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We are planting a cell church in Guadalajara. What is a cell church and why are we using this method? We first got involved in church planting in Mexico in 1971.  In 2002 when we moved to Guadalajara we decided that it was time to reevaluate our church planting method that we had been using.   After investigating different models we decided that the cell church method could be more effective for us as well as biblical.

There are several advantages to a cell church.  First it provides a small group atmosphere where there is a close sense of family. The ideal cell size is 15-20 including children. Another advantage is that there is no building expense or upkeep. The size of the congregation is not limited to the size of a church building.  If a cell averages 20 or more then it is time to multiply the cell and start another group that meets in another home. A third advantage it is ideal for the development of leaders and future pastors. Each cell group needs a leader and an apprentice that the leader is training. This leader doesn't need to have all the training and experience of a pastor.  Therefore men can be trained for leadership that have been believers for a relatively short period of time.

Many cell churches have their cell meetings during the week and then each Sunday all of the cells meet together for what is called the celebration.  However because of work schedules and the transportation problems of such a large metropolitan area we use a different system.  Three  weekends a month each cell group has their meeting. Then once a month we have the celebration when that weekend we all meet together. At that time we all worship together, celebrate the Lord's table and we have a enjoy a meal together.

In our weekly cell meetings use the following format:  We begin with an ice breaker question that each one answers.  Then we take time to worship and praise the Lord together in song.  We then spend time where each one has the opportunity to share what they are thankful for and any prayer requests.   After praying for the requests the children and adults divide up for the Bible time.  The children will have a typical Sunday School class at this time. Before the adults study the Bible we take a few minutes (which we call the vision time) to encourage one another in our witnessing for Christ. We may memorize a verse to use in evangelism. The next week we may take a few minutes to pray for the unsaved contacts we all have. Another week we take time to share opportunities that we have had during the week to witness for Christ.

Because the group is small there is plenty of opportunity for participation by each one. In the Bible time the emphasis is on the application of the Scriptures to our daily lives.  Invariably we finish the Bible study with the question: ¿how can we apply what we learned today in our lives this week?  After the Bible time the children return and we have some refreshments together with the opportunity to visit with one another.

The cell meeting usually takes at least two hours.  There isn't time to have a Sunday School class for the adults. However during the week most of the adults receive a discipleship study in their homes. This gives opportunity for them to get the Bible content that they need as well as to receive personalized help in specific areas of their lives.

We started our first cell group just over three years ago.  At the present we have four groups meeting.  We are in the process of learning and making adaptations as we go along. We are very aware that the methods that we use are just tools but it is Jesus Christ who has promised to build His church.  Amen and amen!