church is to make DISCIPLES. • To make a Disciple there must be a MODEL,
because a disciple is one who models his life after another, he is an imitator. • Christ is the ultimate Model,
but He has not left us with a THEORETICAL MODEL WRITTEN IN BLACK AND WHITE .....1 Corinthians 11:1 -
Imitate ME as I imitate Christ. • 2 Thessalonians 3:9b - But to make ourselves an EXAMPLE OR MODEL FOR
YOU TO FOLLOW........ • Philippians 3:17 - Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so
walk, AS YOU HAVE US FOR A PATTERN.
Exodus 18:21. Moreover, you shall choose able men from all the people–God-fearing men of truth who
hate unjust gain–and place them over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens, to be their rulers.
AFRICAN APOSTLE - THE LIFE OF EZEKIEL GUTI pg 123 ..... In 1981 ......... A New Vision.... He was sitting
outside his house in Mutare when the Spirit of God came upon him and gave him a vision of the future of
the work of God had allowed him to begin........ Step by step we are moving everything to the local
church...... a further part of the Vision was to develop SMALL GROUPS IN THE HOMES SO EVERYONE
COULD PARTICIPATE AND GROW.....
Few Years Ago God spoke to his servant again and said... the church is going to grow thick ( Increase in
both quantity and quality)THRU AMFCC PART TIME AND CELL GROUPS.

WHY HOME SMALL GROUPS OR CELL GROUPS

• When it pleased God to start a Spiritual Heritage we now call home, it was through a HOME EXPERIENCE.
• Ours is not a heritage born at a mass crusade in a stadium, but in a rural hut through the ancient method
of oral tradition. A mother gently narrating to her anxious kids her experience at the township. Most
probably in their hearts very anxious to hear about the latest music or dressing..... yet the seed of the
Gospel that would touch more than 140 nations and states in a space of 57 years was being sown. •

In the Bible, relationship with God had its foundations in the home.
Example 1
Genesis 4 v 3
Adam and Eve taught their children to offer sacrifices in their HOME
Example 2
Genesis v 6
Noah preached for 120 years and had 8 converts from his HOME
Example 3
Genesis 24 v 26
Abraham trained all his servants (household) to worship God, the servant bows down to worship the God
he learnt at HOME from Abraham
Example 4
Deuteronomy 6 v 9
Commandments to be taught the children in their HOME
Example 5
Judges 17 v 9 – 13
Micah brought a man of God in his house and took care of him as his own son and provided for all his
needs. The man of God’s duty was to teach them the ways of God /word of God.
Isaiah 8 v 13 - We are of signs and wonders
Joshua said as for me and my household we shall save the Lord (Joshua 24 v 15)

New Testament Examples

Jesus’s ministry in homes

 Mary and Martha – Lazarus house

 Zacchaeus house
 Peter’s house

The apostles’ ministry in homes

Acts 1:13.
Acts 2 v 1, 44-46
Acts 5:42
Acts 12:12
Acts 16: 33-34, 40
Acts 20:20
Colossians 4:15
Philemon 2
The N.T. church was literally a house church.
A case study of the first church shows that what caused the High Priest to say in... Acts 5:28..... “We strictly
charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, was
necessitated by the extent of the Apostolic Doctrine influence. v42 gives us the method they used......And
every day, in the temple ( Worship) and from house to house( Fellowship), they did not cease teaching and
preaching that the Christ is Jesus.
Acts 2:47b...... the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. Acts 6:1 ..... The
number of the disciples GREATLY INCREASED Acts 6:7 ...... Their number MULTIPLIED GREATLY It is believed
that Jerusalem was a city of a population of about 250 000 people. Within a period of 25 years, every
second person you met in Jerusalem was a Christian because of this method no wonder why the Priest
lamented the influence of the Apostles' teaching.

Example 1

Definition of a cell

Political Definition

Smallest unit in the system or gathering at the grassroots through which central policies of an organization
are propagated

Battery Definition
Smallest unit in a battery through which electric power is generated and stored and emitted (when
needed)

Honey Comb

Small unit in a honey comb through which a new generation of bees are produced. (an incubator)

Types Of Cellular Organisms

 UNI- CELLULAR
 Organisms with just one cell i.e. bacteria. Multiplies but has one cell – cause sicknesses and death.
It doesn’t grow.
 Church that is very active and nothing new to offer (boredom) and destructive tendencies – Mega
churches mainly found in big cities only

 MULTI CELLULAR
 All living organisms are multi cellular , living and grow F.I.F. is one

The Theory Of Cells

 It states that all living and growing organisms are composite of three or more cells
 Vital functions of an organism occur within the cells
 All cells contain hereditary information necessary for regulating cell functions and transmitting
information to the next generation (the church history is hereditary passed on the cell group).
Once the cells are compromised then we have a problem
 They are the building blocks of life i.e. of all living things grow and split.
 They provide structure to the body (cell groups provide structure to the church).
 Cells take nutrients from the food , convert those nutrients into energy and reproduce as necessary
 Acts 17 v 10-12 – taking nutrients that are necessary and leave what is not good for the body
 A cell must be ACTIVE and PRODUCTIVE or else it dies, let people learn how to let people work
monies needed in cell groups. Tithes and offerings will rise
 Cells are small compartments that hold all of the doctrinal/biological equipment necessary to keep
an organism/church alive and successful on earth.

ZAOGA F.I.F. LEADERS’ MANUAL FOR HOME FELLOWSHIP GROUPS OR CELLS (BY PROF. E. H. GUTI)

ADVANTAGES OF CELL GROUPS

 Relationships are possible in small groups

 Every member participates directly ,attitudes can be changed effectively, problematic people can
be dealt with
 They provide a platform for personal ministry, people able to be ministered to and individually
 It gives room for nurturing and discovery of gifts (Spiritually)
 They are small enough for people to know each other
 Everyone can participate, there are no spectators , everyone feels a sense of belonging
 The home scene is comfortable and informal , neighbors will come readily
 They need no heavy investment so as to function (within a walking distance) no rentals
 They are an effective method of salting the neighborhood and the cities
 They provide an environment for the caring of weak members
 The studying of God's word helps the new believer to see clearly how to be a true Christian, Matt
4:4.
 It helps him to experience the love Christ from fellow Christians. - It helps him to know the basic
Christian doctrine.
  Thru the word of God and other people's experiences shared he learns how to solve personal
problems thru the word of God.
 By using the friendly and homely environment of the cell group, the new believer is able to freely
ask questions and be answered using God's word.
 By being given responsibilities to serve God and others at the Cell group, the new believer grows in
service and ministry.

HOW TO START CELL GROUPS

1. Identify venues
2. Identify possible candidates for Cell Groups leadership with following qualifications;
a) Born again (ref Guidance, Rules and Policy)
b) Faithful (reliable 2nd Timothy 2 v 2)
c) Available (most important)
d) Teachable (not that you don’t know but prepared to sit and learn, donkey spirit think they know
everything)
e) Able to read and write
3. Set a date to train cell group leaders
4. Set up the structure for sections according to the number of elders you have
5. Don’t put an elder to be a leader in his section, exchange them
6. Before teaching the Bible manual, before studying teach them on the importance of cell groups and
sell your vision to them
7. Hold a formal training for lessons
Failure to plan is planning for failure – Dr Myles Munroe

HOW TO CONDUCT A CELL GROUP

 On the 1st day people introduce themselves, get to know each other because cell groups are
supposed to be a family.

The leader must share his or her testimony in order for people to hear your stories. Put up a structure i.e.
secretary, hosting, ushering, lead people to Christ

 On the 2nd day you share challenges and problems and pray together
 On the 3rd day we begin our lessons and use our home bible study manual
 Make sure that all the groups are flowing, learning one thing
 The cell group leader must conduct the lessons in a discussion manner. He should not preach or
dominate the discussion but should give opportunity to all his members
 Tell the group about what topic we are going to do next week, memory verses, scriptures
 If you have a challenge of languages have an interpreter

THE DIFFERENT STAGES A CELL GROUP GOES THROUGH

Because of different types of people with different backgrounds and characters who come to the group
their value systems will clash and as a result the cell groups will go through 4 stages as it takes its intended
form

Stage1: The Gate Acquainted Stage

 This is when the cell group members get to know one another. It can take 2 or 3 sessions before the
members really get to know each other
 Members comments are still limited
 Members participated must be solicited (asking what they think )
  Members agree with anything
 Members attendance is solicited (appeal)
 Members gifts and abilities are still hidden
 The opinionated comments are still reserved (true personality/characters still hidden)

Stage 2: The Conflict Stage

 When people really get to know each other, value systems will clash. One person may talk too
much making the cell group angry by this unwanted domination, another insensitive while
someone else maybe too sensitive.
 True character begin to come out, rifts begin to appear.
 It is easy for a novice group leader to panic and desert the group

What to do

 Don’t be afraid Joshua 1 v6, 7, 9

 Avoid taking sides and stick to the bible
 Guide the group gently, allowing the participants to share their views deeply. Don’t hit someone
before they complete, don’t be too confrontational
 Where you have no immediate answer, promise to respond later when you have enough
information
 Be patient and allow members to naturally resolve their differences. Provide the bedrock support
for them to come. Allow them to clash and solve

Stage 3: The Community Stage

 The group becomes so bonded to an extent that they don’t want to embrace or accommodate new
members
 A cell group has found meaningful relationships
 This is a danger point because the group members seldom encourage soul winning, thereby turning
the cell group into an ugly and self-destruction monster
 It ceases to be a spiritual entity and become an emotional bond or a soul tie society
 AS A PASTOR KNOW WHERE THE PEOPLE STAY AND VISIT THE GROUPS WEEKLY TO BOND WITH
THEM

Stage 4: The Ministry Stage/Or Ministering Stage

 Whilst we have no control over the evolution of the cell group from stage1 to 2 and from stage 2 to
3, it takes the initiative of the group leader to move to stage number 4 (because some of the
members can be new)
 As soon as the group reaches stage 3 the group leader must emphasis and encourage every
member to be involved in bringing others and serving the needs of team members

 At this stage, mature members will naturally realize that their group exists to reach out to others
 Every member must be encouraged to be part of the visitation program

OFFENCES

 Guide your heart and never allow yourself to hear bad stuff it will kill you
 Take everything and experience as if it is happening to everyone. Don’t take it personal, if you don’t
deal with it you will have problems with everyone
 Don’t get bitter because it is worse than offences because it alters your character, you change your
behavior, your contact and hatred settles in.
  Offenses are bound to happen to everyone in the ministry. Learn to talk to the right people.

TYPES OF PEOPLE WHO COME TO CELL GROUPS

NON CHRISTIANS/UNBELIEVERS

 There are two types of non-believers who come to a cell group

 An unbeliever who is fine, he doesn’t have any physical needs but he senses that he needs God, the
need can be triggered by some invitation, dream, e.g. Zacchaeus, Lydia
 Unbeliever in need /trouble. They are pushed by circumstances and needs. They want their
material needs met

The teacher must stick to your topic and address their issues after the lessons. The teacher must plan his
time and leave at least 15 minutes to lead people to Christ and praying for those in need.

 If you want your church to be very healthy TEACH the word

 KC Price’s church is the healthiest church, no sick people in church, the two has to balance
 Teaching first then experience
 A true miracle is after the word
 There is power in the word to uproot demons and the anointing sweeps
 Reconditioning of the word has to happen
 The demons bind the mind so it needs reconditioning
 Every demon is linked to the mind and the word renews the mind
 Have a switch that turns on the switch
 Specialize when praying for people, praying for people in batches.

NEW BELIEVERS

 There are two types of new believers.

 One who has just repented, straight from the world, was doing ancestral worshippers, drinker,
smoker
 Can be driven by the need of God lacking nothing or is driven by needs: Saul of Tarsus

OR

A Person coming from another religion

 New Christian from another church. He has some knowledge God and might have been exercising
things that are different from what we believe

They think that they know when they don’t know. There are things we must take out from them and put
things in them. Correction of doctrine as well e.g. Cornelius

OLD CHRISTIANS

Two types of old believers

 KNOWLEDGEABLE OLD CHRISTIANS a believer who knows the word of God and his church. The
word helps in knowing whom and why we worship. The church moulds you in church Doctrine
 In the church for a long time but ignorant either by choice; Hosea 4 v 6 – rejecting the truth:-
voluntary ignorance
 OR

Involuntary ignorance Acts 17 v 30 (no information and knowledge given)

Some have spiritual diabetes and are very choosy.

 Involuntary ignorance is a problem of the Pastor

 Voluntary ignorance is a personal issue

VITAL PERSONNEL AND THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES

PASTOR • According to 2Tim 2:2 - And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses
entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also. • Ephesians 4:10 - 12 - And he gave the
apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of
ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge
of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we
may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by
human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. • He is the custodian of the doctrine, beliefs, and
traditions of the church. • He is the extension of the Servant of God at the local church, hence he must be
the torch bearer.

THE ROLE OF THE PASTOR IN A CELL GROUP

-The pastor must visit the cell group at least once a month
-empower the elders to be in your pastoral team
Where the cell groups are too many to visit in a month, the Pastor has empower the elders to go to the
groups.
-every Pastor must have a Pastoral team
A group of elders who have the passion for your vision for the local church/assembly
-move with the movers we don’t sleep with slippers
-the Pastor must develop a deep connection with his cell group leaders (extension on the Pastor)
-For effective Pastoring there must be a system of impartation releasing the things God promised
-must be connected to God and become a horse pipe, tapping from Prof. E H Guti to me then to the cell
groups then the whole church is connected
-I must connect myself to the church heritage to our Father and pass it equally to the source to be
connected to the believer
-the pastor must have a deep connection with the source (Prof. E H Guti and God)
The believers get things from the source via the Pastor
-The Pastor must develop a supervisory system Luke 10, Jesus sent the 72 to preach and bring their reports
and feedbacks
-the system can have forms that has information on the FWO, attendance etc.
-The Pastor must develop/introduce motivational factors e.g. Luke 10 v 19
You can give cell groups awards of the best cell groups, competitions, get a trophy, cake, and watch etc.

 Give them a reason to strive

 No teams develop when pastor criticizes people
 Hope motivates but criticizing de-motivates

ELDER IN CHARGE/ DIRECTOR OF CELL GROUPS • Leaders come to him to be taught what to teach at the
Cell Groups (from the 1 -3 Lessons Manual). He also uses that opportunity to address any tricky questions
that group leaders would have brought from the previous week's sessions. • All Cell Group Leaders are
under his supervision • He delegates work to the leaders. (He delegates Section leaders) • He should trust
those under him and let them get on with their job without interference.
- This is a leader tasked with the responsibility of overseeing two or more Cell Groups. • He rotates
between the Cell Groups in his area to ensure they are running smoothly and effectively. • He is tasked
with the responsibility of growing his section by opening new cell groups either by splitting the ones in
existence which have ten or more members or soliciting and winning new families in his section.

CELL GROUP LEADER • He is tasked with the responsibility of attending lessons conducted by the Director
faithfully and carry the people's unanswered question to the Director/ Pastor. • Leads the activities at the
Cell Group and Motivates members to attend. • Should not dominate discussions and activities, but should
guide and ensure that everyone at the Cell Group participates and that discussions do not take side roads.

TOOLS FOR SUCCESS FOR THE CELL GROUP LEADER • Dress like they dress. Always be relevant to your
environment. • Do not change venues from one to another often for the sake of the new once' sake. •
Keep Time always. Maximum time for study should be 1 hr. • Encourage all members to have personal
Bibles, Notebooks, and Pens. • Teach the New Believers to open their Bibles. • Be confidential. Do not
publish personal information shared in the group. • Set the pattern for openness, honesty, and acceptance.
Share in-depth needs and insights. • Remember that a Cell Group operates on an interactive mode, so use
questions to probe your group to interact and exchange knowledge. • Never answer a question before
your members share their views first. In other words, always be the last to contribute. • Do not entertain
questions outside the topic under discussion. Encourage such to be written down and handed to you after
the class.

• REMEMBER THAT YOU ARE A FELLOW DISCOVERER OF GOD NOT THE AUTHORITARIAN DELIVERER OF ALL
THE TRUTH • Always allow the flow and the leading of the Holy Spirit within the group.

A GOOD BELIEVER IS THE ONE WHO IS TAUGHT AND CHANGES, ONE WHO DOES AS TAUGHT.

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