"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." Acts 1:8
Only the Cell Leader or an Apprentice should lead this section. This is because the Witness Time is part of a continuing strategy that develops week by week.
This part of the meeting focuses the group on their mission, To Create New Groups, in order to reach more people for Christ. Focusing the group on a common goal, outside of their own self-interest, should lead to the greatest level of bonding possible between members. Time (about 15 minutes) should be allowed in every meeting for this section – here we are participating in God's central purpose for mankind. His heart's desire is that NONE SHOULD PERISH! (2 Peter 3:9)
As we focus on this mission to the lost week after week, we are seeking to make effective evangelism part of the very lifestyle of every believer in the cell.
Cell-based evangelism is relational. It is all about building relationships with unsaved people. Every person lives within a network of personal relationships. These relationships provide natural opportunities for outreach. Firstly, we can reach out to those in our own personal network. In addition, when we get to know a new person (such as a visitor), a whole new chain of network relationships may be opened up.
In the cell group we not only support one another in our individual witness to our friends, but we also reach out as a team. We can get to know each other's friends, helping to win them, and when they visit the group they can experience Christian community first hand.
The Outreach List forms the backbone of cell outreach activities. In the first column each cell member is listed. In the second column we aim to write the names of 3 local unbelievers associated with each member. Always start with the people you feel are most open to the gospel message. If any member does not have 3 local unbelievers they wish to pray for, they should be encouraged to look for ways of building new relationships of this kind. One easy way of doing this is for the member to select a ‘fringe member' of the church – someone who comes occasionally but is not personally saved. The third column can be used to write names of unbelievers associated with each member who are not local. It is good to pray for such persons in support of the ‘missionary outreach' of that cell member. While they will not be added to our church, they could be added to the universal church!
The Witness/Works Time provides a weekly opportunity to reach out to our friends. Here are some strategies that can be used during this time:
Note: Prayer is always the bedrock upon which other activities are based.
Regular cell social evenings, that take the place of a normal cell meeting, can be used to build bridges with unsaved contacts, as well as strengthening relationships between group members.
Remember, the group should always be ready to welcome visitors!
Further guidance can be found in the equipping module, Leading Cell Group Evangelism.
E8.8 Leading the Witness-Works Time - Version 3 – Mar 11