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Cells - Basics

We believe that meeting in homes is the norm for Christians. It is the best place for working out and transmitting our values. In the book about the Acts of the early believers we have many references to churches in houses. Jesus did much of his teaching in homes and many of his miracles were performed there. In Mark 3:34-35 it says, 'Then he (Jesus) looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, "Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does God's will is my brother and sister and mother."' These two principles, of Jesus in the centre and we as his family, are very important to us and are the pattern for our cells.

Love God

A typical cell meeting will often have time for worshipping God and finding out how He wants us to live. Singing plays a big part but we also encourage our cells to explore creative ways to worship. We try to avoid studying the Bible merely for head knowledge and aim to work out how to apply its teaching to our lives. We find that our lives are changed as we discus Bible values, discover where our values are different then ask God to help us do it His way. Most of all we want to put into practice Matthew 22:37-38, Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment."

Love One Another

Cells are the primary point of care for members of the WCC family. Caring is not just a leadership role, we all have a responsibility to look out for one another. We are told, "Since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another." (1 John 4:11) This works itself out in so many different ways - cooking meals, praying for each other, sharing life. Cells are much more than a weekly meeting; they are communities of people with shared values.

Love Our Neighbours

Through regular supervision, we try to keep our cells from becoming inward looking. Most cells focus on projects or on the community in which they are situated. Jesus didn't tell us to invite people to church, He said (Luke 10) to go to people's houses, "Eat what is set before you. Heal the sick who are there and tell them, 'The kingdom of God is near you.'" We try to make our communities into better places by putting love into action - making friends, looking out for people, giving practical help and bringing some joy to the streets.

Cells are also encouraged to think about people outside their locality. One cell raised money to buy a pregnant cow for a poor community in Kenya. Another cell held a chocolate fondue party to raise money for Stop The Traffik. In these ways we obey Jesus' second great command, "Love your neighbour as yourself."

Joining a Cell

To join a cell is to join a mission - the Church's mission. We currently have about 15 cells including children & youth cells but cells are very flexible and changing all the time. Some cells work together in clusters, for instance two cells in Great Barr are working together to form Pheasey Community Church. We have groups in various parts of Walsall - Chuckery, The Butts, Coalpool, Blakenhall, Rushall - and some further away in Willenhall and Erdington.

Some people join WCC through cells so if you are interested in a cell in your area contact the WCC office. If you want to know more about cell churches in general see www.celluk.org.uk