I read somewhere earlier this year that the rapidly growing cell churches set out a goal for the number of cell groups they should have by a particular date. Then they set the vision before the church in as many ways as they can, they pray into it and they encourage their people to work towards the goal.

I'm not a goal sort of person, probably because I've set goals in the past and been disappointed when we've failed to meet them. As I was reading this, I felt that God was placing the number 6 in my heart. I prayed about it and grew in conviction that I should set that as our goal for the second half of the year.

At the time we had 4 groups operating- 2 for adults, 1 for youth and 1 for children. Of the four, only one was showing any sign of growth and that was the children's group which had grown from two to about half a dozen over the previous 12 months.

I made up a graphic that consists of different styles of the number 6 and the words “Our goal for 2012.” Every week I put this up during the notices and explain our goal. I pray regularly for the grace to see this come to pass.

At first, I could see that people were thinking “What's he going on about now?” Then it changed to disbelief- how can this happen? Sometimes it is boredom- there he goes again.

After a few weeks we started to get more people coming to the children's group. We had to divide it and recruit more helpers. So we are up to 5 groups.

One of our young children is desperate to get us to 6! He tried to start a cell group at school, but it's not easy to keep the commitment going when you are only 7 years old. I think we need to find ways of helping him do that- maybe next year.

One of our adult groups is now within a member or two of multiplying, so the goal is starting to look achievable, with nearly three months left.

The key to this though is seeking the Lord's goal not just setting your own. In June, I thought 6 groups was an impossible goal for our little church. But I am seeing that if God gives you a goal and if you keep holding that vision before the people, it will come to pass as you trust Him and do the task he sets you.