MAKING IT HAPPEN, Part I - Orchard Road Christian Center

BEFORE THE MEETING STARTS The best time to plan a meeting is during the meeting the week before. Things to consider are: • Whose home? • Facilitator of Lesson • Praise & Worship (tape or guitar, piano) • Receive Offering • Food or no food. • Rotate childcare. It’s everyone’s responsibility. SPIRITUAL PREPARATION •Pray each day for every cell member. •Optional: Fast the day of the meeting. MEETING TIME • At least 3 times each month unless there is a guest speaker and/or holiday conflict. • Meeting time is determined with pastoral approval. PHYSICAL SURROUNDINGS A. Some definite DO NOT’S • Put too much distance between members when seated. • Seat people like ducks in a row unable to see each other. • Seat people behind other people, rather seat them in one circle. • Answer the phone during the cell meeting. (Do tell your babysitter if there is an emergency to call and let it ring ONCE. Hang up. Call again as a signal for the group to pick up the phone. ) • Let a dog or cat make the rounds in the cell group. • Let a child do the same seeking attention. • Put a huge vase of flowers on a table in the center of the room. • Keep a super noisy air conditioner, TV or radio blaring. B. WHAT TO DO • Have a clean, neat house. • Make sure you are clean and neat. • Name tags? Make it easy for people to call each other by name. • Make provisions for coats and bags. • Childproof your home. • Try to make a single circle of chairs that will accommodate everyone (not too far apart). • Be sensitive to possible distractions. WELCOME YOUR GROUP • Be friendly. (Proverbs 18:24) • You make the first move. (If you’re standoffish, your people will be also.) • Have someone at the door. • Make them feel welcome. • Make sure everyone signs in. • Ask questions. Listen with undivided attention. • Learn their name. • Give encouragement. • Cell leader should never be busy doing last minute things while the guests are standing in the living room not doing anything. His attention should be totally given to his guests. • Train your people to introduce themselves to new visitors instead of talking to one another.