VISION OF THE GOVERNMENT OF 12 - CELL MINISTRY

Background Information:

In 2005 the International Church of God launched into the cell ministry through the Government of the Twelve (G-12).  This ministry was developed to encourage personal spiritual growth and provide closer pastoral care.  These cells are now springing up in homes all across the low country and are at the very core of the International Church of God's ministry.

Cell Ministry:

The Cell Groups are gender specific who meet for support, relationship building, Bible study and worship through prayer, praise and worship.  The weekly meetings are informal and typically meet in the homes of our church members.  We have found that this open and relaxed format is less intimidating for guests and visitors who want to explore the Christian faith and to learn more about our church.

The Cell Groups usually consist of twelve persons or less and has a leader who has been specifically trained to conduct a cell meeting.  As members of the cell grow in their relationship with Christ, they are given the opportunity to be trained in our School of Leaders discipleship classes.  At the conclusion of this training they are eventually able to start their own cell group.  As a result, the number of cells can grow rapidly and more people can experience God's grace and love.  Because of the cell ministry and a vision for hurting souls, the International Church of God is able to reach out to new comers while strengthening it's current members.  We have seen many lives impacted through the small group ministry.

Encounter Weekends:

Cell members are invited to participate in our Encounter Weekends, so named because the participate will have a 'face to face' encounter with God.  During this intense spiritual experience, new believers or those desiring a closer walk with Christ are given an opportunity to experience the cross as never before, to address character issues and inner struggles and to receive deliverance from bondages.  This life changing weekend will help everyone become a stronger, more fulfilled Christian.

School of Leaders:

Following the Encounter Weekend and basic discipleship classes, cell members are encouraged to attend the School of Leaders (SOL) training.  The School of Leaders prepares individuals to fulfill their calling by equipping them to lead a cell and to make disciples of new believers.  The lessons are divided into three (3) 6 week semesters which currently meets on Wednesday evenings at 6:00pm.

Along with teaching the cell member the spiritual disciplines, School of Leaders also covers the following topics:

School of Leaders I - foundational Christian Doctrines and The Family
School of Leaders II - Vision of the Cell Ministry and the Role of Intercessory Prayer
School of Leaders III - Leadership and Consolidation

At the completion of the School of Leaders classes, cell members are partnered with two (2) other members to start a cell of their own.  Though this training goes a long way in preparing individuals, it is important to realize that this Vision is of a spiritual nature.  Therefore we recognize the limitations of our human efforts and must depend upon God's spirit to empower us for this vital ministry.

'It is not by force nor by strength but by my spirit says the Lord Almighty.'  Zechariah 4:6