One of the things I’m especially focused on praying about is the recruitment and building up of cell leaders. There are currently 31 cells groups in our church. Of this number, 9 are senior cell groups (consisting of around 50 families), with 5 based in the Wimbledon church, and 4 in the central church. The ages of the members of the remaining 21 cells are much more diverse, ranging from those born in 2004 up until those born in the 1970s. We also have an English cell group for those who cannot speak Korean. We are also looking to create a new cell group for 2nd generation Koreans or others who are more comfortable conversing in English. As the number of groups are increasing, we also need to build up more leaders.
The two things that all members of the church attend are the Sunday service and the cell group meetings. Depending on your gifts, some also serve the church, but this does not apply to all members of the church. In that sense, as long as the service and cell groups run well, the church should also grow in a healthy manner. However, of the two, many pay attention to the worship, but less so to the cell group meetings. Unless it’s a church that focuses on disciple training, or smaller family churches, or churches that focus on smaller groups, most people care more about the pastor’s sermons or how impressive the choir or worship team is. However, because a church is a community focused on relationships, not only is our relationship with God important, but our relationship with one another is equally important – and it is these small group meetings that allow for this to be built up. Only when these smaller group meetings are built up can new members settle into the church, can there be individual development, and the church can be better and more efficient in doing ministry.
Thankfully, I was used to these smaller group meetings thanks to my training in two missionary groups during my time at university. Therefore, after becoming a pastor, whichever church I went to, I prioritised the creation of these groups, and made sure to meet the leaders every week. Many pastors speak to the importance of these groups, but they are not the best at meeting the leaders. Just like how people come together even during the week to worship, if we think these cell groups as important, the pastor should not only ensure that these groups get together weekly, but the pastor should also meet with the leaders every week as well.
Many Christians are not aware of the fact that their faith does not grow through the services, but through these smaller group meetings. While worship can provide you with the motivation to build up your faith, the change in your personality only happens by being present in these relationships with other members of the church. meeting somebody for the first time might be something very difficult for some people, but by continuously meeting people you do not necessarily mesh that well with, you build up your humility, and your character more refined. Therefore, while those who do not participate in these small group meetings might know a lot and easily judge others, they lack the ability to move others.
God was also part of a group given His triune nature, which shows us how important He considers it. That is why we – who were created in His image, are also called to become one as husband and wife. Jesus also promised that where two or three come together in His name, He is there with them (Matthews 18:20). If during your time at this church you have not properly experienced a community, I encourage you to participate in our cell group meetings. You will be able to experience grace that will make you regret having not joined earlier.
