The Purpose Of Small Groups

To Grow in Relationship With God

Cell Groups provide an effective place to learn about God and grow in our relationship with Him. Seeking Jesus in a Cell Group also gives us the opportunity to learn from others.

To Develop Relationships With Others

It is often very difficult in our society to develop trust with other people. Vulnerability is often met with hurt and betrayal. Small groups offer a safe opportunity to form strong, lasting friendships. These groups help us open our hearts to one another, begin to share honestly with one another, and learn to trust once more.

To Equip and Train

We believe that every Christian is called as a minister of Jesus Christ and is given the privilege and responsibility to minister in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. (l Corinthians 12)

We have found that good teaching and modelling on how to develop and use spiritual gifts in a small group provides an atmosphere where people can take risks and even fail without feeling embarrassed.

To Provide Support and Healing.

Everyone needs support or healing at some time in their lives. We all face emergencies, illness and personal crisis. It is within the Cells that this takes place as we gather around those in need, loving, supporting and praying for them as a group of friends.

To Grow in Relationship With God

Cell Groups provide an effective place to learn about God and grow in our relationship with Him. Seeking Jesus in a Cell Group also gives us the opportunity to learn from others.

To Develop Relationships With Others

It is often very difficult in our society to develop trust with other people. Vulnerability is often met with hurt and betrayal. Small groups offer a safe opportunity to form strong, lasting friendships. These groups help us open our hearts to one another, begin to share honestly with one another, and learn to trust once more.

To Equip and Train

We believe that every Christian is called as a minister of Jesus Christ and is given the privilege and responsibility to minister in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. (l Corinthians 12)

We have found that good teaching and modelling on how to develop and use spiritual gifts in a small group provides an atmosphere where people can take risks and even fail without feeling embarrassed.

To Provide Support and Healing.

Everyone needs support or healing at some time in their lives. We all face emergencies, illness and personal crisis. It is within the Cells that this takes place as we gather around those in need, loving, supporting and praying for them as a group of friends.

To Provide Adequate Pastoral Care

It is impossible for the Pastors to adequately care for over 85o people! Cell Groups are a place where we can know others and be known. I Peter 5 encourages leaders "to care for the flock of God that is in their charge". The Cell Group is where that is best done through prayer, Biblical teaching, fellowship, and counsel.

To do what the Bible Teaches.

It is through the application of God's word to our lives and through submission to God's word that we become the kind of people God desires. We want to be a people who not only hear the Word, but also do the works of God. In Matthew 7:24 we read that Jesus says we are wise if we do what He taught.

To Develop New Leaders.

Small groups provide a way to train new leaders. Through the cells, people are discipled and led through a programme of training that will not only mature them in their faith, but prepare them for leadership roles in the community.

To Reach Out to Others.

A significant focus of our cell groups, is reaching out to others with the Gospel and the practical love of Jesus. Putting a child through school, supporting a local HIV/Aids home for children and visiting an Old Age Home are some examples of what our groups are doing. We want to be other-centred rather than self-centred.

Our primary purpose as people and as a church is to worship and honour God in all that we are and all that we do. (Mark 12:30)

Our secondary purpose as people and as a church is to help others to have an intimate and personal relationship with God. (Mark 12:31)

To bring people to Jesus

We believe that Cell Groups are the primary tool for evangelism. A person searching for answers to their life's questions, will find it easier and less intimidating to attend a small group than a large and impersonal church service. We encourage Cell members to invite visitors to their Cell as well as to regular Cell social events .