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CELL MEETING PHILOSOPHY, Part I
 The primary purpose and philosophy of the Cell Group are to provide an atmosphere where people from all walks of life can grow spiritually in the Word of God, prayer and fellowship through life-giving relationships. It also provides an atmosphere where people can use their gifts to lead and train others in their areas of influence in basic Christianity and other Christian principles according to 2 Timothy 2:1-2. Each cell meeting is designed to meet certain objectives and it is the job of the cell leaders to do whatever is necessary both spiritually and naturally to ensure that the cell meeting is a success. The following four areas will assist the cell leader towards having success in his or her group:
• Preparing for the cell meeting
• Utilizing basic group ground rules
• Having corporate prayer in the cell group
• Achieving multiplication of the group
The first area is preparing for the cell group meeting. It is essential that the cell leader prepare for his or her cell group. The purpose of this preparation is for the leader to become a vessel that God can use to minister through the cell leader and to the group members. Proper preparation shows your dependence upon the Holy Spirit to lead through you. Some of the things you can do to prepare for the group meeting are spending time:
• Listening to God and asking for direction before leading a cell group meeting or taking part of a meeting.
• Praying for each cell member and the upcoming cell meeting.
• Preparing the cell lesson based on the Sunday morning message for that week.
The second area is utilizing basic ground rules in the group. One of the benefits of attending a small group is that relationships are developed over time. However, sometimes people feel hesitant to share certain experiences or what they really feel for fear that others may ostracize them or reject them. Therefore, it is a good idea for you, as the cell leader, to go over some general ground rules that all members of the group can understand and, in essence, alleviate any fears they may be experiencing. These ground rules are:
1. This is a safe place. We agree to do all we can to create an atmosphere of trust in the group and to allow others the chance to express what they think and feel without fear of rejection or condemnation.
2. We agree to be honest with ourselves, other group members and with God as we seek to be more like Jesus.
3. We agree to let other group members lovingly give us feedback about our behavior and hold accountable to “walk our talk” so that we can grow spiritually.
4. We do not judge others or give advice. We believe God is able to speak to each individual as they seek to be honest with Him and to hold all things shared in the group confidential.
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