cell notes 8 jan 2012
2
8 th January 2012 Cell Questions – Values and the Value of Cell We started our new series on Cell values on Sunday looking at why we are a cell church and why values are so important. We saw how, in the 20 th anniversary year of the planting of Springfield, we have come so far and so much to be thankful for. We have seen great growth over the time, the children and youth ministries growing and flourishing, a second congregation that has doubled in its first year, we have seen exciting ministries grow and develop over the period such as Tiptoes, Footsteps, Chatterbox, Xplore, The Mix etc. We have seen a church that has grown in diversity. Above all we have seen people grow in faith and use their God-given gifts to further God’s Kingdom. We looked at how the call from God was that we make disciples, not have people join a “club”. God promises that he will lavish so much upon us as we start to make steps towards being a disciple. Discipleship means that we need to learn from Jesus how to do that and we learn that in community together – which is why the church is so important. There is a phrase that has been used to describe many Church of England people as “belonging without believing”. The problem is that we can find it just as easy to “believe without belonging”. Where we believe that we don’t need other people and our faith is just a personal one. The problem with this is that we can all too easily end up making God in our own image; a comfy and cosy God who doesn’t really challenge us. Read Isaiah 55:1-5, 12-13 and Matt. 28:16-20 1. What aspect or experience of Springfield would you most like to give thanks to God for? It could be recent or some time ago. 2. A recent study (in the US although the sociologist has said it applies to the UK) says that regular worshippers are far more likely to do the following list. Are there any of these that you have done? Which one(s) do you struggle with?! a. Give money to charity (both religious and secular) b. Do voluntary work for a charity c. Give money to a homeless person d. Give excess change back to a shop assistant
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Transcript of cell notes 8 jan 2012
8th January 2012
Cell Questions – Values and the Value of CellWe started our new series on Cell values on Sunday looking at why we are a cell church and why values are so important.
We saw how, in the 20th anniversary year of the planting of Springfield, we have come so far and so much to be thankful for. We have seen great growth over the time, the children and youth ministries growing and flourishing, a second congregation that has doubled in its first year, we have seen exciting ministries grow and develop over the period such as Tiptoes, Footsteps, Chatterbox, Xplore, The Mix etc. We have seen a church that has grown in diversity. Above all we have seen people grow in faith and use their God-given gifts to further God’s Kingdom.
We looked at how the call from God was that we make disciples, not have people join a “club”. God promises that he will lavish so much upon us as we start to make steps towards being a disciple. Discipleship means that we need to learn from Jesus how to do that and we learn that in community together – which is why the church is so important. There is a phrase that has been used to describe many Church of England people as “belonging without believing”. The problem is that we can find it just as easy to “believe without belonging”. Where we believe that we don’t need other people and our faith is just a personal one. The problem with this is that we can all too easily end up making God in our own image; a comfy and cosy God who doesn’t really challenge us.
Read Isaiah 55:1-5, 12-13 and Matt. 28:16-20
1. What aspect or experience of Springfield would you most like to give thanks to God for? It could be recent or some time ago.
2. A recent study (in the US although the sociologist has said it applies to the UK) says that regular worshippers are far more likely to do the following list. Are there any of these that you have done? Which one(s) do you struggle with?!
a. Give money to charity (both religious and secular)b. Do voluntary work for a charityc. Give money to a homeless persond. Give excess change back to a shop assistante. Donate bloodf. Help someone with their houseworkg. Spend time with someone who is depressedh. Allow a driver to cut in front of youi. Offer a seat to a strangerj. Help someone find a job
3. In what ways has your cell group encouraged or challenged you in your walk with Jesus?
4. Spend some time discussing how you would like to see your cell group develop this year. It may be to do with outreach or to do with being more courageous in inviting people to join or to develop your charity link more or to have more time for prayer etc.
