"Jesus answered, ‘It is written: "Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God."'" Matthew 4:4
Normally the Cell Leader or an Apprentice will lead this section. Others members of the group may be invited to lead the Word Time as a development opportunity when the Cell Leader judges they are ready.
The Word Time is a core part of the cell meeting. The purpose of this section is the application of Bible truths to the lives of those present; the needs of each person are the focus, and the aim is to build one another up (to edify one another) through open and honest sharing. The leader should help everyone to participate.
The Word Time will normally be based on a study guide consisting of a brief summary of the topic, plus a number of Bible application questions. The church will provide the study materials. It must be understood that this is NOT a traditional Bible study, where the aim is gaining more knowledge. Rather, the questions provide a starting point for entry into ‘Body Ministry'. For this purpose the questions are tools; therefore it is not necessary to answer every one – choose the most appropriate for your group, re-phrase them as necessary, change the order. If using just one question sparks off a fruitful time of ministry don't cut this short to make time for the other questions!
The Word Time goes hand-in-hand with the Ministry Time that immediately follows it. The Word Time consists of discussion and sharing based on the Bible application questions. This often leads naturally on to the time of ministry through prayer and the exercising of spiritual gifts – ‘Body ministry'!
Jesus promised both to be present with His followers in His ecclesia (church) and to empower it. The nature of personal experiences within the cell change when He is the sole focal point. He begins to direct the cell as the Head, empower it with spiritual gifts and fill it with His power. Then, genuine edification and fellowship take place! …Jesus Himself is the one essential factor in the life of His called-out community on earth. (Cell Leader Intern Guidebook p.62)
Each person should be encouraged to come to the group prepared to be a positive force for God to use for edifying (building up) the group. The purpose for each member being in the group is to be part of Christ's edification process for the group, not to receive some personal ministry. Members should avoid coming with the attitude that says, ‘I only want to receive help.' Or even, ‘I'll wait to see what God will do.' As members come to the group with a servant heart, offering themselves to Christ as an instrument to edify others, the Lord is able to bring real ministry into our lives, dealing effectively with problems, hurts and needs. The Cell Leader must be first to model this attitude.
(Based on the Cell Leader Intern Guidebook pages 65-66)
(Cell Leader Intern Guidebook pages 67-68)
Stay within the interpretation of the study guide. Do not discuss any disagreements on points made, or start an argument. There will probably be only one or two persons in the cell who will consistently have this problem. Suggest discussing controversial points outside the cell meeting to prevent other cell members from becoming confused. Flow along with what is taught. Share any persistent problems with your Coach.
Should a member misunderstand your question and answer out of context, do not tell him or her that the answer is wrong. Instead, tactfully overlook it, asking more leading questions to guide the group to the right answer. You might also direct the question to someone else.
The word of God is like a sharp sword, revealing the thoughts and attitudes of the heart (Hebrews 4:12). The Scriptures exhort us to ‘walk in the light' (1 John 1:7), i.e. to live in openness and honesty together. Then we will experience real fellowship and the blood of Jesus will purify us from all sin!
We all struggle with sin (Romans 7:21-23). As the Bible exposes our weaknesses, failings and sins, let us accept one another just as Christ accepted us (Romans 14:1; 15:7). By admitting our weaknesses to one another we can take them to Jesus and receive mercy, grace and healing (see James 5:16 and Hebrews 4:15-16). Remember, "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." (Romans 8:1).
Note: A powerful method to facilitate this kind of sharing, is to go around the circle asking each person to say how the issue under consideration affects them personally.
The whole Word section may be summarised by three short statements:
E8.6 Leading the Word Time - Version 3 – Mar 11