Solihull United Reformed Church, 741 Warwick Road Solihull B91 3DGSolihull URC
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Cell Groups  -  the background principles

WHY ARE THEY CALLED ‘CELLS’

As part of our review process, completed earlier this year, both Olton and Hobs Moat United Reformed Churches committed to developing a network of small groups, (and now Christ Church are taking part as well, which is great news). Cell Church is a well-established model of these groups, and whilst the notion of ‘cell’ might conjure up certain images, Cell Groups are based on a biological cell.

When the trial group met for the first time in October we spent some time reflecting on what these groups are not. They are not the         traditional home or house group we might have been used to.  Why?  Because as with a living cell, it will grow and eventually, given the right environment. divide and so become two groups. Yes the groups meet for mutual support, prayer and bible study, mutual encouragement in discipleship, but they are also encouraged to give real       practical consideration to mission and growth of itself,  So each Cell will give time to consider how it might draw people in to itself from our wider circle of connections, through prayer and practical events, thereby growing the group until it reaches a size when it is best that it in fact divides.

Cells in the body:-

are living and life-giving

are small and efficient

they co-operate and serve

they need each other to function properly

they share the same ingredients

they grow and multiply.

Home groups in the traditional model can, no matter how we might not see it or desire it, very quickly become fixed closed groups,      making it difficult for others to join.  Whereas Cells are groups that ‘Do Evangelism as opposed to just talking about it’, allowing people to encounter Jesus, thus expecting a release of his presence and power among his people. Each Cell Group has a life expectancy, and as we learn and share together the groups will be reshaped, and reformed.  In Lent next year we hope to set up several Cell Groups for the 5 weeks of Lent, studying the film,’ The Kings Speech’, with a launch  service on Ash Wednesday and the chance celebrate our   journey together at a joint service on Palm Sunday at Hobs Moat. The groups will then meet monthly, although there is nothing stop them getting together more often if they wish.

There is a sense in which what you call these groups does not matter, but the framework under which they are established does.

Neil

Solihull United Reformed Church  -  serving Olton, Central Solihull and Hobs Moat in worship and mission
  • HOME
  • About us
    • Vision & Values
    • Leadership
    • Find Us
    • FAQ's
    • History
    • Gallery
    • Web Privacy
    • Links
  • Regular Activities
    • Sunday Worship
    • Moments Dementia Group
    • Job Advice Group
    • Shout Out for the Girls
    • Tots & Tales
    • Saturday Cafe
    • Messy Church
    • Home Groups
    • Schools Work
    • Generations Project
    • S.C.A.H
    • Open the Book
    • Solihull Hospital
    • Churches Together
  • Events
    • Diary
  • Journey Further
    • Monthly News Letter
    • From our Notice Board
    • 2019 Away Day
    • Lent Tapestry
    • MEMBERS & ELDERS
  • CONTACT US
    • Minister
    • Office
    • Church Secretary
    • Mission Enabler
    • Room Hire