Training Cell Groups

Small cell groups are the secret for the growth of a church both numerically and in maturity. This file contains ideas and a plan on how to develop effective small groups. Click the download button to read the file.

The file contains the following subject matter in four areas:

1. Fellowship

John 13:35 “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

1st session: Sharing of personal life history and spiritual pilgrimage (includes high points and low points of my life, spiritual life, church life)

-use the “Life Line” exercise developed by Herb Shepard and Jack Hawley

2nd session: Sharing about Important Relationships in my life (marriage, family, children, friends, church etc.)

3rd session: Sharing of past, present and future goals and your evaluation of these goals (includes personal, spiritual, family, and work related goals)

4th session: Sharing of strengths and weaknesses I see in myself; good habits and bad habits; struggles and victories

-pray for each person using the “Love Seat” method where people gather around and gently lay their hands on the person in the chair and pray for them

5th session: Sharing of strengths, qualities, and gifts I see in you

2. The Word

John 8:31 “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples.”

6th session: Studying the Word devotionally and meditatively: Share your favorite Bible passage and why

7th session: Studying the Word as literature (in context): Choose one book of the Bible and do a book analysis and outline of it sharing your findings with the group

8th session: Studying the Word thematically: memorize seven passages which can speak to different needs such as fear, temptation, sorrow, worry, and sin (share one passage and how it speaks to this need)

3. Prayer

Luke 11:1 “His disciples said to him, Lord, teach us to pray.”

9th session: Learning how to pray conversationally and specifically. Developing a quiet time.  Record keeping of prayers and answers.

10th session: Learning different types of prayer. The prayer wheel.  Discussion on which types of prayer are most utilized by each member.

11th session: Learning to pray in the power of the Holy Spirit; prayers for the freedom and fullness of the Holy Spirit. The importance of praise in our prayers and worship.

12th session: Learning to pray effectively.

Developing our listening skills to pray more effectively.

4. Witnessing and Outreach

John 15:8 “By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be my disciples.”

13th session: People’s comfort zone with sharing their faith. Fears of witnessing and sharing of positive and negative experiences.  Praying for the unsaved.  Drawing up a specific list.

14th session: Writing out and sharing our personal testimony

15th session: Building bridges to non-Christians. Forming meaningful relationships with non-Christians.  Learning how to direct conversations to spiritual things.

16th session: Learning how to share the gospel. Being prepared to lead another person to Christ.