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Jesus commissioned each of us to become involved in loving and discipling the whole world!
The basis of this is our personal relationship with God: yet God did not design us to be isolated units. Supporting each other on our journey is vital.
We recently heard Marcus Borg suggest that when people see us “yearning for God” it’s a powerful means of evangelism.
Statistics also prove that most new Christians come in through personal invitation from a friend.
So are there key levels of relating to one another which might make it easier to further our own spiritual yearning and also to provide opportunities to engage the interest of our friends?
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In our presentation on Sunday we suggested that:
Cell
we might need a group of 2 or 3 trusted people with whom we can share our lives, dreams and prayers; and have a deep commitment and “accountability” to each other.
Cluster
we might need groupings of 12-16- people committed to creatively developing their spiritual life and engaging their friends and contacts. Strategically the Cluster would the base unit of “church” .
Congregation
we might need a larger setting where we can celebrate together, have presentations and teaching, and share some of what we’ve been doing at the other levels. We might resource wider projects through relating at this level.
Things You Said
Is anyone else doing this? Is there any proof it will work? What are we trying to achieve – greater numbers or deeper lives? We’re doing some of it already in informal relationship and home groups! What if some people can’t see the point?
What Other Thought Do You Have
Let’s have as much discussion and feedback as possible on this. You can use the tear-off slip on the paper leaflet available in the church and put it in the “Suggestions and Comments” box. You can talk round it in groups. You can contribute here by leaving a comment below (click on “Leave a comment” if you can’t see the comments box)
Questions and Comments summarised from the Comments Box
What’s the difference between a “cluster” and a housegroup (like we have now)?
Will Cells be simply of people within the church or also from outside?
Would people be allocated to Cells and Clusters or could they form their own?
How would we prevent Clusters becoming cliquish or stagnant? Would they need re-organising from time to time?
How often would Cells and Clusters be expected to meet?
What form of leadership, pastoral care, organisation and oversight would there be for the system as a whole or within the clusters?
If the emphasis is going to be on Cells and Clusters what form will the Congregation take?
How can we ensure that people who’ve grown up with a different approach to church still feel loved and valued in a new system of doing things? The structure itself will not achieve this.
I’m confused, does this mean we will not be meeting as a church on Sunday mornings, or are the cluster groups expected to meet at some other time in the week?