[Notes in square brackets for the session leader only – not to be read out]
If you could go on an all-expenses-paid holiday anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
[Ask someone to read John 10:11.] Jesus is our Shepherd, we are his sheep, and he laid down his life for us! [Read Romans 8:31-32.] Reflect on these things for a few minutes, and then several people give thanks to the Lord for his goodness.
Instructions to Trainees: This section forms the training study for this week.
Many Christians feel anxious when they think about leading a small group of their own. However, Cell Churches throughout the world have found that most people are perfectly capable of leading a few others meeting together in a home. It's a bit like becoming a parent – everyone feels inadequate to begin with, but you soon get the hang of it; and in the end most people do a good job.
The role of Cell Group Leader is a vital one. As a Cell Leader you are first and foremost a shepherd, keeping watch over the portion of the flock under your care. You are assisting the Senior Pastor in his role of looking after the whole church.
As a cell leader you are the person best placed to know and understand the needs of each person in your group. You have a unique opportunity to lead your members into greater wholeness and spiritual maturity, help them discover and use their God-given gifts to serve others, and reach out together to a lost world. By your own commitment and example, you can help your group to remember life's most important foundation – to keep on loving God with all our heart and soul and mind and strength! Keeping all 5 of God's purposes in balance will keep your group healthy.
The training handout that accompanies this session gives guidelines on the specific tasks expected of a cell leader. One critical thing to remember is this: You are not expected to do everything yourself! Delegate as much as possible. Use the various gifts available in your group to get things done. Allow others the opportunity to try new roles and responsibilities. And work together as a team to accomplish God's purposes.
Question 1 Although this week's training is all about the activities of effective leaders, activity is not enough. You can pray all you like, set the most excellent goals, lead the best meetings, and yet still make little progress. Timothy was one of the Apostle Paul's top apprentices. He shows us the quality that will make the most impact on your group. [Ask someone to read Philippians 2:19-21.] How does it make you feel when you know someone takes a genuine interest in your welfare? Can you think of a situation when another person's care helped you?
Question 2 Speaking of Luis Salas (one of the foremost leaders at the International Charismatic Mission – a world-class Cell Church in Colombia, South America), writer Joel Comiskey says this: "Luis lives in the future. Goals and dreams characterize his life. All effective leaders share this trait." (Home Cell Group Explosion, 1998, page 48.) Effective leaders see the potential in a person or a situation, and they work to help that potential be realized. What dreams or hopes do you have for the group you will lead, for your church, your family or for yourself?
Question 3 Leading isn't easy! There will be many challenges and difficulties on the way. Jesus himself had many struggles in his ministry, even with the Twelve. In the Parable of the Sower he reveals to us one of the secrets of success: "But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop." (Luke 8:15). Can anyone share an example of an occasion when they had to persevere in the face of difficulty, and it brought a good result in the end.
Break into two's or three's and spend 5-10 minutes praying for one another.
The easiest people for any cell group to reach are those who already have a relationship with a member of the group. For training purposes we'll add one name each to our group Outreach List. These are people we can pray for and invite to our church. [Write down each suggested name against the group member who mentions it. Continue to use this list during future group sessions. Finish the meeting by asking one person to pray briefly for all the people on your list.]
Cell Leader Training 3 - Version 2 Oct 15