From the Joel Comiskey Blog

By Steve Cordle, https://xr.church/

When you hear the word “church,” what comes to mind? Can you imagine a healthy church that does not have a large celebration service?

The early church did. For a first-century believer, “church” did not evoke the image of a building or a large worship gathering; it would be a small group meeting in a house.

Many churches in the United States consider small groups one of the larger church’s many ministries—an optional activity for those interested in that sort of thing. They see the church’s core as the public worship service (celebration).

In reality, the cell group is the primary expression of the church. Why do I say that? Because the cell group can fulfill all the functions of the church, the celebration service cannot.

The functions of the church have been identified as worship, fellowship, discipleship, ministry, and evangelism (some add prayer and leadership.) All of these functions can be best expressed in the cell group. Only a few can use their gifts in a worship gathering with hundreds of people. In a cell group, everyone can participate meaningfully (1 Corinthians 14:6.) True community (fellowship) is fostered better in a small group than in a large gathering. Biblical discipleship takes place in the context of relationship, which is the specialty of the cell. Evangelism and outreach can be intentional and relational when done by a cell group.

If we think that the “real” church happens primarily in celebration services, then we will grow disciples who are not fully formed. Celebration services fulfill an essential role, but they are just one piece of the overall picture of the church.