Cells are small gatherings of Christians in their homes to share their faith and to minister to each other the love Christ. In these small groups, we are able to discuss and ask questions about our Christian walk, which we are not able to do during the Sunday service. We believe we are to grow as Christians in these small home groups. The Sunday sermon is digested, broken down to everyone’s level.
Once a cell becomes too big, ie above the number 12, some members from that cell should start another cell group until that becomes too big to meet in a home. This is how cells multiply and spread. A cell at ILC should have a maximum of 12 members. We call this growth by multiplication, thus fulfilling a dual role of both edification and evangelism.
Why we meet in cells?
Having small members means that:
- No one is overlooked
- Everyone is involved in the ministry
- Will be able to reach the community
Why Have Church Meetings In Homes?
The Jerusalem church not only met together at the Temple, but also met in homes:
Acts 2;46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, 47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
Acts 8:3 As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.
After the Jerusalem church, the New Testament does not record believers meeting in buildings specially constructed for the purpose of church meetings, but in homes:
Romans 16:3-5a Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. Likewise greet the church that is in their house.
1 Corinthians 16:19 The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.
Philemon 1:1-2 Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy [our] brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellow labourer, And to [our] beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in thy house:
Colossians 4:15 Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house.
ILC structure
Zone leaders – Cell leaders – Cell groups
Zone leaders look after the cell leaders and cell leaders after the cell members.
If a cell member needs help, all they need to do is talk to their cell leader who will find ways of meeting their need, if not, forward it to their zone leader. This way everyone is surely looked after in a personal way, not in the crowded setting of Sunday. The cell process is not set in concrete, therefore the zone leaders are flexible, so that everyone can be considered.