Restoring Families
"42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved." (Acts 2: 42-47)
The cell group is modeled after the Biblical pattern of small groups found in Acts 2:42-47.
Just as the biological cell is the building block of life, spiritual cell groups is the main vehicle to build relationships in a church. Believers lift each other up and increase the harvest by sharing their testimonies with unbelievers. As the cell leaders take care of and train their flock, new leaders are produced who will in turn go out and head their own cell group. This way, the number grows and expands, reaching out to those who badly need to hear that they are loved.
The need to gather in small care groups is to add a more personal touch. In cell/care groups, there is support, encouragement, and hands-on training for ministry. Relationships are built and provide a homey, comfortable place for new believers who are feeling their way through this new life with Jesus. It gives them more freedom to be themselves, ask questions, tell their personal stories, share accountability, and ask for personal prayers. It provides a stable, intimate family environment.
Gem Lee, a mother of three, dropped by a certain beauty parlor where a cell group was ongoing. She got curious and inquired about it while she was waiting for a pedicure. She was having an intense domestic problem at that time. It is without question that she got invited to join the cell group by divine appointment. Prior to being in a care group, she was mainly focused on her problem. She was relying on the advise of her friends without filtering which advice would really be helpful.
The cell group is modeled after the Biblical pattern of small groups found in Acts 2:42-47.
Just as the biological cell is the building block of life, spiritual cell groups is the main vehicle to build relationships in a church. Believers lift each other up and increase the harvest by sharing their testimonies with unbelievers. As the cell leaders take care of and train their flock, new leaders are produced who will in turn go out and head their own cell group. This way, the number grows and expands, reaching out to those who badly need to hear that they are loved.
The need to gather in small care groups is to add a more personal touch. In cell/care groups, there is support, encouragement, and hands-on training for ministry. Relationships are built and provide a homey, comfortable place for new believers who are feeling their way through this new life with Jesus. It gives them more freedom to be themselves, ask questions, tell their personal stories, share accountability, and ask for personal prayers. It provides a stable, intimate family environment.
Gem Lee, a mother of three, dropped by a certain beauty parlor where a cell group was ongoing. She got curious and inquired about it while she was waiting for a pedicure. She was having an intense domestic problem at that time. It is without question that she got invited to join the cell group by divine appointment. Prior to being in a care group, she was mainly focused on her problem. She was relying on the advise of her friends without filtering which advice would really be helpful.
As she regularly attended her cell group, she learned to open up and share about her situation. She stopped feeling alone and now relied on Godly-advice and the prayers of her leader and co-members. "Akala ko noong una, ang cell group, about praying lang at baka nakakahiyang magsabi ng problema. Yun pala, through the cell group, gumagaan yung feeling ko lalo na pag nakakapag-share ako about what's deep inside me", shares Gem. "Now, I really know how to overcome problems. I just run to my leaders and ask for advice and prayers. More importantly, I run to God. Naging alert ako pag may 'mind monsters'. Di na din ako nagwo-worry dahil I know na nandiyan si God."
As she continued to keep her focus on God, God moved in her life. The kinks in her family life have gradually been ironed out. Now a cell group leader herself, Gem stresses the importance of having a care group. "Dito mo mae-experience na mas magiging deeper and relationship mo kay God. At mapapalibutan ka pa ng Godly leaders and co-members na magiging friends mo na rin. Walang mahirap basta you are trusting and obeying God."
 |
| A portrait of a happy family. Aside from prioritizing her first ministry which is her family, Gem continues to serve God by leading souls to Christ through her very own care group.  |
