I hear it everywhere. I read it in almost every church publication I see. "Denominations are declining" … "Denominational officials are worried". … "Worship attendance in established mainline congregations is dropping" … "and what are all those 'small groups' which are forming around us?" A Worship leader in Alabama explained it in a song. He wrote, "our castles reached to the sky, and now they are crumbling and we don't know why." (Jesse Crowe, Falling Castles) I hear it from people all over the U.S. who are discontent with denominations (see Lyle Schaller in NetResults, March/April, 2004) and who are searching for an authentic way to be the "body of Christ in motion". More often than not, they tell me of their desire to form a network of small groups, cells, or a "house church."
For years I (and many of us) have taught that as a congregation grows larger, it must likewise grow smaller. Small groups are a core ministry for assimilation and discipleship in the local church. The point of small groups is growing disciples toward greater faithfulness, giftedness and maturity in an attempt to accomplish the mission of the church with greater efficiency. Newer congregations are starting here—developing their small groups or cells as "the" core ministry. Ralph Neighbor is fond of saying that when cells are done properly, no other "programs" are necessary. While many might find that limiting, I have found Neighbor to have his hand on the pulse of the people in this country who are flocking from congregations, and yet who are more spiritual than ever before. These people want more than a talking head or wiz-bang worship band. They are looking for an experience with God that will transform their lives. As George Barna wrote, "the American public is sending the church a clear message, either make Christianity assessable and real or we will not participate." I would add that part of the "real" better be a small group of authentic followers of Jesus who are willing to grow deep in God's word and in accountable relationships. Without this relational component, people will not be assimilated or mobilized, and the church will decline more quickly.
So, what is happening? Why are cells replacing, not just augmenting many congregations?
I personally have experienced a life-giving small group in recent years, and it has been transformational. We have adopted a model that David Cho and Caesar Castalleanos developed in Korea and Columbia respectively. This concept, which Castelleanos calls the G-12, has a few aspects which set it apart from cells as traditionally understood in American Church life. First, the group of 12 will stay together and will not "divide or birth out" by separation. Second, each person in the group, even the pre-Christian, is being trained to be leader. Third, an "Encounter" (similar to an Emmaus Walk) is a requirement for each participant. Fourth, the cell is the primary care or pastoral unit as well as the primary evangelical aspect of the church. Fifth, each leader will begin his/her own cell group when ready but hopefully within six months. Sixth, all groups will be gender exclusive. In the model I am developing, I have added two other "core values"—One, We will never pay anyone to do anything on a regular basis—but we will expect that each person will mentor and train others to find their calling and do their ministry. And two, we will never own a building. We go in debt to mission, not to mortar. Our castles will not crumble away.
I am finding models like this exploding in the US. As recently as May 2003 Caesar Castalleanos brought this movement to Miami, Florida. Other people have written me or called me with stories of how they have likewise been impressed to adopt a similar model to what I have described above. I know of two ordained woman pastors who "left" the security of the local brick and mortar to pursue their passion for reaching people through small groups. I know of a few church planters (mostly United Methodists) who have moved from the "boot camp" model for church planting to this idea of making the cells the core. One such movement went from a struggling 60 to over 400 as they transitioned and began to concentrate on G-12 groups that exponentially multiply. For example, you can ideally go from 12 to 144 in just two generations of group multiplication. While not every G-12 is having these kinds of growth percentages, more and more are finding new life, greater integrity, and less expense in the cell vs. traditional brick and mortar ministries. The postmodern world sees its future in the past, as groups gather in homes for "church" with a level playing field, and in an arena where the gifts of the Spirit are openly embraced.
So what are the implications?
First, the role of the ordained paid pastor will diminish in my lifetime. As Bill Easum recently said, "the day of the Ancient/Future church is not coming … it is here. It is the Ancient/Present Church now."
Second, the day of the called, gifted, equipped, and mobilized contagious Christian has begun.
Third, Buildings will be dinosaurs which these cell groups will rent for one day a week or quarter, and not own.
Fourth, Acts 20:20 is fast becoming a reality.
Fifth, there will be many examples of failed groups who try this and who are not ready for the onslaught that will come their way as the effectiveness of this approach becomes evident. (You may not believe in Spiritual Warfare, but I have been there and have seen the wounded and dying.)
Seventh, just about the time this model really takes off, I bet God does something different again. Change is the only constant in life. There is no magic pill, no formula that will work "now and forever." Only the Gospel will remain.
What do you think? What are you seeing? Where do you think this will end?
