What is a Cell Church?
St Denys' Church is a healthy example of a cell church.
Just as a biological 'cell' is the basic building block of a larger organism,
so a spiritual 'cell' can be described as part of a network of
other 'cells' that form the organic structure of the church.
Each cell in St Denys' Church is made up of a half dozen or so members who come together
fortnightly in one another's homes to experience Christ's love through an intimate relationship with others.
The cell is an environment that encourages leadership and spiritual growth not only for individual members
and for the cell, but also for the whole church. As new members join and the cell 'grows',
so in time it will multiply, establishing a new cell with its own leaders.
Thus the body of the church grows, as all cell members come together with others to
share the love and work of Jesus Christ in a celebration service on a Sunday.
Our Cell Church is based around the following values:
- All involved
- Becoming disciples
- Creating community
- Doing evangelism
- Encountering God
St Denys Church currently has five cells, each with its own leaders, readers and characteristics.
Though each group is very different, the cell meetings follow a church-wide programme and
conform to a standard pattern common to cell churches across the world,
that uses four basic elements - the '4 Ws' as they are known.
Welcome
An ‘icebreaker’ question is asked of every cell member, who in turn all give their response.
Each member participates from the outset, hears their own voice in the meeting and feels
included from the start rather than spectating.
Worship
The worship section reminds us that Jesus said “When two or three are gathered in my name,
I am in their midst.” (Mt.18:20) This can involve singing, silent prayer,
the writing of prayers or other ways to remind us that Jesus is the centre.
Word
This section is based around personal application of a Bible reading.
Often at this point there will be opportunity for prayer for those who request it –
an opportunity for the cell to minister one to another.
Witness
Based around the corporate aim of making friends with non-believers and seeing them come to Christ,
this section is often used for planning strategy or social events and prayer.
In addition, cell groups often meet socially, further strengthening relationships between members,
and our cells also contribute practical help as a group to church events.
This could be cooking a Family Meal, running a stall at the Summer Fete or organising
social events for the whole church.
Most cell members find membership of a cell to be a vital part of their church life and
spiritual identity, helping to strengthen their relationship with Christ in the middle of a busy week.
Often when we are physically most removed from the formal church environment,
it is an essential opportunity to remind ourselves of God's presence in our lives.
The fellowship, love and support cell members find in each other is a wonderful witness to the
work of the Holy Spirit in our community.