HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS Table Of Contents

Lesson 1: Home Cell Groups

Lesson 2: The Cell Group Meeting (Part A)

Lesson 3: The Cell Group Meeting (Part B)

Lesson 4: The Art Of Worship Leading

Lesson 5: The Cell Group Leader

Lesson 6: Ensuring Success In Home Cell Groups

Lesson 7: The Caring System

Lesson 8: The Art Of Shepherding (Part A)

Lesson 9: The Art Of Shepherding (Part B)

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 2 Lesson 10: The Shepherd's Life

Lesson 11: Pitfalls Of The Ministry

Lesson 12: The Holy Spirit

Lesson 13: The Power Of Prayer

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 3 Lesson 1: Home Cell Groups

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 4 Lesson 1

HOME CELL GROUPS Ps. 11:3 If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do? For a local church to be strong, it must be founded upon five basic pillars: a. Prayer Revival b. Fellowship Relationship c. Discipleship Reform d. Ministry Release e. Evangelism Reaching out

The primary reason for having home cell groups in a church is for the purpose of fellowship, to provide a biblical environment for members to build solid relationships

Heb. 10:25 (GNB) Let us not give up the habit of meeting together, as some are doing. Instead, let us encourage one another all the more, since you see that the Day of the Lord is coming nearer.

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 5 WHY IS FELLOWSHIP SO IMPORTANT?

1. I belong in God's family with other believers.

Eph. 2:19p (TLB) You are members of God's very own family and you belong in God's household with every other Christian.

Rom. 12:5 (NIV) So in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.

2. I need encouragement to grow spiritually.

Heb. 10:24 (Phillips) Let us think of one another and how we can encourage each other to love and do good deeds.

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 6 Ecc. 4:9-10, 12 (GNB) Two are better off than one, because together they can work more effectively. If one of them falls down, the other can help him up. But if someone is alone and falls, it's just too bad, because there is no one to help him ... Two people can resist an attack that would defeat one person alone. A rope made of three cords is hard to break.

3. I need accountability to grow spiritually.

Prov. 27:17 (GNB) People learn from one another, just as iron sharpens iron.

Heb. 3: 13p (TLB) Every day, keep encouraging one another so that none of you is hardened by the glamor of sin.

4. Jesus is present when we fellowship together.

5. There is great power when people pray together.

6. The place of agreement is the place of power!

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 7 7. Fellowship is a witness to the world.

John 17:21 (TLB) "My prayer for all of them is that they will be of one heart and mind ... and the world will believe You sent Me.“

Matthew 18:18-20

John 13:35 (TLB) "Your strong love for each other will prove to the world that you are My disciples.“

8. I am obliged to every other Christian.

1 Pet. 4:10 (TLB) God has given each of you some special abilities; be sure to use them to help each other ...

A spiritual gift is the special ability given by God to the believer for the purpose of ministering to other people.

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 8 1 Cor. 12:5, 27 (TLB) There are different kinds of service to God, but it is the same Lord we are serving ... All of you together are the one body of Christ and each one of you is a separate and necessary part of it.

Rom. 12:10 Honor one another. Rom . 13:8 Love one another. Rom . 15:7 Receive one another. 1 Cor. 12:25 Care for one another. Gal.5:13 Serve one another. Eph. 4:2 Bear with one another. Eph. 4:32 Be kind to one another. Eph. 4:32 Forgive one another. Eph. 5:21 Submit to one another. 1 Thess. 5:11 Comfort one another. 1 Thess. 5:11 Edify one another.

The number one reason for people staying in a church is relationships .

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 9 THREE PROBLEMS A GROWING CHURCH WILL FACE

1. Needs often go unmet.

Acts 6:1 (TLB) But with the believers multiplying rapidly, there were rumblings of discontent. Those who spoke only Greek complained that their widows were being discriminated against, that they were not being given as much food, in the daily distribution, as the widows who spoke Hebrew.

2. Pastors get burned out.

Ex. 18:17-18 (TLB) "It's not right!" his father-in-law exclaimed. "You're going to wear yourself out-and if you do, what will happen to the people? Moses, this job is too heavy a burden for you to try to handle all by yourself"

3. Pastors neglect important spiritual duties.

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 10 Every senior pastor of growing churches needs to play only two roles: 1) The chief leader 2) The chief feeder

To be the chief leader, a pastor needs to pray to get the vision and direction from the Lord.

To be the chief feeder, a pastor needs to constantly study God's Word to teach spiritual truths to the people.

HOW DID THE EARLY CHURCH OVERCOME THE PROBLEMS OF GROWTH?

Every member needs to be a part of a CELL GROUP

The Early Church had two types of church meetings: Acts 2:46, Acts 5:42

1. Large church celebrations 2. Small cell group fellowships.

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 11 At our church, we believe that we must grow larger and smaller at the same time.

THE ADVANTAGES OF HOME CELL GROUPS

1. It is infinitely expandable

2. It is unlimited geographically

3. It promotes relationships

4. It releases ministries

In every cell group, there would be:

- A cell group leader. - An assistant cell group leader. - A song-leader. - A game master. - A person in-charge of refreshment. - A hospitality person

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 12 5. It is good stewardship

IS THERE ANY OTHER BIBLICAL PRECEDENCE?

1. Moses and the children of Israel.

2. Jesus and the 12 disciples.

Consider the largest church in the world, the Yoido Full Gospel Church in Seoul, Korea.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF OUR CELL GROUPS?

Read Acts 2:42-47.

1. Discussing the Sunday sermon (practical)

Acts 2:42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine ...

Benefit: By joining a cell group, I will understand the Bible better.

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 13 2. Fellowship

Acts 2:42 ... and fellowship ...

Benefit: By joining a cell group, I will feel like a real part of God's Family.

3. Prayer

Acts 2:42 ... and in prayers.

Benefit: By joining a cell group, prayer will become more meaningful to me.

4. Support

Acts 2:44-45 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 14 Phil. 4:15 (Phillips) You were the only church who shared with me the fellowship of giving and receiving.

Rom. 12:13 (TLB) When God's children are in need, you be the one to help them out ...

Benefit: By joining a cell group, I will be able to better handle stress.

5. Fellowship

Acts 2:46 ... they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart.

Rom. 12:13 (TLB) And get into the habit of inviting guests home for dinner or, if they need lodging, for the night.

Benefit: By joining a cell group, I will develop leadership and communication skills.

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 15 6. Praise and Worship

Acts 2:47 Praising God and having favor with all the people ...

Benefit: By joining a cell group, I will deepen my understanding of worship

7. Outreach

Acts 2:47 ... and the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.

Benefit: By joining a cell group, I will be able to share Christ to others in a natural relaxed way.

Eph. 2:19p (TLB) You are a member of God's very own family and you belong in God's household with every other Christian.

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 16 You become a Christian by committing yourself to Christ but you can only become a member by committing yourself to other Christians. And you do that by committing yourself to a cell group.

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 17 Lesson 2: The Cell Group Meeting (Part A)

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 18 Lesson 2

THE CELL GROUP MEETING (Part A)

The cell group meeting format is divided into five segments: a. Welcome 5 min ) b. Worship 20 min ) Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes c. Word 50 min ) d. Work 15 min )

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 19 1. Welcome : Getting Acquainted

Playing “Ice breakers " in cell group meetings have tremendous benefits:

- It brings everyone in the gathering to a common focus. - It takes people from superficial interaction into a deeper one. - It helps people to mingle in a non-threatening way. - It removes initial self-consciousness and the feeling of being "lost." - It helps people discover common interests. - It makes people feel comfortable in sharing. - It encourages cooperation and bonding among members.

A conscientious cell group leader is constantly looking out for fresh, appropriate and interesting games to play at the beginning of every cell group meeting.

2. Worship: Touching God.

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 20 3. Word: Edification Time.

4. Share and facilitate discussions.

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 21 a. To allow God to speak to us through the Bible, and this is done through sharing on what has been preached.

Acts 5:42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.

Acts 20:20 "How I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house." b. To allow the members' value system to be challenged. The core beliefs of a person determine his or her behavior, attitude and primary outlook in life. Some of these core beliefs need a major overhaul. And this is done by allowing the members a time of discussion.

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 22 c. Be positive when opening a meeting.

1) Never start a meeting with a negative statement. 2) Always create an atmosphere of expectancy. 3) Start with a positive statement of faith that deals with the now.

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 23 Some Preaching "Wisdom“ a. Speaking.

1) Speak naturally.

Speak the way you normally speak, just louder . Do not try to put on a fake accent. That will alienate you from the members.

2) Speak clearly.

Do not use words or terms people do not understand. Speak with confidence and authority

Heb. 10:35 Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. a) Confidence comes by knowing who God is and who you are in Him.

Dan. 11:32 The people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits.

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 24 b) Confidence comes by knowing what God wants to do in the cell group meeting. c) Confidence comes when you have internalized the Word you are facilitating. d) Confidence comes when you sense the anointing upon you through prayer b. Pitch: Use the lower part of your voice.

When turning up your volume, consciously turn down the pitch. It is bad to speak in a uniform, monotonous pitch all the time. c. Loudness: Speak a little louder than absolutely necessary. d. Rate: The larger your cell group, the slower you should speak. e. Grammar f. Bad habits : Watch out for "whang-doodles.“ g. Body.

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 25 When you are speaking in front of a group, the two most important attitudes you need to project: (1) alertness (2) enthusiasm

1) Posture: Watch how you sit.

2) Gesture: Your gestures should relate to the point you are trying to make.

3) Eye: Look at everyone in the room; learn to scan.

4) Appearance.

Always dress casually smart for a cell group meeting. Clothing should be clean, neat and pressed. Sloppy dressing evokes sloppy attitudes. Do not dress in any way that brings unnecessary distraction to your physical attributes. Always dress a little more conservative than the average person in the cell group.

5) Work: People Ministry. a. Ministry time.

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 26 Ministry is more than just speaking, it is allowing God's power to touch and change the lives of the people.

More than just knowing the Word of God, the members must now experience the God of the Word.

Mark 16:15-18

Deut. 4:29 "But from there you will seek the LORD your God, and you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul.“

As you lay hands or simply pray for the people, you must be very aware that you are stepping into the anointing. b. Attitudes for ministry time.

Eph. 6:14-15 (NIV) Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 27 c. Personal contact with the people.

1) Attending skills: Presenting yourself physically in a manner that shows you are paying attention to your members.

S Face your members squarely

0 Adopt an open posture.

L Lean toward the other person.

E Maintain good eye contact.

R Relax while you attend to the person.

2) Observation skills: Helps you assess how your sharing is being received.

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 28 Non-Verbal Communication Possible Feelings Smiling Enthusiasm Nodding Understanding Yawning, empty stare Boredom Looking at watch Boredom Frowning, scratching head Confusion Slouching or drawing back Uninterested Folding of arms, crossing of legs Distrust, distancing Palms supporting chin Mind is elsewhere Hands clasped tightly until Anxious, fearful knuckles whitened Deep thoughts, troubled Hands clutching the forehead

Facial Expression Possible Feelings Smiling face Happy to see you Stoic face Stern, tolerates no nonsense Sneering, cynical look Unbelief, proud ... quit soon Quizzical look You have lost him Looking downwards most of Shy, feeling condemned, the time inferior

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 29 Voice Possible Feelings Quivers when speaking Nervous, fearful Maintaining a medium, Very controlled monotonous voice most of the time

3) Listening skills.

A good communicator is a good listener. "Hearing" is merely recording the other person's verbal message. An "active listener" seeks to listen to the speaker's heart-his pain, struggles, hurts, etc. Most of the time, your members do not just want to give you information, they want your understanding.

4) Questioning skills. a) Do not ask leading questions. b) Do not ask questions that can be answered with a "Yes" or "No."

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 30 c. Vision for the cell group.

1) A vision for edification: Constantly put the vision of personal spiritual growth before the people.

2 Pet. 1:8 (TLB) The more you go on in this way, the more you will grow strong spiritually and become fruitful and useful to our Lord Jesus Christ.

2) A vision for evangelism : Constantly put the vision of outreach and growth for the cell group before the people.

John 4:35 "Do you not say, 'There are still four months and then comes the harvest'? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!“

Col. 2:19p (GNB) Under Christ's control, the whole Body is nourished and grows as God wants it to grow.

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 31 Lesson 3: The Cell Group Meeting (Part B)

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 32 Lesson 3

THE CELL GROUP MEETING (Part B)

1. Before the actual day of a cell group meeting. a. You have contacted all the members to come. (need to be intentional). b. Someone is accompanying the newcomers and elderly people to the meeting. c. Transportation and the parking of cars are not a problem d. Children of the members will be well-taken care of (mat’l from office) e. Pray for God to minister to the people through His Word and the Holy Spirit.

2. On the actual day: The pre-meeting set-up. a. Greet the host. b. Welcome members personally.

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 33 Prov. 18:24 A man who has friends must himself be friendly ... c. Good seating. d. Order of meeting.

It is a good practice to always write down the order of the meeting on a small piece of paper: (1) it provides simple direction, (2) it cuts off unnecessary excess of overly-spiritual leading (1 Cor. 14:32), and (3) it promotes "orderliness" and "decency“ (1 Cor. 14:33).

3. Opening the meeting,

Begin the meeting on time; never start late!

Prov. 10:4 He who has a slack hand becomes poor, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.

In order to start the meeting on time, do not get into a "heavy“ conversation, counselling, praying for needs.

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 34 You must start on time and end on time.

4. Room Environment. a. Physical dimension of the room

Make sure the room is the appropriate size for your cell group.

RULE: Better to have standing room only than too much space. b. Arrangement of chairs.

RULE: Have lesser chairs than necessary.

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 35 Sitting in one big circle is not always a good arrangement: (1) people on opposite sides will feel far from each other, (2) you risk exposing people to bad countenances, (3) poor eye contact when you lead, and (4) it does not give the best sound effect when the cell group sings.

C. Lighting

D. Ventilation

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 36 For best concentration, keep the temperature of the air-conditioning between 22°c to 24°c

Too warm, the people may feel sleepy.

Too cool, the people may lose concentration.

Watch out for direct drafts from the air vent. It is very discomforting for those sitting in front off it. e. Check for distractions. f. Song-sheets and other handouts. g. Clock.

5. Food and refreshments.

RULE : If the serving of food is planned, do it at the end of the cell group meeting and not the beginning.

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 37 REASON: Food dulls the alertness and enthusiasm of the people especially if it has been a tiring day for all.

6. When the meeting has ended. a. Close the meeting before the meeting ends. b. Do not allow the people to linger around for too long. c. Transport home. d. Manifestation of demons and deliverance ministry.

7. Members who help. a. Empower members wisely. b. Always give people due recognition.

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 38 CONCLUSION

Your consistency will ensure increasing attendance.

Complacency will eventually lead to decline and disintegration.

Aim for souls to get saved every week through your cell group ministry.

John 15:8 (TLB) "My true disciples produce bountiful harvests. This brings great glory to My Father. “

Desire → Decision → Dedication → Discipline → details.

Excellence is the attention to details that gives rise to superior performance which leads to promotion in life. When details are not well taken care of, members lose their concentration, feel uncomfortable, and get distracted. When details are attended to, the cell group meeting flows smoothly and the Lord could do a great work in the members' lives.

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 39 Lesson 4: The Art Of Worship Leading

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 40 Lesson 4

THE ART OF WORSHIP LEADING

FOUR GOALS OF THE WORSHIP TIME

1. To bring the people closer to God.

2. To create a spiritual environment for the Holy Spirit’s anointing and gifts. a) Words that we speak. b) Songs that we sing. c) Attitudes we carry.

2 Kings 3:15, Isaiah 10:27

3. To provide an effective platform for the ministry of the word.

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 41 4. To increase the people's spiritual momentum toward a spiritual goal

2 Chronicles 5:13-14

We all come from diverse backgrounds. When we come together in worship , we need unity among us. Praise and worship is one of those unifying things. It is a vehicle that helps us get our minds off distractions and problems, and focus in on one common goal.

HOW DO WE PREPARE OURSELVES TO LEAD IN WORSHIP?

1. Be sensitive to the songs the Holy Spirit is impressing in your heart for the week.

Prov. 25:2 It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, but the glory of kings is to search out a matter.

2. Be meticulous in choosing songs. a) Order.

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 42 b) Theme: What is the main purpose of our singing?

❑ High Praise ❑ Deep Worship c) Focus: Who are you singing to?

❑ Toward man? ❑ Toward God?

Watch out for “negative progression” d) Keys.

To sing a medley of songs, choose songs with keys that are close together.

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 43 e) Tempo.

It is helpful to create a "flow" during the worship time. Jumping back and forth between different songs of different tempos (fast, slow, fast, slow), or continually stopping and starting, can be very disruptive to the worshipers.

A smooth continuity will create a comfortable atmosphere which allows the people to focus on the Lord instead of wondering what is going to happen next.

There are three basic types of tempos:

1) Normal rock beat. 2) Waltz beat. 3) Shuffle.

3. Visualize the whole worship experience. a. Where am I leading the members to with each song? b. What happens in my spirit when I come to the end of each song?

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 44 c. Where would the people be by the end of each song?

Ask yourself where the Holy Spirit is taking the group to after each song? Will the members spiritually still be at the Outer Court? The Holy Place? The Holy of Holies?

How do you know when you have brought the people into God's presence? It will not be something you could see with your natural eye. Neither is there a written formula. It is something in the invisible realm of the Holy Spirit.

Sometimes when you feel the presence of the Lord in the room so strongly, that is the time you know that you have finished your job. The only thing left for you to do is to get out of God's way. You now need to give the people space to worship God without being "distracted" by the lyrics or your commands.

Many times it will not be appropriate for you to say or do anything. When you get to the place where you know that it is no longer you leading the people but the Spirit of the Lord, that means you have successfully led the people into the presence of God. Congratulations!

4. Practice with your musician(s)

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 45 Your spirit must discern the deep things of God. Not every one is going to be as prepared as you are to worship God in the meeting. You may have personally spent much time in prayer and preparation for the meeting. But many of your members may not-they are not mentally or spiritually prepared to enter into the presence of God.

If you decide to move ahead regardless of whether the people are prepared or not, you may leave many of them behind. So you must motivate them and allow them time to progress with you. Otherwise, they will be lost, and the whole worship time becomes a solo performance-of you the leader! One way to pull the people up to your level is to repeat the songs a little bit more. This allows the truth of the words to penetrate the minds and hearts of the people more thoroughly than just singing the song once through. However, you would not want to repeat the song too often either. Singing a song four times through would probably be the maximum for each song.

A skillful worship leader constantly seeks to find a balance. You need to repeat a song enough to allow the lyrics to "sink in." But you want to be careful not to over-peak a song!

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 46 THE WORSHIP LEADING ( Choose from core songs).

1. Musicians. a. Choose songs way in advance, and give the song list to your musician(s) before the meeting starts. Use the church core songs. b. Know the limitation of your musician(s) in terms of skill. c. Never correct the musician(s) or argue publicly.

2. Do not spend too much time talking.

Your members want to focus on God, not what you have to say. Say the bare minimum to provide leadership. Seek to get out of the way as soon as possible. Minimize talking, but if you need to say something, keep it short!

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 47 a. Do not introduce every song you sing. b. Do not preach, especially if you are not the cell group leader. c. Do not rebuke the people harshly. d. Do not fake it. e. Do not talk too much if your spirit is not fresh.

Psalms 47:1

3. Talk only if ... a. The people are not at ease. b. Explanation is needed for newcomers or visitors. c. Exhortation is genuinely beneficial.

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 48 4. Know your songs inside out. a. Never use songs you are not comfortable with. b. Never practice on the people c. If the people are singing a new song wrongly, stop and re-teach them. d. Know the tunes and lyrics well. e. Sing songs with a "present touch" of God. f. Provide lyrics for the group, and be sure to check for typos!

5. Make full use of your main song. a. You must know which is your main song-and there should only be one! b. Sing it over and over again if you have to. c. You do not have to sing every song you have planned.

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 49 6. Speed. a. Know that not everyone sings with the same speed. Be just ahead of the middle ground. b. Do not be "pulled" or "pushed" by the members.

7. Keep the flow. a. Do not stop after every song. b. Keep the music flowing between songs and while sharing. c. Do not be afraid of silence, but do not pause too long.

Pause for a maximum of 20 seconds. Otherwise, the people's minds start wandering off.

8. Don’t force the operation of spiritual gifts.

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 50 9. Provide leadership in the praise and worship. a. Sing the melody rather than the harmony of a song. Be careful not to rave too much! b. Mouth the words clearly if you have vocal fatigue. c. Sing audibly with authority and confidence. d. You must lead-not the cell group members or musician(s). e. Lead with your face and body. Smile, raise your eyebrows, look forward and upward . f. Lead by example and with enthusiasm. g. Stay focused; do not let your mind wander. h. Know when to stop; do not over-climax by singing too many times! i. If there are two climaxes (usually the case in worship), do not overdo the first one. HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 51 10. Vocal signalling. a. Use vocal signals like "sing it again," "from the beginning," etc. b. If you want to repeat a portion of the song, say out the first line of that portion. Do not sing it unless you are very experienced in doing it! c. If the cell group is singing without music accompaniment and you want to go on to a new stanza, immediately sing the first line of the new stanza without pausing.

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 52 11. Hand signalling. a. Numbering with fingers to indicate the stanza, chorus or bridge. b. Thumbs up for modulating one key higher. c. Clenched fist to indicate that you are ending the song. d. Draw a circle with your last finger to repeat the last line(s). e. "Wavering" of the palm to indicate singing in the spirit. f. "Push your palm downward" to slow down the last part of the song. g. "Flip the page" to go to the next song.

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 53 12. Standing.

Standing evokes a sense of expectancy. Get the members to stand whenever possible, unless they are elderly people.

13. Using "free worship" chord progression.

John 4:24 "God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth."

1 Cor. 14:15 What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding.

We need to worship God with our human spirit. By using simple chord progressions, we can allow the people to sing spontaneously unto the Lord. These times are referred to as "free worship,“ "open worship" or "singing in the spirit." Whatever terminology you use, they give freedom for the members to express their own heartfelt worship unto God.

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 54 The worship leader can choose to use a one- or two-chord progressions to facilitate the spontaneous singing. More experienced worshipers can use a three- to five-chord progressions.

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 55 Lesson 5: The Cell Group Leader

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 56 Lesson 5

THE CELL GROUP LEADER

Everything in life rises and falls on leadership.

The cell group leader must be qualified and anointed to do the job!

QUALIFICATIONS FOR CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP

1. Biblical profile of a leader. a. Good reputation

A cell group leader should have a clear, visible, powerful testimony of what God has done for him or her.

They have to be living proofs that the gospel does work today.

The cornerstone of character is faithfulness.

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 57 According to Luke 16:10-12, a leader must have proven to be:

1) “Faithful in what is least.” a) Church attendance. b) Family relationships. c) Work Ethics.

“Faithful in the unrighteous mammon.” a) Tithing b) Generous in giving offerings. c) Fulfilling faith promise on time. d) Managing own personal finances well.

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 58 b. Full of the Holy Spirit. c. Full of wisdom.

1) Wisdom is knowledge that is properly applied.

2) Wisdom is the ability to all matters from a point of view.

Wisdom is a gift from God . d. Full of faith

A leader must have a " visible faith life."

Philem. 6 (TLB) And I pray that as you share your faith with others it will grip their lives too, as they see the wealth of good things in you that come from Christ Jesus.

There are many other Bible passages that talk about the qualification of church leadership. Read Exodus 18:21 and 1 Timothy 3.

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 59 But apart from the basic biblical profile for leadership selection in the Early Church, we look for a few more things.

2. Love. a. Loving God Wholeheartedly. b. Loving People Fervently.

3. Freed – up lifestyle.

To be effective, a cell group leader must have the time to serve.

4. A great attitude!

Your life is a reflection of your attitude.

Attitude is more important than aptitude. Your attitude in Christ is going to be influenced by your attitude in life. Understanding attitude is so important for all of us. Your attitude is the core of your heart-the "heart" of your heart. No one can rule over your attitude-your attitude is the real you!

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 60 A leader must have four great attitudes: a. Humility b. Positive attitude.

"Two men look out through the same bars; one sees the mud and one the stars." Frederick Langbridge

"The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees opportunity in every difficulty." Winston Churchill

“A person will be just about as happy as they make up their minds to be." Abraham Lincoln

Ps. 144:15 Happy are the people whose God is the LORD!"

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 61 c. Enthusiasm

"Enthusiasm" in Greek means En theos or "God in you!"

Synonyms for enthusiasm : eager, lively, earnest, keen, excited, zestful, zealous, highly motivated, passionate, devoted, exuberant, high-spirited, fervent, vigorous, wholehearted!

Rom. 12:11 (TLB) Never be lazy in your work but serve the Lord enthusiastically.

Rev. 3:19 (TLB) ''Turn from your indifference and become enthusiastic about the things of God. “ d. Willingness

Ps. 110:3 (KJV) Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power ...

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 62 1 Chr. 28:9 “As for you, ... know the God of your father, and serve Him with a loyal heart and with a willing mind; for the LORD searches all hearts and understands all the intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will be found by you ... “

Ex. 35:21 Then everyone came whose heart was stirred, and everyone whose spirit was willing, and they brought the LORD's offering for the work of the tabernacle of meeting, for all its service, and for the holy garments.

A willing attitude will give you five things:

1) Willingness releases the ability in you to do the job.

2) Willingness gives you tremendous energy.

3) Willingness brings with it strategy.

4) Willingness makes you teachable

Prov. 12:1 (TLB) To learn, you must want [be willing] to be taught ... HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 63 5. Blessings.

Discipleship is "come to Me" (John 6:65-68). Discipleship is "be with Me" (Mark 3:14 ). Discipleship is "follow Me" (Matt. 4:19).

One of the most important truths in discipleship is this: true discipleship happens in the most natural circumstances!

True discipleship takes place under the most ordinary, natural circumstances when our

Values are challenged, Attitudes are fine-tuned, and Character is developed.

CAN WOMEN SERVE AS CELL GROUP LEADERS?

Gal. 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 64 In Romans 7:2, "the woman who has a husband" in Greek is gune hupandros.

Gune Wife Hypo Under Aner Husband

1. The "woman" here does not mean any female person (Gr. the/us) . It is talking specifically about a female who is married-she is the wife of a husband.

2. In the authority structure of a marriage and family, the wife must submit to the husband. This is consistent with the overall teaching of the Bible-both Old and New Testaments

3. A married woman can serve in church and be a leader. But she should always submit to her husband and be under him in leadership matters. She can serve as a leader under her husband. Otherwise, the authority structure in the marriage and family breaks down.

4. Practically, if a married woman is going to be a cell group leader or church leader, then ...

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 65 a. Her husband should not be a member of the same cell group as she is leading. b. Her husband should hold a higher leadership position than her in church.

5. If a woman is single , then there is no problem. That is why many women who are called to senior leadership usually end up unmarried.

In 1 Corinthians 14:34, the word "speak" (Gr. /a/eo) means idle character . The context has to do with the distracting or disorderly conduct of some married women in the Corinthian Church.

Romans 16:1 Phoebe was a diakonos or "deacon." Phil. 4:2-3 Euodia and Syntyche were church leaders Acts 16:14 Lydia was the first convert in Europe and the founding leader of the Philippian Church. Acts 18:2, 26 Priscilla was a church leader with her husband Aquila. Acts 21:8-9 Philip's four daughters were prophesying regularly

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 66 Lesson 6: Ensuring Success In Home Cell Groups

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 67 1. The cell group meeting must have five basic ingredients.

Church Five Pillars Our Aim

Temple Worship Revival

Family Fellowship Relationship

Flock Discipleship Reform

Body Ministry Release

Army Evangelism Reach Out

In a two-year study of 287 growing churches, Thorn Rainer found that their mission statements all articulate the five pillars of worship, fellowship, discipleship, ministry and evangelism. a. Worship: Prayer and Praise

Prayer produces spiritual intimacy among the members

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 68 b. Fellowship: Sharing life together.

1 Cor. 1:9 God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

1) My relationships determine my happiness.

2) My relationships determine my success.

3) My relationships develop my character

1 Cor. 15:33 (NIV) Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character." c. Discipleship: Lessons should flow with the current truth preached on the weekend. d. Ministry: Meeting needs with love.

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 69 John 13:35 "By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.“

1 Cor. 12:4-5, 18p (TLB) Now God gives us many kinds of special abilities and there are different kinds of ministry to God. God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased.

1 Pet. 4:10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

1 Cor. 12:27 (TLB) All of you together are the one body of Christ and each one of you is a separate and necessary part of it.

Every cell member is a minister. Every task is important Every cell member is a "1 0" in some area

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 70 Our church motto: To find a need and meet it, to find a hurt and heal it e. Evangelism: The cell meeting should be evangelistic.

2. Keep the cell group meeting format simple and concise.

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 71 A SAMPLE CELL GROUP FORMAT Welcome Ice breaker. 5 mins

Worship Songs. 20 mins Exercising of gifts. Prayer (by leader).

Word Lead a cell group lesson. 50 mins Discussion.

Works Altar call. 15 mins Prayer for the members. Announcements. Vision sharing and evangelism plan. Closing prayer

Total Time Required: 1 hr 30 mins

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 72 3. Meetings need to be highly discipline to produce evangelism and growth.

There is the danger in cell groups becoming " inward" and existing only to feed themselves. Members are not interested to fulfill the Great Commission in soul-winning. And when the time comes for the cell group to multiply (for the sake of growing the kingdom), the members are not willing to do so.

4. Soul Winning is essential for a cell group to succeed. a. Set goal.

Identify a reasonable target area and target people. b. Pray specifically and persistently for the unchurched.

2 Cor. 4:4 (TLB) Satan, who is the god of this evil world, has made him blind, unable to see the glorious light of the Gospel that is shining upon him, or to understand the amazing message we preach about the glory of Christ, who is God.

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 73 YOIDO FULL GOSPEL CHURCH

Meditation Hymns or choruses

Praise Silent prayer. Apostle's Creed (in unison) 3 min Hymns or choruses (in 7 min unison) Individual prayer.

Communion with God Bible study and sermon (by cell group leader). 30 min Prayer (In unison 3 min

Gratitude Offering Prayer or thanks (by cell 5 min group leader)

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 74 Fellowship Intercessory prayer (in 10 mins unison). Introduce new converts. Hymn Closing The Lord's Prayer (sung 2 mins in unison).

Total time required 1 hour

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 75 EKKLESIA MINISTRY

Ice Breaker Hymns or choruses 5 min

Praise and Worship Opening Prayer 20 min Songs Exercising of gifts

Welcome Greet new friends. 5 min Announcements.

Word Altar call. 20 min Prayer for members. Closing prayer

Ministry Altar call. Prayer for the memebers. 10 min Closing prayer Total Time Required 1 hour

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 76 Remember, it takes a natural army 6 times more power to take new ground than to maintain a position. So pray, pray and pray! c. Activate the caring system.

5. Each cell group leader should get as many members as possible to serve.

One of the greatest cause of weakness in the body of Christ is spiritual unemployment.

Eph 4:11

Only through serving can members grow into spiritual maturity and take ownership of the church vision.

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 77 For example, in a cell group of 14 active members, every one can be involved in serving:

One person Cell group leader One person Potential cell group leader One person Worship leader One person Song-sheet 1/C One person Meeting host (home owner) One person Physical arrangement 1/C One person Ice breaker 1/C Two persons Sharing testimonies Two persons Refreshment 1/C One person Reminder of new friends for meeting Two persons Driving new friends to meeting

With such a cell group where members are actively responsible for their tasks, the group will grow rapidly.

6. Rotating host homes

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 78 a. Scriptualre basis: The believers in the Early Church met "from house to house" (Acts 2:46). b. When Christians worship God in a home, that home is blessed. c. It does not antagonize hostile unbelieving family members and neighbors.

Unwritten rule in our church: No home should host a cell group for more than six months. In Dr. Cho's Yoido Full Gospel Church, no home should host a cell group for more than one month.

7. Keeping the cell group homogenous

It is a proven sociological fact that people like to become Christians without crossing too many barriers. Organize your cell groups into various types of homogenous groups (or "affinity groups" or "connect groups"):

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 79 - Children cell groups. - High school students cell groups. - University cell groups. - Businesspeople cell groups. - Chinese-speaking cell groups. - Dialect-speaking cell groups. - Musician cell groups. - Airline cabin crew cell groups. - Usher ministry cell groups. - Expatriate cell groups. - Medical care-giver cell groups. - Housewives cell groups

Try to keep the cell groups as homogenous as possible-according to education, language, age, profession, geographical proximity, sex, etc. But beware of extremes, such as segregating between rich and poor, skin color, etc.

8. Multiplication at the right time.

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 80 LIFE CYCLE OF A CELL GROUP

Stages Focus Issue Months

Exploration On the cell group Do I belong to 2 this cell group Transition On self What can the cell 2.5 group do to me? Bonding On cell group What can I do for 1.5 ( Evangelism ) members the cell group

Outreach On the lost What can the cell 4 (Evangelism) group do for the unchurched?

Multiplication On growth What must the 2 celll group do too multiply? Total Time 12 Required

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 81 After the original group of cell members has met for six to nine months, it is time to plan for multiplication . Cell members should share testimonies to tell of what God is doing for them through the cell meetings.

The enthusiasm of the cell group leader and members will be infectious and people will look forward to the multiplication. Because it means that more people can be ministered to and blessed, and the kingdom of God can expand.

Church-wide, the pastor should use to show how many people have been saved, healed and helped through the cell group meetings. This will keep the priority and interest for cell groups high on everybody's mind.

9. Home visitation is a must. a. Home visitations in the ministry of Jesus Christ.

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 82 - Jesus visited the house of Simon Peter and ministered to his sick mother-in-law (Mark 1:29-31 ).

- Jesus preached in a house and healed a paralytic man there (Mark 2:1-12).

- Jesus visited Jairus' dying daughter in his house (Mark 5:38).

- Jesus healed the sick daughter of a Syro-Phoenician woman in a home visitation (Mark 7:24-30).

- Jesus blessed a child in a house (Mark 9:33-37).

- The Last Supper was held in a house (Mark 14:14).

- Jesus did most of His discipling in houses (Matt. 13:36).

- Jesus empowered His disciples to minister as they did their home visitations (Matt. 1 0:5-15).

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 83 b. Home visitations in the early church.

-The believers shared the Word of God in a house (Acts 2:46).

-The believers met daily in houses (Acts 5:42).

- Ananias visited Saul in a house and prayed for him to receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit (Acts 9:11-18).

- Peter raised a dead woman in a home visitation (Acts 9:37 -40).

- Paul ministered faithfully through home visitations (Acts 20:20).

- Paul healed many sick when he did one home visitation (Acts 28:7-10).

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 84 c. Home visitations in modern – day revivals.

1) Yoido Full Gospel Church in Seoul (Dr. Yonggi Cho ).

1981 70,000 homes 200 staff (1 :350 homes) 1990 600,000 homes 600 staff ( 1 : 1 , 000 homes)

An average pastoral staff spends 16 days per month in home visitations, doing 91 visits per month.

An average cell group leader makes three to five visits per week. An average potential cell group leader makes one visit per week.

2) Cathedral of Praise in Manila (Dr. David Sumrall).

18,000 regular Sunday church attenders.

51 pastoral staff each visit 30 to 35 homes per week.

20 pastors-in-training each visit 50 homes per week.

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 85 3) Metro Christian Center in New York (Rev. Bill Wilson).

20,000 regular Sunday school attenders.

200 pastoral staff visit 22,000 people everyweek.

4) Victory Christian Center in Tulsa (Dr. Billy-Joe Daugherty).

When VCC was 8,500 members in the 1990s ...

11 "Care Pastors" were visiting between 350 to families each in a year d. There are four different kinds of visitations:

1) Visitation to invite unchurched people.

2) Visitation to formally welcome church visitors.

3) Visitation to explain the gospel or certain doctrine to newcomers.

4) Visitation to minister to the needs of church members

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 86 e. The five goals of home visitations:

1) To gather accurate information about a newcomer.

2) Provide ministry

3) Pray for unchurched family members and neighbors.

4) Share a vision.

5)Bless the home. f. Attitudes in a home visitation?

P Positive Attitude

L Loving

A Accepting

N Nourishing

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 87 g. Visit homes 2-by-2

1) There is a better chance of you really going.

2) There is greater boldness and confidence

No man should visit a woman who is alone in the house, and vice versa. He runs the risk of being tempted to compromise morally. Even worse if two men were to visit a woman who is alone in the house. The men run the risk of being falsely accused of molestation, rape, etc.

No woman should go home visitation alone. She runs the risk of being intimidated, abused, molested, raped,etc. This is another reason why it is always good to go with a partner of the opposite sex. Women should carry a personal alarm wherever they go. Remember the advice of Jesus? "Behold, I send you out as lambs among wolves" (Luke 1 0:3). Remember, ministry is spiritual warfare!

3. There is prayer covering for each other.

4) Each visit should take no more than30 minutes

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 88 Lesson 7: The Caring System

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 89 Lesson 7 THE CARING SYSTEM

There is a difference between "evangelism" and “effective evangelism.“

Effective evangelism is the whole church giving

the whole gospel to the whole world!

Effective evangelism begins when every member in the congregation realizes that he or she is a soul-winner.

The Great Commission is not just the pastor's job, or the visiting evangelist's job. It is every member's job. Therefore, as responsible Christians of a local church, all of us play an important part in the life and growth of the congregation-to make disciples for Jesus Christ and build His Church.

It is really not enough just wanting to grow, or wanting to care, you need to have a definite, well-thought-out plan, for caring and reaching people outside the four walls of the church.

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 90 Prov. 16:9 (TLB) We should make plans-counting on God to direct us.

The Church is the living body of Jesus Christ. As a body, a Church is a living system. It is alive with people, faith and ministry. It is an active collection of ministries, cell groups, people, and purposes.

The Church lives as it communicates God's love and care to those people it wishes to reach, as it faithfully incorporates its new members into the cell group family. Every thing we do-communication, programs, group decisions, and action-is a reflection of the caring, or lack of caring, in a local church.

“Caring System”

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 91 1. Discovery stage We identify the people who are open to God's love and their individual needs.

2. Responding stage We respond to those needs in as many ways as we can .

We reach out and integrate these 3. Integration stage new people into active membership in the church.

The entire cell group-everybody!-plays an important part in reaching out to the lost with the love of Jesus Christ. But first, you must see that your cell group forms an intricate

“Web of friendship connection and influence.”

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 92 AN EXAMPLE OF THE "CARING SYSTEM" AT WORK

We discovered that there were people in our community who were especially good prospects for becoming Christians and members of our cell group.

We also discovered that most people came to Christ and the church by some natural "bridge," or oikos connection.

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 93 We found that simple door-to-door visitation, or what we call "cold turkey" evangelism, was far less productive than developing a prospect list of people that we could build bridges to.

One of the first steps in our "Caring System" includes finding new people who will be especially responsive to our outreach efforts

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 94 DISCOVERY stage: For instance, visitors at our worship services are usually quite receptive, so we add these people to our prospect list. We also include people contacted through various ministries of the church, and we ask our cell group members for names of unchurched friends and relatives

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 95 CARING SYSTEM #1: THE DISCOVERY STAGE

1. People in our “circle of influence”

Surveys have shown that an average person in a church has between 6 to 12 people

... that he can call by name, ... that he would consider as a close friend or relative, ... who are presently not attending any church.

Where can we find them? a. Friends. b. Relatives. c. Workplace or school. d. Professional association. e. Social clubs or organizations.

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 96 In the Year 2001 Church Census, the following percentage of church members cited their reasons for staying in church:

76% Friends and relatives. 13% Pastor. 7% Walk-in. 4% Evangelistic rallies.

Soul-winning through friendship connections is consistent with the New Testament pattern

- Andrew brought his brother Simon Peter to Jesus. - Philip found his friend Nathanael and told him of Jesus. - Paul told the Philippian jailer that he and his family must believe in Jesus Christ to be saved.

Unchurched people are to most responsive the gospel and they become Christians and active church members during periods of transition.

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 97 A period of transition is a span of time in which an individual's or family's normal everyday behavior patterns are disrupted by some irregular event that requires an unfamiliar response.

a. Crisis.

b. Change and adjustment,

c. Stress.

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 98 The Receptivity-Rating Scale

Minor violation of the law----11 Christmas season ----12 Vacation ----13 Family-----15 Change in sleeping habits ----16 Easter season ----17 Mortgage/Loan less than $10,000 ---- 18 Change in social activities ---- 18 Change in recreational habits ---- 19 Change in school ---- 20 Change in residence ---- 20 Change in work hours/conditions ---- 20 Boss trouble ---- 23 Revision of personal habits ---- 24 Change in living condition ----25 Starting/Finishing school ----26 Spouse starts work ----26

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 99 Outstanding personal achievement ---- 28 Trouble with in-laws ---- 29 Children leaving home ---- 29 Change of responsibility ---- 29 Foreclosure of mortgage/loan ---- 30 Mortgage/Loan more than $10,000 ---- 31 Marriage arguments ---- 35 Death of close friend ---- 37 Change of financial status ----38 Work readjustment ---- 39 New addition to the family ---- 39 Sex difficulties ---- 39

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 100 Pregnancy ---- 40 Health problems ---- 4 Retirement ---- 45 Reconciliation in family ---- 5 Fired from work ---- 4 7 Marriage ---- 50 Injury or illness ---- 53 Death of family member ----63 Jail term ---- 63 Separation ---- 65 Divorce ----79 Death of spouse ----100

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 101 Out of the 41 different events on the Receptivity-Rating Scale, we can break them down into five major groups of crisis and change:

1) Personal 37%

2) Marital 22%

3) Work 17%

4) Family 14%

5) Financial 10% a. Someone having more than one period of transition simultaneously will be more open to God's love than if the events had occurred separately. b. The larger the number or accumulation of numbers, the onger period of transition will last and the more intense it will be. c. This "period of transition" does not last forever (indefinitely).

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 102 4. Four categories of first-time visitors. a. The Unchurched. b. The Re-churched. c. The De-churched. d. The What-churched.

THE PROSPECT LIST

Once you identify potential new Christians, write their names down on a prospect list. A prospect list is a specific list of non-Christians, or people outside the fellowship of the church (e.g. backsliders), who are responsive to our church, and to whom a already exists through one or more attenders in our church.

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 103 PROSPECT LIST

1. 6.

2. 7.

3. 8.

4. 9.

5. 10.

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 104 1. It helps the cell group to focus its planning.

2. It helps the cell group to build bridge.

A good prospect list is made up of responsive people, including friends and relatives of the existing church members.

3. It helps the cell group to pray specifically.

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 105 "FIRST CONTACT" EXERCISE Write down the name of your cell group member whom you think will be the best person in your cell group to make "first contact" with each of the following people:

A friend of a member. Person to send:______

A person who just went through a divorce. Person to send:______

A friend who just failed a major examination. Person to send: ______

A family who recently had a new baby. Person to send: ______

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 106 A successful business partner of a member. Person to send: ______

Someone who just lost his job. Person to send: ______

A teenage nephew of a church member. Person to send: ______

The family of a Children's Church member. Person to send: ______

A family who has just experienced the death of a loved one. Person to send : ______

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 107 CARING SYSTEM #2: THE RESPONDING STAGE

Every person's need is unique.

Col. 4:5-6 (TLB) Make the most of your chances to tell others the Good News. Be wise in all your contacts with them. Let your conversation be gracious as well as sensible, for then you will have the right answer for everyone.

What are the ways we can build bridges with unchurched individuals at their level?

It is important that your outreach be homogenous.

How can these people be creatively introduced to Jesus Christ?

How can the cell group and church provide that important sense of belonging and fellowship ?

How can the prospects feel the warmth, love and acceptance of by your whole cell group (and not just one to two persons there)? HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 108 HOW DID JESUS MEET HUMAN NEEDS?

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 109 MASLOW'S SCALE OF HUMAN NEEDS

As we think about the people in our community with various personal needs, it is helpful to consider the description and order of human needs provided by Dr. Abraham Maslow

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 110 Level #1 Physiological need: food, shelter and basic survival.

James 2:14-17 What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, "Depart in peace, be warmed and filled," but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

Level #2 Need for safety and security from a hostile environment.

Level #3 Need for love and a sense of belonging: A need to develop meaningful relationships as a person.

Level #4 Need for self-esteem: Ability to accept yourself and appreciate God for making you, you!

Level #5 Need fo self-actualization: Pursuing the reason for your existence; fulfilling the purpose and destiny of your life!

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 111 1. All human needs can be classified into one of these five categories.

2. People do not move up the scale from one need to another until all the previous needs are met.

"MEETING NEEDS" EXERCISE #1

Consider the life situations described on the next page. Using Maslow's descriptions of basic human needs, what needs or combinations of needs are reflected?

1. A mother with two children is suddenly confronted with her husband's death. She has always been a person of faith, but the emptiness, loneliness and demands upon her seem to be overwhelming, and she is unable to cope with them. Need: ______

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 112 2. A new family moves to Singapore. The father has a job which creates the need to relocate often. This is the fifth relocation in the last seven years. This is a family of four with a 15-year-old daughter at home and an 18-year-old son who is a freshman at the local university. Need: ______

3. A man of 45, now single after 25 years of marriage. He lives alone and is experimenting with new lifestyles. He finds his former life and job dull and now seeks to find new challenges and meaning to pump back into his life. Need: ______

4. A husband and wife have moved to our country from India. They are living in a rented, old two-room flat nearby. They have left their home of 30 years, their family, friends and are trying to adjust to a new life in a new city. Need: ______

5. A young couple, married after junior college education, have two children. The young man recently lost his job and they are completely broke. The couple's parents are divorced and unable to provide any assistance. The children have no nice clothes or toys. The landlord is threatening eviction. Need: ______HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 113 6. A couple in their early fifties sent their last child off to study overseas. The husband's multimillion-dollar business has been a success and he spends very little time in the daily operation of his business. His wife now faces a daily routine without children and she has become bored with the endless rounds of social clubs, charities and "mahjong kakkies." They both feel an "itch" which they cannot scratch. Need: ______

SOUL-WINNING BASED ON NEEDS Jesus Christ met human needs. He saw each person as an individual and responded to each individual need. He healed, encouraged, invited, visited, and involved people, caring for each one as a unique and special individual.

Showing God's love involves discovering and understanding the needs of the people you desire to reach, and responding to the needs in personal and appropriate ways.

Cell groups that are growing have a culture where everyone in the cell is encouraged to discover human needs in people that they come into contact with, and meet those needs in the name of Jesus.

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 114 Witnessing is not "hard-selling" the gospel. Real growth and ministry begin when you and your cell group choose to

“Serve” rather than “self”

"MEETING NEEDS" EXERCISE #2

Consider for a moment some of the categories of people in your community. What are the specific needs of these people within each group?

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 115 Target Population Personal Needs Spiritual Needs Social and Other needs Pre-schoolers (1-6 years old) Children (7 -12 years old) Youth (13-19 years old) Young Adults (20-24 years old) Military Soldiers (NS Men) Young, Married Couples with No Children Families with Young Children

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 116 Target Population Personal Needs Spiritual Needs Social and Other needs Divorced Persons

Single, Never Married Adults Wealthy, Successful Business People Actors, Singers, Musicians, Media Personalities Politicians and their Family Members Senior Citizens (Above 65 years old) Physically Disabled

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 117 RESPONDING WITH CARE

The key to success in the Caring System is the successful matching of responses to needs.

You must ask yourself what is the world that the prospect lives in and what bridges do you and your cell group need to build in order to reach him or her?

The more the number of contacts made at more levels, the greater chance there is of reaching the unchurched persons!

To "respond with care" means:

1. Following the example of Jesus-He met human needs, caring for each person appropriately.

2. Knowing the persons we wish to reach-the "world" they come from, the things they would be interested in.

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 118 3. Knowing the needs of persons we wish to reach.

4. Creatively meeting the needs of those we wish to reach and making them feel welcomed and received by the cell group and church.

"RESPONDING WITH CARE" EXERCISE

Take a moment and think of one family member or friend you know who would be an excellent prospect for a new member.

On the following chart, list out (1) as many different person-to-person contacts you can think of, and (2) the people or groups that would be appropriate to make contact with this family member or friend.

Consider common interests, occupations, problems, backgrounds, and experiences as you look for possible contacts between the cell group and the prospect.

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 119 RESPONDING WITH CARE Name: Cell Group: Contact #1

Contact #2

Contact #3

Contact #4

Contact #5

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 120 CARING SYSTEM #3: THE INTEGRATION STAGE

Surveys have shown that a prospect will stay in a cell group and church only if:

1. He is followed through with a friendly, warm personal contact within the first 48 hours of the visit.

2. He is visited-at home or at work-by a Christian he or she knows within the first 7 days.

3. He can make new friends within the first 2 weeks of coming to the cell group or church.

4. He is reminded and assisted to attend cell group and church for 6 consecutive weeks. (Only then would he come by himself.)

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 121 5. He understands the basic bible verses that affirm his salvation. (For example, The Four Spiritual Laws or The Assurance of Salvation.)

6. He starts getting involved in the cell group's discipleship process as soon as possible.

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 122 Lesson 8: The ART OF SHEPHERDING (PART A)

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 123 Lesson 8

THE ART OF SHEPHERDING {Part A) John 15:1-10 , 12-15

Jesus' favorite description of the Church is to call it His flock .

There are three different Greek terms used in the New Testament to refer to church leaders. And they are all talking about the same person:

John 20 a. Poimen A pastor or shepherd. b. Presbuteros An elder, someone spiritually mature. c. Episkopos An overseer or bishop.

1 Pet. 5:1-2p (NIV) To the elders I say: "Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers."

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 124 Acts 20:17-18, 28p Paul called for the elders of the church. When they arrived he said to them: ''Take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd and pastor the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.“

Every leader must develop the art of shepherding.

Both in the Old Testament and New Testament, people who lead are called “shepherds”

Whether you are in a secular or spiritual work, as long as you are a church leader, you must have the heart of a shepherd.

A GOOD MODEL OF BIBLE SHEPHERDING

Matthew 16:18

The best model of a good shepherd Is Jesus Christ

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 125 Psalms 23

1. A good shepherd leads the sheep into provision.

2 Cor. 8:9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.

2 Cor. 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.

The Four Principles Of Provision And Prosperity a. The power of sowing and reaping.

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 126 The Ten Laws Of The Harvest

1) Your seed must be planted (Gen. 8:22).

2) What you sow is what you reap (Gal. 6:7).

3) The quality you sow is the quality you reap.

4) The measure you sow is the measure you reap (2 Cor. 9:6).

5) Sow to your harvest size not from your harvest size (Gen. 26:1, 12-13).

6) You must render your seed useless (John 12:24).

7) Your seed must be planted on good ground (Matt. 13:8).

8) The harvest always takes time (Gal. 6:9

9) A part of your harvest is for sowing again (2 Cor. 9:8).

10) God gives seed to the sower (2 Cor. 9:10).

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 127 b. The power of tithing.

Deut. 14:22-23 (TLB) "You must tithe all of your crops every year. Bring this tithe to eat before the Lord your God at the place He shall choose as His sanctuary; this applies to your tithes of grain, new wine, olive oil, and the firstborn of your flocks and herds. The purpose of tithing is to teach you always to put God first in your lives.“ c. The power of hard work.

Matt. 5:16 "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." d. The power of wisdom.

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 128 There are seven pillars that shape every society:

1) Family

2) Religion

3) Business

4) Education

5) Government

6) Arts

7) Media

Deut 4:5-7

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 129 Eph. 3:10 To the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church ...

The Seven Pillars Of Excellence

The attention to detail that gives rise to superior performance which leads to promotion in life.

Daniel was selected and promoted because of seven things:

Daniel 5:11-12

1) Daniel was physically healthy.

2) Daniel himself groomed well.

3) Daniel had the wisdom of God.

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 130 4) Daniel was well-read , well-informed

5) Daniel was full of initiative

6) Daniel had the attitude to serve people.

7) Daniel had good communication skills.

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 131 Lesson 9: The ART OF SHEPHERDING (PART B)

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 132 Lesson 9

THE ART OF SHEPHERDING (Part B)

From Psalm 23, there are ten things we can learn about shepherding:

1. A good shepherd leads the sheep into provision.

2. A good shepherd feeds the sheep well.

3. A good shepherd teaches the sheep the guidance of God.

The three basic signposts of divine guidance: a. The word of God. b. The peace of the Holy Spirit. c.External Confirmation.

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 133 4. A good shepherd builds up the sheep's self - image

Another translation says: "He makes me feel brave again." A good shepherd builds people up. He builds up the self-image of the sheep, and of the whole flock!

It is a proven medical and psychological fact that you will always travel in the direction of your self-image. If you see yourself as a failure, you will live a life of constant failures. If you see yourself as poor and unworthy, you will live a life of poverty and shame.

Matthew 16:13-19

Your self-image is a foundation for your life and ministry.

John 13:1-3

The number one barrier to church growth is members not bringing friends to church! When they have no confidence in their own church, they will take their friends to other churches to get saved!

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 134 5. A good shepherd leads the sheep into righteous living.

Integrity means two things: (1) What you do matches up to what you say, and (2) you will do the right thing even when no one is watching.

A good leader skilfully leads his or her members into righteous living without ever becoming legalistic.

Members live fun-filled , liberated, spirit-led lives, while having a desire to pursue holiness and purity.

6. A good shepherd comforts the sheep by his or her physical presence in difficult times.

7. A good shepherd will protect and correct the sheep.

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 135 Your shepherding will have no credibility if people think you can only encourage them and speak nice things to them. Your positive words only have power if your flock knows you are very capable of correcting and admonishing them too. If you are capable of "discouraging" a person, then your encouragement will have power in it. (And some members need to be discouraged from what they are doing- they need to be rebuked and warned!)

Shepherds need to watch out for three kinds of "problematic sheep": a. solitary sheep. b. hermit sheep. c. wandering sheep

8. A good shepherd inspires the sheep to hunger after God's word.

9. A good shepherd ushers the sheep into the presence and the power of the Holy Spirit

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 136 The presence of the Holy Spirit travels through an atmosphere of worship.

The power of God travels through an atmosphere of faith.

10. A good shepherd establishes the sheep in the house of God forever.

In Genesis 26:25, when there was a famine in the land, Isaac set his priorities like this:

"Built an altar" Priority #1: The place of worship.

"Pitched his tent" Priority #2: family and home life.

"Dug a well" Priority #3: career and provision

Seven Blessings Of Being Planted In God's House

Psalm 92 teaches that as you are planted in the house of the Lord, seven blessings will come upon you:

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 137 1) Fresh Anointing.

2) New vision .

3) Hearing God's voice.

4) No dry season.

5) Health, riches and honor.

Planting yourself in the house of God means commitment.

6) Lifelong productivity.

7) Shine for Jesus

A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep! Shepherding is the foundation of building great churches!

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 138 Lesson 10: THE SHEPHERD’S LIFE

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 139 Lesson 10

THE SHEPHERD'S LIFE

Every leader must qualify himself to be a shepherd.

Proverbs 25:28 talks about walls protecting ancient cities. What happens when city walls are broken down?

1. A broken down city has no medical system.

2. A broken city has no education system.

1 John 2:27 But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him.

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 140 3. A broken down city has no defense system.

4. A broken down city has no communication system.

5. A broken down city has no transport system.

6. A broken down city has no rubbish collection system.

A GOOD LEADER LIVES A HEALTHY, BALANCED LIFE

How do we set S.M.A.R.T. goals?

S Specific : Goals must be clearly defined.

M Measurable : Goals must be observable, quantifiable.

A Action plan: Program a strategy to reach your goals.

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 141 R Realistic : Set goals that are doable and attainable.

T Time conscious: Set a time-frame for your goals.

E Expectation management: You are flexible to adjust.

R Revelation : Get a rhema from God.

GOLDEN RULE: Always under-project and over-perform.

HOW TO GAIN THE RESPECT OF THE PEOPLE?

Leadership is not just a given position. Leadership is influence.

There are ten things you need to do to gain the respect of the people. Much of those ten things can be gleaned from the life of Joshua.

1. Courage

Courage is the capacity to do what is right even when it is unpopular!

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 142 We need to do what is right because we are disciples of Jesus Christ.

Mark 15:43 Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent council member, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, coming and taking courage, went in to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus.

"Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear-not absence of fear." Mark Twain

"Courage is doing what you're afraid to do. There can be no courage unless you're scared." Eddie Rickenbacker

"Courage gives you the ability to look fear in the face!" Eleanor Roosevelt

"Courage is the capacity to confront what can be imagined." Leo Rosten

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 143 "He who loses wealth loses much; he who loses a friend loses more; but he that loses courage loses all." Henry Ford

"One man with courage is a majority." Andrew Jackson

"All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them." Walt Disney

2. Boldness.

Josh. 1:9 (TLB) "Yes, be bold and strong! Banish fear and doubt! For remember, the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.“

Three hundred and sixty-five times, the Bible says, "Fear not!“ That means be bold every single day of the year in your life!

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 144 To be bold is to have confidence.

Philem. 6 (TLB) And I pray that as you share your faith with others it will grip their lives too, as they see the wealth of good things in you that come from Christ Jesus.

Courage relates to your character .

Boldness, or confidence, relates to your personality.

Acts 4:31 And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.

You develop a bold personality when you build on three things: (1) the Word of God, (2) the Holy Spirit, and (3) prayer.

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 145 3. Strength

Josh. 1:6 "Be strong and of good courage ... "

2 Sam. 10:12 "Let us be strong for our people and for the cities of our God ... "

1 Cor. 16:13 Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Eph. 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.

Strength is the ability to bounce back when you are knocked down!

People tend to gravitate toward the strongest leader in their lives. That means that members are drawn to influence, not titles or position.

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 146 Members cannot exceed the ceiling of their leaders. A church can only grow to the level of strength of the leadership.

A growing church constantly faces a lot of pressures-it takes strong people to handle the stress. Once leaders have reached their limits, unless they personally continue to grow, the flock ceases to grow. The flock always remains in the "manageable" state of the pastor or leader.

We will rise to our lowest ceilings. No matter how talented, educated, or how great an opportunity is offered to you, when you reach the limit of your capacities, you cannot go any further.

There are five ceilings we must constantly seek to exceed: a. Spiritual ceiling. b. Emotional ceiling. c. Mental ceiling.

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 147 d. Social ceiling. e. Physical ceiling.

4. Anointing of the Holy Spirit.

5. Integrity.

Prov. 22:1 (TLB) If you must choose, take a good name rather than great riches; for to be held in loving esteem is better than silver and gold.

The key to a good reputation can be summed up in one word- “Character "

Prov. 17:7 (GNB) Respected people do not tell lies ... Integrity means two things: (1) What you do matches up to what you say, and (2) you will always do the right thing even when no one is watching-it defines the real you

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 148 6. Humility.

Prov. 16:18 Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.

Four things about humility: a. Humility is serving people. b. Humility is admitting to your weaknesses when you have to.

Humility does not mean you demean yourself or put yourself down all the time. It does not mean you have to keep saying, "I'm no good!"

Humility is not denying your strengths, it is the ability to admit your weaknesses when you have to. Denying your talent, gift and ability means one of two things: (1) Either you have a low self-image of who you are, or (2) you have "false humility"-fake humility or pride in reverse c. Humility is realizing that your achievement is owed to other people

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 149 d. Humility is realizing that every person you meet is better than you at something.

Phil. 2:3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.

7. Dependability

8. Vision and goals.

Prov. 29:18 (KJV) Where there is no vision, the people perish ...

Prov. 11:27 (GNB) If your goals are good, you will be respected ...

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 150 The average person has a life expectancy of 80 years, or 29,200 days. Out of which ... 27 years would be spent sleeping,

10 years would be spent watching TV, 9 years would be spent working, 7 years would be spent traveling, 7 years would be spent playing, 7 years would be spent eating, 3 years would be spent studying, 3 years would be spent washing and dressing , 2 years would be spent in church.

That means he or she has five more years to do everything else. And that five years would define the legacy of his or her life!

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 151 9. Generosity

Ps. 112:9p (GNB) He who gives generously to the needy and shows kindness will be powerful and respected.

10. Spirituality.

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 152 Lesson 11: THE PITFALLS OF THE MINISTRY

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 153 Lesson 11

PITFALLS OF THE MINISTRY

Pastors and church leaders do resign from the ministry at an alarming rate. In 1996, in the American Southern Baptist Convention, 49 percent of all pastors thought about quitting the ministry. That year, 1 ,259 pastors resigned. In 1997, 225 Baptist pastors, associate pastors, music directors, youth ministers and other staff workers quit every month. In 1998, one pastor resigned and stepped down from church leadership every six hours. The one most commonly cited reason for quitting is that the pastors just cannot handle the pressure and stress of ministry anymore.

Unfortunately, like all fallen human beings, many pastors and church workers do experience marriage failures, moral infidelities and financial scandals. Ministry life is never easy!

1 Cor. 10:12 Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 154 Gal. 6:1 Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.

1 Cor. 9:27 But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.

The pressure that goes with prominent leadership will be much harder than the training that got you there!

THE FIVE PITFALLS A LEADER FACES

1. The love for women.

In 1998, billions of people around the world witnessed "The Impeachment Trial of the President of the United States." The US court gave the definition of what "having sex" is: "A person engages in 'sexual relations' when the person intentionally touches, either directly or through clothing, the genitalia, anus, groin, breast, inner thigh, or buttocks of any person with an intent to arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person." HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 155 It does not matter whether there is penetration or not, whether you are naked or not, whether both of you are on the bed or not, whether there is ejaculation of the sperm! As long as you intentionally arouse or gratify the sexual desire of another person, you are having sex. And that was the definition given by one of the most liberal Western countries in the world.

How To Overcome Sexual Temptation? a. Keep your marriage strong. b. Communication with your mate must be maintained at the highest quality. c. Build up the self-esteem of your mate. d. Guard your thought life. Lust is when you linger on a person and mentally commit an affair in your fantasy. e. Keep your sex life at a consistent, healthy level.

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 156 f. Respect the personal space of others.

1) Do not become too close with the opposite sex.

2) Leave immediately when you feel vulnerable.

3) Do not be with the opposite sex anywhere. g. Never counsel the opposite sex.

The policy in our church is this: Men minister only to men while women minister only to women. And by ministry, we mean anything from counseling to deliverance.

How To Stay In Love With My Spouse?

Rev. 2:5 "Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works ... "

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 157 2. The love for money.

Ps. 35:27 Let them shout for joy and be glad, who favor my righteous cause; and let them say continually, "Let the LORD be magnified, who has pleasure in the prosperity of His servant."

Deut. 8:18 And you shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.

1 Tim. 5:17 (TLB) Pastors who do their work well should be paid well and should be highly appreciated, especially those who work hard at both preaching and teaching.

When God starts anointing you and prospering your ministry,

Exercise Moderation

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 158 3. The love for prominence.

Leaders who are insecure are always clamoring for attention and position.

Leadership is not lordship or dictatorship, leadership is servanthood !

Rom. 12:3 For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.

Phil. 2:3 In lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.

Matt. 23:12 "And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."

Be a servant of ALL.

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 159 Never be presumptuous about anything. Always pray and commit your ways to the Lord.

Fasting is a powerful form of self-humbling.

4. Idolizing the ministry.

Deut. 5:7 "You shall have no other gods before Me." a. Enjoy your relationship with God. b. Enjoy your family relationship. c. Enjoy your friendship. d. Take time off for rest and recreation Ecc 7:16 – 18

5. Insecurity.

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 160 Ps. 91:1-2 He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.”

Jn 13:1,3, 21:17-22, 18:33-36

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 161 Lesson 12: THE HOLY SPIRIT

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 162 Lesson 12

THE HOLY SPIRIT

In John 7:37-39, Jesus was attending a feast. There are three great feasts in Israel: a. The feast of passover. b. The feast of pentecost. c. The feast of tabernacle.

WHO IS THE HOLY SPIRIT?

1 . The Holy Spirit is a person.

2. The Holy Spirit has a presence.

Religiosity has diluted that experience to a non-experience When the Holy Spirit is around, you can feel Him.

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 163 The presence of God travels through an atmosphere of worship.

3. The Holy Spirit carries a power.

The power of the Holy Spirit is a force called the anointing.

Psalm 92:10 likens the anointing to fresh oil.

1) Oil lubricates

2) Oil burn.

3) Oil moisturizes.

HOW CAN I MOVE IN THE SPIRIT?

1. Spiritual hunger and thirst.

2. Openness

3. Faith

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 164 4. Obedience.

Ps. 51:17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart- these, 0 God, You will not despise.

Is. 57:15 For thus says the High and Lofty One who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: "I dwell in the high and holy place, with him who has a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.“

5. Brokenness.

LEARNING TO MOVE IN THE SPIRIT IN PRAYER

Matt. 6:6 "Go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place ... “

Eph. 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit ... HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 165 Hos. 10:12 Seek the LORD till He comes and rains righteousness on you.

HOW TO BREAKTHROUGH IN THE SPIRIT?

1. Engage your heart.

Jer. 30:21 "Who is this who pledged his heart to approach Me?" says the LORD.

2. Focus on God.

Ps. 17:15 As for me, I will see Your face in righteousness ...

3. Pray until you feel the Holy Spirit.

4. Flow with the spirit.

Gal. 5:25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 166 5. Identify what the Holy Spirit is praying through you.

6. Pray until you feel the burden being lifted to the Lord.

7. Confess the promises of God's Word when you pray.

Mark 11:23 "For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be removed and be cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says."

Eph. 6:17-18 ... and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit ...

8. Remind God of His promises.

Is. 43:26 "Put Me in remembrance; let us contend together; state your case, that you may be acquitted."

9. When you are praying in the Spirit, pray in faith. HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 167 PREPARATION FOR A MEETING

1 . Go into every meeting prepared.

2. Change your" garments" before you preach.

3. Music.

2 Kin. 3:15 When the musician played ... the hand of the Lord came upon him.

THREE AREAS OF MOVING IN THE SPIRIT IN A MEETING

1. Prophecy

2. Falling Under the Spirit.

3.Seeing in the Spirit.

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 168 Lesson 13

THE POWER OF PRAYER

Read 5:17-19. Prayer is not so much an effort, prayer is more of a communion.

The place of agreement is the place of power!

THE LORD'S PRAYER

Our Father in heaven, PRAISE Hallowed be Your name.

Your kingdom come. Your will be done PROCLAIMATION On earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread. PROVISION

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 169 And forgive us our debts, PROMISE As we forgive our debtors.

And do not lead us into temptation, POWER But deliver us from the evil one.

For Yours is the kingdom and the power PARTNERSHIP and the glory forever. Amen

THE TABERNACLE PRAYER

Brazen Altar Confess your sins

Bronze Laver Crucify your flesh

Table of showbread Ask for the rhema

Golden Lampstand Holy Spirit anointing

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 170 Altar of incense Intercession

Ark of covenant Rule and reign in prayer

Mercy Seat Deep communion with God

Incredible prayer is built on the basis of fellowship with Father God.

THE "SECRET PLACE" OF PRAYER

Matt. 6:6 "But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.“

Ps. 91:1 He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty

Your secret place is the place you pray to God in private

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 171 If you have an intimate relationship with God, and if only you would pray, God will hear from heaven and you can “ create " your own destiny!

The effective, fervent prayer of a praying church avails much!

Heb 11:3

THE POWER OF PRAYING THROUGH

Part of effective fervent praying is learning how to pray through.

Gal. 4:19 My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you.

Is. 66:8p For as soon as Zion travails, she gave birth to her children.

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 172 In Romans 8, the word "groaning" comes up three times in that one chapter:

1) The groaning of creation.

2) The groaning of the believer for the second coming.

3) The groaning of the Holy Spirit in you and I.

Hos. 10:12 Sow for yourselves righteousness; Reap in mercy; Break up your fallow ground, For it is time to seek the LORD, Till He comes and rains righteousness on you.

THE PRAYER OF FAITH

The seven steps of faith, or the seven keys to getting answered prayers:

1. Desire it.

2. Decide upon it.

3. Ask for it.

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 173 4. Receive it.

5. Speak it.

6. See it.

7. Act on it.

TRAINING YOUR SPIRIT TO PRAY

There is a direct correlation between the church leader's personal prayer life and the members' prayer life. That is why the first and the best place to start in motivating our people to pray is to have a regular, consistent, disciplined, personal prayer life of your own. However, in the flesh, most of us will not naturally like to pray. That is why Paul says that we need to train ourselves to become spiritual in God.

Every successful champion knows three things about training to be fit:

1. Training is seldom enjoyable to the flesh.

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 174 2. Training involves personal sacrifice.

3. Training can sometimes feel routine and boring.

VARIOUS KINDS OF PRAYER MEETINGS

1. Regular prayer meetings.

2. Early morning prayer meetings.

Ps. 5:3 My voice You shall hear in the morning, 0 LORD; in the morning I will direct it to You, and I will look up.

3. Overnight prayer meetings.

Ps. 134:1-2 Behold, bless the LORD, all you servants of the LORD, who by night stand in the house of the LORD! Lift up your hands [in prayer] in the sanctuary, and bless the LORD.

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 175 Luke 6:12 Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. TYPICAL FORMAT OF AN OVERNIGHT PRAYER MEETING

11 p.m.- 1 a.m. Worship. Exercising of prophecy, tongues and interpretation. Prayer (free-flow). 1 a.m - 1.45 a.m. Break with light snack.

1.45 a.m - 3.15 a.m. Group prayers (2-3 people per group).

3.15 a.m - 4 a.m. Break with light snack.

4 a.m - 5 a.m. Worship. Prayer (free-flow). Exercising of prophecy. Closing prayer. 5 a.m - 5.30 a.m. Testimonies. Go home.

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 176 TYPICAL FORMAT OF A YOIDO FULL GOSPEL CHURCH'S OVERNIGHT PRAYER MEETING 9 p.m.- 10 p.m. Personal prayer time.

10 p.m. - 12.45 a.m. A full-fledged church service (faith preaching and ministering to personal needs of the people). 12.45 a.m. - 1 a.m. Break.

1 a.m. - 2 a.m. Corporate prayer (specific national and international concerns). 2 a.m. - 2.30 a.m. Testimonies (answered prayers). 2.30 a.m. - 3.30 a.m. Prayer (free-flow).

3.30 a.m.- 4.30 a.m. Worship. Closing prayer. Go home.

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 177 2 Chr. 7:14 "If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.“

Is. 56:7 "Even them I will bring to My holy mountain, and make them joyful in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on My altar; for My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations."

Joel1:14 Consecrate a fast, call a sacred assembly; gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land into the house of the LORD your God, and cry out to the LORD.

HOW TO LEAD AN EXCITING CORPORATE PRAYER TIME?

1. Faith and Expectancy

2. Wise preparation.

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 178 -Prayer meeting order?

- Prayer list?

- Short Bible verses for exhortation?

- Basic song list?

- Guitarist and song lyrics?

- Rested? Voice, body, mind, etc.

- Correct venue?

- Correct mix of people coming?

- Semblance of compromise avoided?

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 179 3. Holy Spirit sensitivity.

Rom. 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.

Do not allow anyone to pray more than two minutes at a time.

4. Maintain purity in the meeting.

Ps. 66:18 If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear.

Ps. 24:3-4 Who may ascend into the hill of the LORD? Or who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not lifted up his soul to an idol, nor sworn deceitfully.

5. Specific prayer.

John 16:24 "Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full." HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 180 HOW TO FLOW WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT IN A PRAYER MEETING?

1. Teach members to pray in tongues.

2. Be positive and enthusiastic

3. " Feel" the Holy Spirit.

4. Pray in the areas that you sense the Holy Spirit is emphasizing

5. Whatever is utmost in your heart, pray it!

HOME CELL GROUP LEADERSHIP 181