Professional Documents
Culture Documents
ICC is a cell church. It is a privilege and indeed a high calling to be chosen as a cell pastor in
the church. I trust that this manual will give you some idea as how we function as a cell
church.
The material given here is not meant to be exhaustive as more training materials will be
added as and when necessary through the years. It is also important to remember that all
cell pastors should be completing or have completed the four Lifetracks. What is taught in
the Lifetracks (especially tracks 3 & 4) forms a major part of the comprehensive cell manual.
We, the Vision Team, welcome you to join us in this wonderful journey of growth through the
cell system. We hope you will enjoy in multiplying disciples and also multiplying the cells in
ICC.
Executive Minister
Vision 2010
Our Goal for 2010 is to ―Reach One, Win One, and Disciple One‖. We want to make sure
that Evangelism is at the forefront of the cell agenda.
In order to achieve this goal, we have reformatted the way we run cells this year. The cells
will have two formal cell meetings a month and two Bridge Bring Cell (BBC) Meetings a
month.
The BBC Meetings will be divided into four cycles, each with a different theme, so that we
can organize our evangelism around that theme.
Demographics
Rick Warren says : ‖You don‘t attract who you want, you attract who you are‖
For example: A cell without any student will find it hard to reach out to students. Who are you
targeting as a cell? Make sure you have that kind of people in your cell. Are you targeting
migrant families, international students or local students, etc?
Are you targeting business people, young professionals, students, or humanitarian migrants,
etc? This is an important consideration, some cells that consists young professionals tend to
organize dinners at restaurants, but they will find it hard to attract refugees or parents with
young kids to that kind of activities.
Prepare a team which may consist of host, treasurer, event organizer, cleaning,
follow up
Train your cell members to share their testimonies and how to have a conversation
with new people
Remember the goal is to be missional, not just about having fun—so activities don‘t
have to be large scaled, just have to be effective
It‘s hard to organize activities that please everyone, for example, if you organize to go
bush walking, those who are not used to physical activities may not come. Don‘t be
discouraged. One solution is to have two different groups organize two different
activities on the same night, reaching different people. You don‘t have to have the
whole cell attending the same activity.
Aim to alternate one low key (Less Time Consuming in terms of planning) activity
with one that requires more intensive planning. Low key activities include appropriate
movie, church wide meetings, coffee and dessert, etc. Intensive activities include
outings, dinner, etc.
Please take into consideration the affordability of the activities to your group.
If you are organizing a cell retreat, remember a cell retreat should not take people
away from Sunday service. All cell retreats should take place on Friday night and
Saturday and be back on Sunday Morning Services.
Please beware that certain activities including mountain climbing, bungee jumping,
etc are not covered by church insurance. You must warn the members that they are
joining these activities at their own risk. If you plan on going such activities, please
make sure it is organized as a personal event (friends doing things together).
2010 CELL CALENDAR
MARCH
WED FRI Saturday
WEEK 1 CP BBC (5/3)
Multicultural Café Nite
WEEK 2 MID Normal Cell (12/3) Club CCA camp
WEEK 3 MID/ALT BBC
Club CCA BBQ
WEEK 4 MID Normal cell (26/3)
For March, the university students’ cells will only have one normal cell meeting as they will have at
least one week involving in Café Night and Club CCA BBQ (multicultural/Chinese) and one week in
the camp.
APRIL
WED FRI Saturday
WEEK 1 CP BBC (2/4)
Good Friday Service
WEEK 2 MID Normal Cell (9/4)
WEEK 3 MID/MLM BBC (16/4) LifeTrack Intensive
WEEK 4 MID Normal Cell (23/4) LifeTrack Intensive
WEEK 5 Free LIFT
MAY
WED FRI Saturday
WEEK 1 CP BBC (7/5) / WISH WISH
WEEK 2 MID Normal Cell (14/5) Cell Pastors’ Camp (14-16)
WEEK 3 MID/ALT BBC (21/5) Living in Harmony Concert
(Sat)
WEEK 4 MID Normal Cell (28/5)
JUNE
WED FRI Saturday
WEEK 1 CP BBC (4/6)
WEEK 2 MID Normal Cell (11/6)
WEEK 3 MID/MLM BBC (18/6)
Youth Lock In
WEEK 4 MID Normal Cell (25/6)
JULY
WED FRI Saturday
WEEK 1 CP BBC (2/7)
WEEK 2 MID Normal cell (9/7)
WEEK 3 MID/ALT BBC (16/7)
WEEK 4 MID Normal cell (23/7) Encounter Camp
Encounter Camp
WEEK 5 Free LIFT (30/7)
th
Club CCA Market Day—21 July (UQ);
JClub—Neighbourhood Fun Day—July 29th 9am to 3pm
AUGUST
WED FRI Saturday
WEEK 1 CP BBC (6/8) LifeTrack Intensives
Club CCA Event
WEEK 2 MID Normal LifeTrack Intensives
WEEK 3 MID/MLM BBC
WEEK 4 MID Normal
SEPTEMBER
WED FRI Saturday
WEEK 1 CP BBC (3/9)
WEEK 2 MID Normal (10/9)
WEEK 3 MID/ALT BBC (17/9) Moon Cake festival
Youth Lock In
WEEK 4 MID Normal (24/9)
WEEK 5 Free LIFT (1/10)
th nd
VBS—20 to 22 of Sept (Mon to Wed) 9am to 3pm
OCTOBER
WED FRI Saturday
WEEK 1 CP Synergy (8/10) Synergy
WEEK 2 MID Normal (15/10)
WEEK 3 MID/MLM BBC (22/10)
WEEK 4 MID Normal (29/10)
NOVEMBER
WED FRI Saturday
WEEK 1 CP BBC (5/11)
WEEK 2 MID Normal (12/11) Encounter Camp
Encounter Camp
WEEK 3 MID/ALT BBC (19/11)
WEEK 4 MID Normal (26/11)
STRUCTURE
The Governmental structure of ICC consists of the Board and the sub-committees The
function of the board is to guide and guard the church and its operation according to
spiritual, legal, ethical and corporate requirements. Sub-committees are there to assist the
Board members (not a decision making body). At present there are five sub-committees:
Legal, audit and finance, staff and remuneration (HR), vision team and finally marketing/fund
raising. Sub-committee members are people who are trained in their particular fields.
The present board members are David Mok, Jeannie Mok, Jonathan Mok, Faith Leong ,
Cary Gan, Phil Whittaker and David Teoh.
Vision Team
Relationship
Mission
Ministries
MCC Cell and Growth Kids
API Structure
Youth
Cafe M
Club CCA
III. The Growth Structure
Growth is natural because life is encoded with growth factor. Healthy growth is the results of
healthy life.
The cell structure of ICC falls under the growth structure. Under the growth structure there is
no ―hierarchy‖ – all leaders will be called Cell-Pastors as opposed to the FIVE-FOLD
MINISTERS – thus Senior Minister, Executive Ministers, Youth Minister etc.
Cell Structure
There are generally two basic structures for cell groups: The Jethro-model and the G- model.
This is also called the ‗Jethro Model‘ because of the way it arranges multiplying group
together in a hierarchy. For every five new units of cells a new level of leadership is added,
resulting in a hierarchical and somewhat top-heavy model. Under this system the supervisor
cares for the five cell leaders; a zone supervisor cares for 25 cell leaders and a district
pastor supervises approximately 125 cell leaders.
The G-Model
The G-12 model is a creative alternative to the normal cell church structure developed by
David Cho ( 5x5).
Basically when a member of the cell has managed to plant a new cell, he or she then
becomes part of the G system (G-12 in his case)
Jethro –Model 5 x 5 G 12 Model
Structure
Visually
Nature
Geographical Affinity
Structure
District Network
Management Relational
Overseer
Multiplication
By division By planting
Relationship
Cells
Others
ICC adopts a modified G12 model We call it the G-Type-Cell Model. Under the ICC
Senior Minister (G-72 Pastor), there are supposed to be twelve (called G-18 pastors), each
planting 6 cells each, thus 72 cells
Each G-18 pastor is supposed to have six G-3 cell pastors under them, and in turn each of
the six G3 cell pastors will have 3 cell pastors under them. Thus the rationale for G18 and
G3
G72 G3
G18
The Guiding Principles of the G-type Model
1. Discipleship
The cell church‘s agenda is the fulfillment the Great Commission to ―go and make
disciples of all nations‖. We desire to see disciples, (not just decisions) and
ministers, (not just multitudes). People who accept the gospel and believe must be
taught, shaped and formed into the image of Jesus.
2. Leadership Development
3. Multiplication
The heart of the G-type model is multiplication. It is in obedience to God‘s desire for
us to be fruitful and multiply. Success and faithfulness in this context is defined by
our ability to multiply resources (the number of people and the number of cells) that
God has entrusted to us, as illustrated in the parable of the talents (Matt 25).
4. Glory of God
The G-type cell model aims to prepare and mobilize God‘s people for works of
ministry. This is said to be the era of the saints, the era of the faceless, nameless that
will rise up in the power of God in church and in the marketplace. G-type Cell Model
facilitates this by releasing people into ministry.
LEADERSHIP
2.1 Qualifications
a. Leader
Promote and communicate the vision of the church which is broken down into
goals and strategies on different levels.
Be responsible for the growth of the cells under your charge
Provide feedback to your G-18 pastor on the conditions of the cell groups
under your care.
b. Manager
Annual planning with your immediate G-Pastor
A plan and to execute all cell multiplications which involves the following
steps:
i. Projection of cell multiplication dates for each cell
ii. Identify potential cell pastors and ensure that they are progressing
through the gates of progress i.e. finishing Lifetracks, church membership,
etc.
iii. Talk to the cell pastor (of the multiplying cell) about reorganization of
members, meeting place and other logistical issues
iv. Fix a meeting for the potential cell pastor to be interviewed by the Vision
Team. If approved by the Vision Team, the potential cell pastor will be
commissioned at the next combined service.
v. In the mean time, help the cell pastor and his/her cell members to be
excited about multiplication
vi. Be there for the celebration of the multiplication
vii. Follow up and monitor to ensure the new cells are thriving
viii. Ensure implementation of any church wide projects involving cells
ix. Be a trouble shooter. Make decision of cell closure if necessary.
x. Report on following issues to your immediate G-Pastor and Vision Team
members (The minister in charge of ICC cells)
insubordination and influencing others against church leadership
serious marital problems e.g. immorality, violence and divorce
fraud or deception
doctrinal deviation
Abuse
c. Shepherd
Minister to specific pastoral needs in your network e.g. Hospital visits,
counseling, bereavement, weddings, idol removal, deliverance, etc. Refer on
if necessary.
Take care of the cell pastors under your charge. Meet with them and mentor
them with the materials passed on from the Senior Pastor and Vision Team.
Visit cell groups. Go with the attitude to bless and edify cell members,
participate as a member, model specific parts if necessary and get to know
members of the cell groups.
Read the section on ―Primary Care—the Cell Pastor as Shepherd
YOUR ROLE AS A SHEPHERD
As a shepherd, your responsibility is to provide the primary care to your cell members (as
distinguished from critical care—refer to the section on critical care). Primary care is the
normal, regular attention and support that a cell pastor is expected to provide to the cell
members.
Jesus was a true shepherd (1 Pet 5:4, John 10). Really the sheep are not ours but
God‘s.
The minister appoints cell pastors to look after the small groups. Just as Moses
appointed leaders for the smaller groups according to the levels. (Ex 18:25)
SHEPHERD LEADER
1. Pastoring people can be hard work but it is also rewarding. Peter tells us,―And when the
Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away‖ (1
Peter 5:4). Get ready to embark upon the greatest adventure of your life, one with
eternal rewards.
2. At some point in your journey as a cell pastor, you will encounter pain, loss,
disappointment. Therefore it is so important to keep up your own spiritual growth so that
you continue to receive the grace that is all sufficient for you.
3. Be available but draw appropriate boundaries. As a cell pastor, you need to learn to
draw physical as well as emotional boundaries. Physical boundaries refer to boundaries
on your time, your energy, etc. A cell pastor should be generous with his/her time but
this doesn‘t warrant the deterioration of personal or family life.
For example, if your cell members phone you at inappropriate times then kindly tell them
not to call during that time again, unless it is an emergency. Suggest other times or
ways (email or on another phone line) they can contact you that are better for you; if you
know of times that would not be good for you and your family, let your cell members
know of them from the outset. It‘s okay to set time limit on phone conversation and one
to one conversation.
We have had examples of cell members who called at early hours in the morning to ask
their cell pastors to pick them up from the city as they couldn‘t get public transport,
members who hang around until midnight, etc.
Cell Pastors also need to know how to draw emotional boundaries. As cell pastors, we
need to empathize with our members when they go through time of grief, loss, etc but
we need to learn to cast those burdens upon the Lord and not allow those feelings to
overwhelm us. Unhealthy boundaries cause us to think: I am responsible for his moral
breakdown, depression. Etc. Healthy boundaries means: I have done everything within
my power and will continue to pray for him but ultimately he/she has to be responsible to
his/her own decisions and choices.
Larry Crab, a famous author on counseling, commented in his book, The Key to Caring,
that one must not confused between goal and desire. He says: ―A goal may be defined
as a purpose to which a person is unalterably committed. He assumes unconditional
responsibility for a goal, and it can be achieved if he is willing to work at it. A desire may
be defined as something wanted that cannot be obtained without the cooperation of
another person. It is an objective for which a person can assume no responsibility,
because it is beyond his control. Reaching a desire must never become the motivating
purpose behind behavior, because then a person is assuming responsibility for
something he cannot fulfill on his own”. A cell pastor can make it his goal to each of his
member at least once a week to build relationship but his desire that these members will
open up to him may not be accomplished without the cooperation of the other parties.
4. We do not recommend a cell pastor to minister to or visit a member of the opposite sex
alone. If you are married, you should bring your spouse with you. If you are single, bring
your co-leader with you
5. As the cell grows, it is not possible for you to build relationship with everyone. Start
building a core group and train up assistants/apprentices to help you to follow up and
care for the rest of the cell members.
2. Aim for frequent connection. In addition to the cell meetings, contact each of your cell
members regularly. Utilize phone call, sms, emails, msn, etc to keep in touch.
Internet social network e.g. Facebook should be used with caution. ICC is currently
constructing an intranet that will enable us to connect with each other through the
website.
3. Create an atmosphere of care in the cell meetings for praying for each others.
4. Celebrate the milestones in the cell members‘ life e.g. engagement, weddings,
graduations, birth of a child, etc.
6. Be available at the critical times in a members‘ life e.g. deaths, critical illness, break
up of marriage or relationships, etc. Be sure to inform your G-pastor about these
situations.
7. Help each other practically e.g. moving house, child care, etc.
8. Have a structure to share burden together e.g. email the prayer needs to the whole
cell, etc.
One of key roles of the cell pastors is to help the members to grow spiritually. In ICC, we
have many avenues to help the members to grow.
1. Keep track of the spiritual development of the cell members. (use the form in the
appendix)
Lifetrack One Learn the basics of Christian - Bring them to Senior Minister Dinner
Living
-Talk to them about the multicultural vision of
-God the church, try to answer any concern they may
have about the church
-Salvation by grace
-Introduce them to the different
-Prayer
-Bible
-if they are Christians (for example overseas
-Worship students who accepted Christ overseas), ask if
they have any theological concerns
-Baptism-water & HS
-Encourage them to be water baptized
-Tithing
-Baptism of the HS and speaks in tongues
-Church
-Encourage them to attend Sunday services
regularly
-Forgiveness
-Conflict management
-Communication
-Walking in faith
-Multiculturalism
-Soul Winning
-Cell Church
-Partnership
Lifetrack Four -Leading a cell group -Give them opportunity to lead worship or
discussion in the cell
Cell Pastor:__________________________________________
1. Attendance concerns
Some of the common reasons: priority (work, fun, etc), discipline (sleep late, can‘t get
up in the morning), commitment.
Heb 10:25 ―Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of
doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the
Day approaching.
Matt 6:33 “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these
things will be given to you as well‖
The corporate meetings bring a level of anointing and manifestations of the
presence of God
Share testimonies.
2. Sickness
If possible, visit the person
Provide practical helps
Pray for him/her
Is 53:5 ―By his stripes we are healed‖
Ex 15:26 He said, "If you listen carefully to the voice of the LORD your God
and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and
keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on
the Egyptians, for I am the LORD, who heals you."
4. Study problems
Lack of motivation is normally due to the lack of purpose. Help the person set
goals. Ask: what do you think are the consequences if you continue this way?
Are you happy to live with the consequences?
Identify some of the root problems: lack of discipline, poor study
habits/strategies, language problems
Help them develop good study habits:
Discover their key productive time
Find their key learning styles e.g better study alone or with someone
Don‘t procrastinate
If it is a language problems, read up before class, take copious notes or
borrow notes from others, not be afraid to ask.
Tim 1:7 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of
love and of self-discipline.
5. Past mistakes
Get to know them – make sure you spend time with them as well as praying
with them
Be open and vulnerable
Encourage them to go to Encounter Camp
They need to know who they are in Christ and understand that we are ALL
sinners – establish the Word of God in their life about who they are.
Encourage them to forgive themselves once they acknowledge God has
forgiven them – then love themselves .
Set-up an accountable relationship .
If other people were involved in the past mistake – get them to ask for
forgiveness or to forgive the others
Give them small tasks and responsibility in cell environments
Start to introduce other relationships within the church and cell – to create
openness
6. Bad Habits
Be Understanding – usually they do not want to change, it us who wants them
to change
Focus them on Godly priorities
Prayer – get them praying – possibly fasting
Provide a positive alternative – get them practically involved.
Find the root of the cause – what is the reason – eg. – clubbing to get a girl
Use the Word of God to help them – allow them to see the power in the word
of God
1 Corinthians 6:12 – everything is permissible but not beneficial
Hebrews 4:12 – Word is living and active. Sharper than a two-edged sword.
If it is a more mature Christian – Matthew 18:6
Q&A
4. If my cell members ask me to keep confidence about his/her issues, what should I
do?
The ability to keep confidence is important for building trust with the cell members.
However, there are times when you must not keep confidence:
If it affects the unity of the cell or the church e.g. if the person has something
against the leadership or the church
If it has implications for other people for example, the person is getting
married but has confessed to you that he is still attached to his old girlfriend
If it is more than you can handle. I had a case where a cell member has fallen
pregnant and had come to the cell pastor in confidence that she will go for
abortion as she doesn‘t want her parents to know about it. The cell pastor
agreed to do it and carried that guilt for years.
If it is a potentially life threatening issues e.g. the person has suicidal
thoughts.
To avoid the predicament of breaking confidence, always warn the person
who talks to you that you will always strive to keep confidence but you will
have to tell your G-pastor about it if it concerns the church or has serious
implications for others or his/her well being. Before reporting, give that person
a chance to speak to the party concern, offer to go with the person. If all else
fail, you must inform your G-pastor.
Emergencies
Contact the police, ambulance or fire service straight immediately. Such crises should
include:
Serious situations
As a cell pastor, you are expected to provide support and encouragement to members of
your group. However you are not trained to be a professional counselor, so you should not
assume such a role. Instead your responsibility is to provide opportunities for your members
to receive the appropriate care they require. Situations that may need professional help:
Crisis care
If there is a crisis such as bereavement, miscarriage, divorce, etc. Cell pastors are often the
first point of contact for any crisis in the life of the cell members. Though you are not called
upon to give professional intervention, certain things to remember are:
―It will take some time, but you‘ll get over it‘
―Try to be strong for your children‖
―You are lucky that it wasn‘t any worse‖
―It was God‘s will‖
―You should have heard what happened to me…‖
Provide meals for the family and inquire about other specific needs you may assist with,
such as caring for the pets or mowing the grass.
People to Contact
Contact your immediate G-leader first or one of the Vision Team pastors, and together
work out a plan and steps as how to help the members.
Emergency 000
Alcoholic Anonymous (07) 3255 9162
Gambling Helpline 1800 222 050
Queensland Housing Crisis Line (07) 3367 2522
(for temporary accommodation)
Telephone interpreter service 13 14 50
Domestic Violence Telephone Service 1800 811 811
Peter Janetzki & Associates (07) 3822 8336
(Christian counseling service)
Legal Aid Call Centre 1300 65 11 88
Women Legal Service (Brisbane) (07) 3392 0670
Teen Challenge Queensland (07) 3422 1500
For immediate crisis intervention when life may be in danger, ring the police
on 000. If can’t get through, call 112. If the danger is not imminent, you must
still ring the police on 33646464
Many people who are suicidal, communicate this intent to those around them.
However, these indicators are often subtle and can be very difficult to notice.
Understanding some of the warning signs can help us to understand someone at
risk. Warning signs may include:
All suicide attempts must be treated as though the person has the intent to die. Do
not dismiss a suicide threat or attempt as simply being attention seeking. It is likely
that the person has tried to seek attention and, therefore, this attention is needed.
The attention that they get may well save their lives.
1st RESPONSE is very important. You need to be pro-active and portray yourself to be
a caring and safe person.
a. Evaluate the LETHALITY. How potentially lethal is the situation? Think escape
(safety, protection) plans for yourself, just in case. Don‘t compromise yourself as a
suicidal person may become a homicidal person.
o Check that your mobile is working and on redial to your carer who‘s on
standby.
o Let your carer know the address & how to get there.
o Get carer to call in 15 mins. Your answer ‗Call me back in 15 mins‘ means
situation is not that safe.
o 2 x 15 mins is a signal for carer to call Police & Ambulance.
o ‗Call me back in 1 hour‘ means you are ok.
o After knocking on the door, step back & wait for person to walk into the house
first with you following behind. Never allow him to walk behind you.
o Survey room & check escape routes – ensure that the door is not locked,
place is safe.
c. Retrieval
o Ask ―Are you suicidal‖. Use the suicide‘ – be direct, honest and bold. Don‘t
use vague terms eg ‗Harming yourself‘ ‗Hurt yourself‘ ‗Doing something
stupid‘. Directness leads to openness which create a bridge and this facilitate
the venting process.
o If the answer is yes. Ask ―How are you going to commit suicide? When…?
Where….?Why….? Remember suicidal people are planners.
o Listen. Use the 80-20 rule. You listen 80% and talk 20%. Do not attempt to
counsel them. Just allow them to off-load their problems. This will in turn
reduce their pain and angst.
o Explore any signs of vomiting (Have you taken something?), Bleeding (self
inflicted?) Breathlessness (Asthmatic? Have you taken something?)
Disfigurement (Don‘t assume it is old) Pain (Where is the pain?)
o If the answer is no. Apologize and said you needed to know. Offer future help
and follow them up. Say ‗If you happen to feel suicidal at any time, please call
me immediately and I‘ll get help.‘ Get the person promise not to do it. Get
them the help needed – practical, counseling etc.
o If the person is ambivalent : Will I or won‘t I. The final part of the ambivalence
struggle is RIGHT Time vs WRONG Time. Say ―This is the wrong time
because I can help you‘ BEWARE of sudden unexplained behavioural
improvement after suicidal depression. They may have decided to complete
their suicide. ‗The calm after the storm‘
MY MEMBER JUST FOUND OUT THAT HER HUSBAND IS HAVING A AFFAIR
It is difficult for someone who has not experienced a partner‘s affair to understand the shock,
sadness and pain that comes when someone has pledged to ―forsake all others‖, betrays
that sacred promise. Infidelity shakes its victims to the very core.
o Write a note
o Call and visit if possible
o Recognise that recovery takes time. There is great wisdom in Shakespear‘s
observation:‖How poor are they that have not patience! What wound did ever heal
but by degrees‖ And the Apostle Paul advises:‖Encourage the timid, help the weak,
be patient with everyone‖ (I Thess 5:14)
o Lend a listening year. Listening is crucial in comforting others.
o Resist any temptation to recite clichés e.g. It was for the best, etc. Say ―I am sorry‖,
―This must be very painful for you‖.
o Offer practical help
o Pray for them
o Useful scriptures-Ps 91:2,4; Ps 94:18-19; Nahum 1:7; John 11;25; 2 Cor 1:3-4
Domestic violence can occur in many forms and can affect people of any age. If someone is
hurting you it can be very scary and it may be hard to know how you can stop it. It is
important to remember that no one has the right to be violent towards you and there are
people out there who can help.
Below are some of the forms that domestic violence may take:
Physical - If someone is hurting you then you will probably have to take some action. Some
forms of physical violence are: pushing, shaking, slapping, forcing you to do sexual things
against your will, throwing things at you, damaging your property, hurting or killing pets.
Emotional - This form of violence is often unrecognised and can be very hurtful. Some
forms of emotional violence are making threats, speaking in a way that is frightening, putting
you down, and emotional blackmail.
Economic - Having money and being able to make decisions about it, is one means of
being independent. If someone is controlling your money, keeping you financially dependent,
or making you ask for money unreasonably, then this is a form of violence.
Social - This form of violence may happen in conjunction with other forms. If someone is
insulting you or teasing you in front of other people, keeping you isolated from family and
friends, controlling what you do and where you go, then they are being violent and you may
need to take some action.
o Remember as a cell pastor, your role is there to support. Refer them to the Pastors
for professional help.
o Safety is always the first priority. If there is any imminent danger, call the police.
Another useful contact is Violence Against Women, Australia Says No—1800 200
526
o Helpful things to say: ―It takes a lot of courage to talk about something so painful.
Thank you for trusting me enough to share this with me‖; ―It‘s not your fault. You are
not responsible for your husband‘s abusive behavior‖
o Provide practical help. While abhorring the abuse, many women hesitate to leave
their violent husbands out of fear of enraging their husbands, losing their financial
security, having their shame exposed or failing to make it on their own. Many of these
are realistic fears. If the abused makes the decision to have a time of separation after
counseling, be there to provide practical help.
o Pray for them
o Help scriptures: Ps 10:17-18; Ps 31:1-2; Ps 72:12-14
As a leader, you are a vision carrier for the church. You need to cast the vision of the church strongly
to your cell as well as a vision for your own that cell that is within the parameter of the corporate
vision.
Our toughest leadership challenge is often ourselves. The Apostle Paul when instructing the
church at Ephesus said, ―Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy
Spirit has made you overseer‖
Once a month, you need to ask yourself these questions, and talk it through with your G
pastor:
Is my vision clear?
Is my passion hot?
Is my character submitted to Christ?
Am I overcoming fear?
Are there any interior issues that can undermine my leadership e.g. self esteem,
past, hurts?
Am I growing?
Is my pace sustainable?
Am I aligned with the church? Have I grown in ownership, commitment and loyalty to
the house?
a. Know your own natural leadership style and personality. (See the appendix for the
personality test if have not taken one before)
b. Although we all have one dominant style of leadership that we are comfortable with,
we need to be adaptable to the context that we are leading. Research shows that for
a cell group, the most suitable leadership style is what is termed by Rev Gordon
Moore as the Sanguine Leadership Style. A leader who exercised the Sanguine
Leadership are personable, approachable, diplomatic, tactful and has high relational
skills.
FOURTH—KNOW THE VISION OF THE CHURCH
As mentioned earlier, leaders are vision carriers of the church. It is important that you know
the vision of the church intimately.
Second, Are you fully convinced beyond the mere facts, that the vision is important?
As a church, we believe the Multicultural Vision is a mandate from God. It is the heartbeat of
God.
The Multicultural Church is a foretaste of heaven. Rev 7:9 says ―After this I looked and there
before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people
and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white
robes and were holding palm branches in their hands.‖ In the Lord‘s prayer, Jesus taught us
to pray: ―Your Kingdom come and your will be done‖. The multicultural church is bringing the
Kingdom of God on earth.
It is also an answer to prayers of Jesus. At the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed; ―Let
them be one as we are one so that the world will know that you sent me….that you love
them‖. Our oneness is one of the most powerful and compelling testimony to the authenticity
of the gospel.
The early church was also multicultural. The Antioch church was a multicultural church with
multicultural leadership. In Acts 13: 1, it says 1In the church at Antioch there were prophets
and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been
brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul.‖ Simeon was an African. Lucius was a Gentile,
Manaen was Greek and Paul was a Jews.
There are many other reasons why we embrace the Multicultural Vision. Please refer to
Lifetrack 4 for further information.
Without vision, people perish. A cell group should form a vision within the parameter of the
church vision. It is of absolute importance that all of our cells are aligned with the vision of
the church, not deviating from it.
Then write down some action steps and target dates for those steps.
1. The XXX church also ahs 80 nationalities represented in their church? Are all
churches multicultural?
Having 80 nationalities represented in the church is only a demographic reality. Being
a multicultural church goes beyond the quantitative qualities of having a certain
ethnic makeup in the congregation. There must be certain values that undergird a
multicultural church, for example:
Celebrate diversity. Although a lot of churches can look diverse, in essence, it
is governed by one dominant culture. The dominant culture can be a
corporate culture or a particular ethnic culture e.g. being very WASPish (white
Anglo Saxon Protestant). Here in ICC, we celebrate cultural diversity through
our multicultural worship, cultural celebration, language specific cells, etc.
Intentional diversity in leadership
Inclusive in our policies and practice. We create mechanism for all to
participate at all levels of leadership in the church.
African: 6.4%
Indian/Nepalese: 6.9%
Caucasian (includes mixed kids with 1 parent Aussie) 16.5%
Hispanic: 2.2%
Islanders/Aboriginal : 2.86%
Asians: 65.15%
3. Your member tells you that ―this performance is offensive to our culture‖
We have close to 60 nationalities represented in our church. It is hard not to offend
anyone. It is important to teach our members to adopt an ethno relative perspective
when comes to cultural practice. It simply means not to judge something just from our
cultural standard, assuming that your cultural perspective is the only way to see
things. On the other hand, try to understand the performance/ practice from other
cultural perspective.
CONFLICT MANAGEMENT
As a leader you‘ll face relational conflicts. The question isn‘t ―Will I face conflicts?‖ but ―How
can I best manage conflicts when they arise?‖ Also, as relationships in groups deepen,
conflict is inevitable. A group that experiences no conflict among members is probably either
a brand new group or a group that has not pursued authentic relationships.
Start small! Conflict does not have to become a crisis before we take charge of the situation.
Many serious issues can be prevented by early intervention. Managing a potential conflict
before it‘s a crisis is a sound investment. Start by paying attention to conflict clues:
Discomfort
Incidents
Misunderstanding
Tension and Crisis
(refer to Appendix A)
The moment we believe we are under attack, our body experienced what the
psychologist called ―amygdale hijack‖. It will activate one of three mechanisms: fight,
flight or freeze.
The key to move from reacting to responding is to focus on your inner state: body,
emotion and thought
Emotion-notice your feelings without suppressing them or letting them run wild.
Thought-Reframe doom, gloom or blaming thoughts into ―Ah, how interesting! I wonder
what the opportunity is here?‖
3. Learn to empathize
Use your ears more than your mouth. Paul advised, ―Look out for one another‘s
interests, not just for your own‘ The phrase look out for is the Greek word skopos, from
we get the words telescope and microscope. It means pay close attention. Focus on their
feelings, not the fact. Begin with empathy, not solutions. Feelings are not always true or
logical. David admitted, ―When my thoughts are bitter and my feelings are hurt, I was
stupid as an animal‖
Use AND not BUT e.g. ―I understand/appreciate that you see it this way and the way I
see it is….‖ or ―I acknowledge the way you see it and the way I see it is…‖
X I am on Bill‘s side on this one √ I can see some value in Bill‘s view
X Why would you think…? √ Tell me more about how you see it…?
6. Understand the different behavioral styles and the possible clash of values
The DISC model explains different behavioral styles using the spectrums of reserved
and outgoing, and people-oriented and task oriented. In difficult conversations consider
this to accommodate the other person‘s style.
Complaint Issue
7. Conflict mapping
Appendix 1
CONFLICT CLUES: WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEM
Discomfort: act to get comfortable. Say something. Ask a question. Check how the other
person is. Are they concerned about something? It may work better to phrase your question
neutrally. ‗How are things going? rather than ‗What‘s wrong?‘ or say what you want rather
than point out what is not quite right. Try some small talk. Get more information. The
situation hasn‘t escalated to being a big deal at this stage. If it‘s not about you, stay out of it!
Incident: Talk it over as soon as is acceptable to both parties. Encourage good dialogue
and objective statements. Actively listen to their explanation. Emphasize that it is a small
thing and that your motive is to ensure that the relationship continues well. Express respect
and good will to put the situation to rest.
Misunderstanding: Have a longer, deeper talk about the situation. Make it relaxed and
unrushed. Don‘t assume you understand. Clarify frequently. Check assumptions,
conclusions, inaccurate interpretations and the meaning we put on others behavior.
Consider an alternative, less judgmental interpretation of what has gone on. Use a neutral
third party if needed, to help you understand each other or get to the bottom of the problem.
Attribute no blame!
Tension: It has taken time to get this bad. It will take time to sort it out. Focus on the good
reasons to fix the issues. All parties have to want it fixed. Deal with your own tension first. Be
prepared; you will need a strategy with a range of actions, which attend to the relationship as
well as the substantive issues. Involve all the parties and work through it over time together.
You may need neutral help
Crisis: External control with authority may well be needed here. The communication of
information that is clear and simple needs to be managed by someone with a cool head.
Individuals may need support and practical help. Deal with the immediate issues and then
work on the long term outcomes.
Fight, Flight and Freeze
Exercise: How do you handle conflict?
Fight
People most likely to
get this reaction
Behaviour Rarely Sometimes Frequently from me
Explode
Shout
Intimidate
Interrupt
Insist I'm right
Keep explaining my point
Tell them how to behave
Nag
Call on others to back me
up
Issue Ultimatums
Flight
People most likely to
get this reaction
Behaviour Rarely Sometimes Frequently from me
Run out the door before
anythings resolved
Hope the problem will go
away if I do nothing
Hold back my opinions to
prevent more conflict
Withdraw emotionally until
they change their mind
Become cranky but say
nothing about the problem
Tell myself it doesn't
matter anyway
Complain-but only behind
their back
Act overpolite
Take it out on the wrong
person
Give in
Freeze
In ICC, we look for potential leaders who are growing in these four different areas:
Spirituality
Commitment
Character
Competence
Do they have knowledge in the areas that they are going to serve in?
What about their skills?
Are they good listener?
Do they relate well to people?
Do they have influence on others? Do people respect and seem to follow them?
At this stage, you are not looking for a perfect leader, but one that can potentially be trained.
The knowledge and skills needed for the cell pastors include:
-Basic Doctrines
-Listening skills
-Conflict resolution
-Group Multiplication
Integrity
Moral uprightness
Punctuality
Keeping promises
Prayer
Commitment
Submission to serve
Discipline
Responsibility
Loyalty
Vision
Journalling
Corporate prayers
Overcoming discouragement
--A person is considered as prospective candidates for cell pastors after they have
completed this level. They can be a core member of the cell leadership team.
-Baptism-water & HS
-Tithing
-Church
-Conflict management
-Communication
-Walking in faith
-Partnership
-At this level, a person can start leading cell but need constant supervision and monitoring
-Ascertain no
current moral
issues
-Alignment to
the church‘s
vision
New Cell Pastors CP, CM One day- one in -Refresher -able to identify
Feb and one in primary care
Bootcamp Nov -Roles of cell and crisis care
pastor
-
-Highlight
important parts
of the cell
pastors‘ manual
-sons and
daughters of the
house
-conflict
management
-Lead a
dynamic cells
Seven Gates
Skills
These courses
serve as
refresher as well
as
reinforcement of
what is learned
in Lifetrack. It is
done in self
study notes with
reading
requirements as
well as short
assignments
Cell Pastors
may be
exempted from
the second term
on doctrines if
they can pass
the test with
80% and above
LEVEL THREE-COMPETENT CELL PASTORS
A cell pastor at this level is one who has successful grown the cell and is able to multiply
his/her cell
ONGOING DEVELOPMENT
Regardless of what level the cell pastors maybe, we recognize that cell pastors need
ongoing support and training.
For the following, please tick if you have completed them. If you have completed only part of them, please
put “partial completion”.
Training
Lifetrack One
Lifetrack Two
Lifetrack Three
Lifetrack Four
Encounter Camp
New Cell Pastors’ Boot Camp
OTHER CONSTRAINTS
1. What other commitments do you have that might impact your availability to serve as a cell pastor?
Family/ relationship commitment e.g. getting married, having a new baby, etc