[Notes in square brackets for the session leader only – not to be read out]
What is your most consistent prayer at the moment?
[Read Psalm 118:1. Ask everyone in turn to describe something about God that they appreciate. Hold an open time of prayer, each one giving thanks for the aspect of God they have mentioned.]
The leader of a small group of Christians is in a powerful position to help the members of his or her group to grow. When we talk about growth in this session we are talking about two specific aspects: growth in godly character, and growth in Christian ministry or service. Both of these aspects are key parts of God's purpose for his church.
As leaders, there are a number of things we can do to encourage growth in godly character in our members. But before we start we must answer the question, "What's the point?" Without a clear answer to this question, neither we nor they will have the motivation to do the work necessary to grow. Fortunately, the Lord has given us great reasons to want to grow. [Ask someone to read 1 Timothy 4:7-8 and another to read John 10:10.] Growing in godly character is the way to get a life that really works; it's the way to find life in all its fullness!
So what can we do? Firstly, the group itself provides some powerful resources for growth. Through the group we are aiming to provide:
An environment of acceptance and without condemnation promotes honesty and growth. A group process that helps people to face up to the realities of their lives in safety, promotes growth. Study materials that expose our lives to the truth of God's word and challenge us to change, promote growth.
As Cell Leader, you have special responsibility to create that right environment, and to guide the group ‘process ‘. Some of the ways you can do this include: Asking good questions; making sure everyone has their turn to speak; being sensitive to members' needs, and holding back those who would naturally dominate the meeting. Help members to honestly evaluate their lives in the light of God's word, and help each other to make changes where necessary. Good study materials are normally the responsibility of senior church leaders, but you may still have a role in ensuring the materials used are appropriate for your group.
As we discussed in session 8, enabling each of your group members to engage successfully with the Equipping Track, and helping them make the best progress they can, is another significant way of promoting personal growth.
Lastly, you can further encourage the personal growth of your members by leading them through the Personal Growth Review process each year. You ask each member to complete this self-assessment form, and then visit each one personally to discuss its outcome.
The other aspect of growth God has purposed for his people is to grow in Christian service or ministry. "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." (Ephesians 2:10)
Again, the Equipping Track helps to lay a foundation on which members' Christian service can be built. Amongst other benefits, those who are learning to put their faith into practice can become mentors to others who are at an earlier stage in the learning process.
The group itself provides a powerful context for members to discover, use and develop their God-given gifts and abilities. And the Cell Leader is in the key position to help make it happen.
There are four specific things you can do:
Question 1 What makes it easier, as a member of a group holding to godly values, to reject bad habits and adopt good habits, compared with trying to do these things on your own?
Question 2 Of the ministry opportunities you've had so far, which have you found the most fulfilling?
Question 3 Have you known anyone whose life has been transformed by being in a Christian small group? Alternatively, have you known anyone who has remained stuck in sin, who might have been set free through involvement in a small group?
Briefly share any concerns you have arising from today's topic, and also share any other needs for which you would like prayer. Spend a few minutes together in prayer, and several people pray for the needs mentioned.
Either: (a) Discuss any final arrangements necessary for the Outreach Event. As a group pray for everyone involved.
Or (b) Discuss how best to follow up our guests who attended the Outreach Event. Try to agree specific actions to take.
Finish by praying as a group for the friends we're trying to reach.
Cell Leader Training 10 - Version 2 Oct 15