The Cell Church Model in New Zealand Baptist Churches

Abstract

The Cell Church model was discussed widely in New Zealand
Baptist Churches during the 1990’s. The concept of small
groups being like cells and constituting the church radically
changes the structure of church. It fulfils needs based on
relationships and community, with the opportunity to
empower and release people for ministry. Cells are highly
evangelistic in focus. A number of churches embarked on this
by establishing cells, but with dramatically different
outcomes. Three case studies are considered; a church which
has successfully established as a cell church, one which
modified its approach to small groups, and one where the
attempt was unsuccessful. Church can effectively function
with the cell/small group as the main focus, and an effective
Cell Church model can be implemented. To do so requires
vision by the entire leadership and effective communication
that it is a way of being church, not just a strategy for
evangelism of church growth.