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INTRODUCTION

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.

Rev. Faith Leong

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.

First Cycle-Feb, March, April—Test Your Limits

Second Cycle—May, June, July—Fun, Friendship and Family

Third Cycle—August, Sept, Oct—Faith, Hope and Love

Fourth Cycle-Nov, Dec—Miracles on Ann St

Planning for BBC

We recommend a three-step-approach -ATM

First—Assess and Strategize

 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?

 Socio economic and education backgrounds

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.

 Giftings and talents


What kind of talents has God deposited in your cells? Discover the God-given talents in your
cell.
Now that you have accessed what you have,
Write down your target group, brainstorm on their needs and opportunities
Migrant families—settling in, friends, job seeking
Business people—how to be successful, balance of family and work
Students—academic help, friendship
Then write down your strategies—what can you do?

Second, Train and Prepare

 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

Third, Mobilize and Launch

This is it!!! Have fun and see the fruit!

THINGS TO TAKE NOTES WHEN ORGANISING ACTIVITIES

 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

ICC OVERALL STRUCTURE

ICC has three major structures:

I. The Governmental Structure:

Government is ordained by God. Lack of government gives rise to anarchy.

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.

II. The Visionary Structure

Without a visionary structure, anyone, anyhow, anywhere will do at anytime.

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.

The Jethro-Model (or The 5x5 Structure)

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).

Pastor César Castellanos founded International Charismatic Mission at Bogotá in April,


1983. Initially he modeled his cell system after Cho. After five years, there were about 70
cells in his church (1991). One day while he was reading Matt 9:35-10:10, he received a
revelation that Jesus‘ solution to the ―the lack of laborers in the harvest field‖ is to train up a
group of 12 disciples. He thus called this model G12. From 1992-1999, with ―Groups of
Twelve‖ strategy, ICM grew to 20,000 cells.

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

 Hierarchical  Spider Web

Nature

 Geographical  Affinity

Structure

 District  Network

 Management  Relational

Overseer

 Removed from grass  Grass roots system


roots
 Focus on coaching
 Focus on supervision
 Still lead a cell
 Do not lead a cell

Multiplication

 By division  By planting

Relationship

 Severed relationship  Continuous relationship

Cells

 Focus on pastoral  Focus on outreach and pastoral

Others

 Rigid System  Flexible system

 Getting to be outdated  Cutting edge

 Leadership by  Leadership by empowerment


appointment

Originator: Dr. Yonggi Cho Originator : Pastor Cesar Castellanos


Comparing the 2 Models

ICC G-type Cell Structure

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

The cell structure emphasizes leadership development. We desire to raise up leaders


who have received the DNA of the Senior Minister (in terms of vision, mission,
cultures, and values of the church). They become the true sons and daughters of the
house as they pass through the ‗Seven Gates‘ of the church. It is structured with the
awareness that everyone needs to be ministered to in order to minister. The model
provides ongoing mentoring and proper accountability at all levels of leadership in the
church.

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

Cell Pastors/G Pastors

Qualifications of a Cell Pastor/G-pastor

 Must meet the qualifications and requirements for church membership.


 Must meet the character requirements for church leaders in I Tim 3.
 Must be loyal to the Senior Minister and his short and long-term visions.
 Must be willing to work in harmony with others.
 Must be faithful and dependable in accomplishing duties.
 Must carry a love and burden for the souls of men, women and children.
 Must lead, encourage, assimilate and care for their group with tact, zeal and love.
 Must be flexible and willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done.
 Must be given to prayer in their personal life and for their group of members.
 Must possess a general knowledge of all cell pastors‘ goals and task.
 Must strive to retain a love for their area of ministry.
 Be exemplary in church, prayer meetings and cell attendance. Ministry is modeling
one‘s private life publicly. Hosea 4:9 ―Like people, like priest‖ and Luke 6:40 (Jesus
said) ―A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like
his teacher‖.
 Must attend the monthly leaders‘ training as well as the annual vision day and Synergy
conference.
 All cell pastors must have a blue card issued by the Department of Commission for
children and Young People and Child Guardian. (Refer to the section on risk
management)
 Must be consistent and proactive in the mentoring sessions with your immediate G-
Pastor)
 Have a good understanding of the church‘s vision and philosophy (Mission, Cultures,
Values)
 Must have finished/or in the process of finishing the ‗Lifetracks‘

2.2 Roles and Responsibilities

A Cell Pastor has three major roles and responsibilities:

a. Leader-the key word is alignment


 Heb 13:17-Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch
over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will
be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you‖.
 The cell pastor should trumpet the vision established by the Senior Minister
and articulated by the Vision Team.
 Should fully understand and serve the Lord through the vision of the church
 The cell pastor should provide direction to the cell within the parameter of the
vision of the church.
 Strategize for growth and multiplication in consultation with the G-pastor.
 Identify and train potential cell assistants/apprentices in preparation for
multiplication
 Lead the weekly cell meetings
 Organize at least the cell outreaches (BBC)

b. Shepherd-the key word is Edification


 Be shepherd of God‘s flock. 1 Pet 5:2
 Build relationships in the cell by loving people and caring for their well being
 Disciple the members in the cells. Intentionally bring each person through the
gates of progress.
 Minister to specific pastoral issues, refer on to G-pastor if necessary
 Work with other leaders to assimilate new members into cell. Contact the
names given within the time frame specified. Invite the person to cell

c. Manager-the key word is empowerment


 Empower the people in the cell to be effective
 Disseminate information e.g. co-coordinating instructions for church wide
projects ad harvest events.
 Practical organization e.g. time and place of meetings, duty rosters, etc.
 Write weekly cell reports to the designated person.
 Be proactive in communicating with the church office e.g. providing numbers
for Senior Minister‘s Dinner, functions, etc.
 Build team ministry in the cell by encouraging participation and through
delegation.

G-Pastor similarly has three roles

Roles and responsibilities of a G-pastor (G-3.or G18)

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.

BIBLICAL FOUNDATION FOR SHEPHERDING

1. Biblical Reference to shepherding:

 Jesus was a true shepherd (1 Pet 5:4, John 10). Really the sheep are not ours but
God‘s.

 God separated some people out to be shepherds of the church .


Acts 20:28 ―Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has
made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his
own blood.‖

 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)

2. Why do there have to be Shepherds?

 Sheep need a leader. Num 27:15-19


 Sheep will suffer. Zech 10:2
 Sheep will wander. 1 King 22:17, Eze 34:4-6
 God gave us shepherds. Jer 3:15

SHEPHERD LEADER

As a shepherd-leader, your primary focus is relationship. Forming an authentic relationship


is the first step to intentionally care for your cell members. People want to be built into, cared
for and loved. They first want a shepherd who feeds them rather than a supervisor who
leads them. Their primarily want a shepherd who cares for them, who seeks to understand
them—their personal walk with God, their family life, their relationship to the church. One
who helps them discern next steps of personal spiritual growth or how to fulfill their potential
in the Lord Jesus, the ultimate shepherd gave us an example when he says: I know my
sheep and my sheep know me‖
Tender, compassionate heart is a key facet of intentional shepherding. God described his
heart for shepherding in Eze 34. Key responsibilities of a shepherd are:

 To strengthen the weak


 To heal the sick
 To bind up the injured
 To bring back the stray
 To search for the lost

The Bible distinguished between a true shepherd and a hired hand

SHEPHERD HIRED HAND

Cares to the point of sacrifice Quits when it gets tough

Knows sheep personally Know sheep as a flock

Intimate relationship with God In it for personal advancement

Heart for the sheep Just doing the job

THINGS TO TAKE NOTE IN PASTORING YOUR PEOPLE

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.

PRACTICAL WAYS TO BUILD RELATIONSHIP IN THE CELL

1. Model openness and transparency by sharing about yourself.

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.

5. Remember and celebrate each others‘ birthdays.

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.

9. Follow up if a person has missed cell or church to show concern.

PRACTICAL WAYS TO HE LP YOUR MEMBERS’ SPIRITUAL GROWTH

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)

2. Help them to progress through the development track in the church

Curriculum Learning outcomes Others

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

-If they have any personal issues e.g. living


together, addictive habits, etc, the approach is to
encourage them to grow in the Lord before
laying down rules.

Lifetrack Two Inner Life development -Encourage them to go to encounter camp

-attitudes and emotions -Encourage them to develop accountable


relationship
-Character development
-Talk to them about any past issues that need to
-Discerning the will of God be dealt with

-Overcoming the devil -encourage them to serve in the cell.

-Forgiveness

-Conflict management

-Communication

-Walking in faith

Lifetrack Three Vision and Mission of the -join membership


church
-Encourage them to serve in the church
-Vision and Mission
- Teach them to lead someone to Christ
-Cultures and Values

-Multiculturalism

-Soul Winning

-Cell Church

-Partnership

Lifetrack Four -Leading a cell group -Give them opportunity to lead worship or
discussion in the cell

-if they are ready and willing, groom them to be


core members or assistants
Members Spiritual Progress Form

Cell Pastor:__________________________________________

Name LT 1 LT 2 LT 3 LT 4 Encounter Water B


COMMON PASTORAL ISSUES

Common Pastoral Issues

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."

3. When a loved one died


 Send a short note or card
 Express your sorrow by simply saying ―I am so sorry about________‘s death
 Provide meals for the family and inquire about other specific needs you may
assist with
 Listen. Allow the family to talk about the loved one
 Remember the family at holidays, birthdays and anniversary of the death
 Jn 11:25 Jesus told her, ―I am the resurrection and the life.[a] Anyone who
believes in me will live, even after dying.
 2 Cor 1:3-4 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our
merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our
troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be
able to give them the same comfort God has given us.

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

7. Personality clashes or offence between members


 Talk to the individuals involved separately. Listen to both sides of the story.
 Encourage them to apply the biblical principles. Matt 5 and Matt 18
 Empathise with their feelings. Don‘t try to talk people out of how they feel at
first. Just listen and let them unload emotionally without being defensive.
Feelings are not always true or logical.
 Get them to confess their part of the conflct. Confession is a powerful tool for
reconciliation. Often the way people handle a conflict creates a bigger hurt
than the original problem itself.
 Emphasize reconciliation, not resolution

Q&A

1. What‘s the policy on borrowing and lending money in the cell?


First of all, no cell pastors should be borrowing money from cell members. The
members find it hard to refuse and it makes a cell pastor obligated to the cell
members which reduces the effectiveness of his/her leadership. Secondly, a cell
pastor if approached by a cell member should not feel obligated to lend money. You
should only lend money as a friend and if you do want to lend money to people, have
the attitude that if the person doesn‘t return the money, you are at peace with it.
Discourage the practice of borrowing and lending money within the cell. Sometime,
cell members may have genuine needs for financial help. If possible, give rather than
lend to avoid disappointment.

2. Should dating couple be in the same cell?


We do not have a policy on this matter. Past experience however shows that unless
a couple‘s relationship is steady and ready to get married, it is not always advisable
for them to be in the same cell. Often time, a couple breaks up and cause the cell to
be divided as different members get caught in the relational conflicts or issues.

3. Is it okay for me to invite a special speaker to the cell?


Before you invite any special speaker, you should consult with your G-pastor. Please
do not send out an invitation before talking it over with your G-pastor. This is to avoid
putting your G pastor in an awkward position to have to say yes even though he/she
may not be comfortable with the speaker you invite or the embarrassment that you
have to cancel the invitation should your G pastor strongly object the proposal.

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.

5. Do I allow members from another church to join our cell?


We do not encourage members from another church to join our cell groups. First, it
causes confusion in terms of pastoring. For example, if the person has a character
issue, who is responsible for teaching him and guiding him; who is he ultimately
accountable to. Also, the church that he attends may have a different values/belief
than our church. If you have a few of your members who are from another church, it
creates inertia in the cell, hampering your effectiveness to bring the cell into
alignment to the church. Finally, as a cell pastor, you have limited resources and
time, it‘s far better to invest those resources into members who are willing to be
trained up to follow the vision of the church and to take on leadership in future.
SECTION FOUR-CRISIS CARE

Emergencies

Contact the police, ambulance or fire service straight immediately. Such crises should
include:

 Life threatening situations


 Severe accidents or emergencies
 An attempted suicide or threatened suicide
 Present threats of violence by a person to himself or herself or to others

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:

 Thoughts/ threats of abortion


 Serious marriage problems
 History of past abuse
 Addiction e.g. substance abuse, alcohol, gambling, etc.
 Severe personality disorders
 Mental disorders or dysfunctions

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:

Avoid offering platitudes and superficial comments such as:

 ―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.

Say ― I am so sorry this happened to you..‖

Listen, listen, listen and be slow to speak


―quick to listen‖ means listen to the heart cry
Good resources:
Lampman, Lisa Barnes (ed), Helping A Neighbor in Crisis (Wheaton, Tyndale House, 1997).
This is an excellent resource for cell pastors. Easy layman terms, concise and very practical
tips on how to provide support to people in different crisis.

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.

Here are some useful numbers:

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

Vision team phone numbers (in emergency):

Ps Faith (Ngar Fei) 0413 048 768


Ps Jonathan Mok 0413 774 783
Ps David Mok 0411 160 239
Ps Jeannie Mok 0412 644 813
MY MEMBERS SAY HE HAS SUICIDAL THOUGHTS……

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

1. If a person is really intent on killing themselves do they still show warning


signs?

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:

o The recent suicide, or death by other means, of a friend or relative;


o Previous suicide attempts;
o Preoccupation with themes of death or expressing suicidal thoughts;
o Depression, conduct disorder and problems with adjustment such as
substance abuse, particularly when two or more of these are present;
o Giving away valued possessions, making a will or other final arrangements;
o Major changes in sleep patterns, including too much or too little;
o Sudden and extreme changes in eating habits, losing or gaining weight;
o Withdrawal from friends, family or other major behavioural changes;
o Dropping out of group and social activities;
o Personality changes such as nervousness, outbursts of anger, impulsive or
reckless behaviour, or apathy about appearance or health;
o Frequent irritability or unexplained crying;
o Lingering expressions of unworthiness or failure;
o Lack of interest in the future;
o When there have been other indicators of a potential suicide attempt, a
sudden lifting of spirits may point to a decision to end the pain of life through
suicide.

2. Are people who threatened suicide just seeking attention?

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.

3. What should I do?

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.

b. Quantify perturbation. How HOT is the Suicide threat. On a scale of 1 to 10 assess


their pain. Remember 80% of suicides are planned. IF TOO HOT RING POLICE OR
AMBULANCE ON 000.

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.

What can you do?

o Get them to contact one of the pastors straight away


o Allow plenty of time for grief, sadness and anger. A listening year is of such great
value at this time.
o Help them explore the meaning and practice of forgiveness
o Encourage them to rely on God for their worth
o Pray for them
o Offer practical help for them and the kids
o Should they separate or divorce, offer support and practical help. Be sensitive
especially on Valentine‘s Day, mother‘s day, birthday, anniversary, etc.

MY MEMBER’S MOTHER JUST PASSED AWAY

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

I THINK MY CELL MEMBER IS SUFFERING FROM DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

What is domestic violence?

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.

How you can help?

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

MY MEMBER CONFIDED IN ME THAT HE/SHE HAD BEEN ABUSED BY A FAMILY


MEMBER/AN ADULT

o Report to your G pastor straight away


o Your G pastor will determine whether it is mandatory to report the incident
o If the person is not a minor (over 18), and the abuse is still ongoing, encourage the
person to report to police. Offer to accompany the person to do so.
o Be there to support as this is a very emotional matter but wait for your G pastor‘s
direction as what actions to take.
CONFLICT
YOUR ROLEMANAGEMENT
AS A LEADER

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.

FIRST, AS A LEADER, LEAD YOURSELF

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?

SECOND, KNOW YOURSELF

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.

First, Do you understand the vision?


The vision of ICC is to ―build a multicultural cell church that will impact this Nation and
Beyond‘

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.

Third, are you participating and passing on the vision?

FIFTH, VISION CASTING SKILLS

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.

Bad Alignment Good alignment


First, write a vision statement for your cell. A vision statement must be:

 Concise—make sure your vision statement can be stated in a sentence


 Clear-make sure your vision has clarity and is easily understood
 Consistent-Your vision statement should relate directly to the purpose of the church
 Compelling-is it something worth rallying around

Then write down some action steps and target dates for those steps.

Q AND A ABOUT CHURCH AND CELL VISION

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.

2. There seem to be a lot of Asians here? Is this a Chinese Malaysian Church?


Although our Senior Pastor is Chinese Malaysian in descent, we are not a Chinese
Malaysian Church. As of Feb 2010, our ethnic makeup is as followed:

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.

Principles to responding to conflicts constructively.

1. Pay attention to conflict clues

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)

2. Beware of amygdale hijack

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

Body-take a few good deep breath

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‖

4. Learn to collaborate instead of being adversarial


 Start with the heart-commit to a win/win approach
 Set the scene-beware that there are three things at stake here:

The content—what are you working out?

The process—how will you work it out?

The relationship—did you respect each other in the process?

5. Use collaborative language

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…‖

Use non-adversarial language:

Beware of saying: Say instead

X I disagree with you √ I would like to express a different view

X I am on Bill‘s side on this one √ I can see some value in Bill‘s view

X I can argue against that √ I see it differently

X Why would you think…? √ Tell me more about how you see it…?

X The problem with that is…? √ Let‘s explore other possibilities…?

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.

Look at the diagram attached.


Also learn to spot a clash of values. Common clashes include Equality vs. Status;
Agreement vs. Competition; Feeling vs. Actions and Objects; Independence vs.
autonomy.

Signs of values problem

Complaint Issue

That‘s not fair Equality

Show some respect Status

Why do you always have to make such a Agreement


fuss?

You‘re not listening Feelings

Stop complaining and get on to it Actions and objects

We‘re all in this together Interdependence

Let me do it myself Autonomy

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

Behaviour Rarely Sometimes Frequently People most likely to


get this reaction from
me
Go silent, can't even
think what to say
Accept physical or verbal
abuse and not stand up
for myself
Walk on eggshells so as
to not to arouse their
anger
Get depressed or sick
Try not to draw attention
to myself
Pretend the attack didn‘t
happen
Become operational
again by suppressing my
fear
Maintain peace by
denying there's a
problem.
APPRENTICING AND DEVELOPING NEW LEADERS
In order for the cell to keep growing and multiplying, ongoing leadership development is
crucial. Without new leaders, the cell is one generation away from extinction.

Apprentice development utilizes the principle of multiplication. For example, an effective


evangelist who reaches 1000 people a day for Christ will win the world to Christ in 13, 515
years. But a very effective disciple who teaches or trains two people a year to reach others
for Christ has the potential to win the world to Christ in 33 years. As we multiply ourselves,
we multiply our ministry as well.

HOW DO I SPOT POTENTIAL APPRENTICE LEADER

In ICC, we look for potential leaders who are growing in these four different areas:

Spirituality

 Do they see God working in their lives


 Are they self feeder?
 Do they journal faithfully?
 Are they eager to learn?

Commitment

 Do they understand the vision of the church?


 Are they committed to ICC as their local church?

Character

 Are they honest?


 Do they keep their promises?
 Are they emotionally stable?
 How do they respond to confrontation and character development? Defensively?
Responsively?

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.

HOW DO I OVERCOME THE OBJECTIONS OF THE POTENTIAL APPRENTICE

Typical objections are:

1. I just don‘t have the time?


Remember people make time for those things they count as important. Share the
importance of apprentice leadership in the body of Christ. Cast the vision of cell and
how cell can change and transform people‘ life. Also share testimony of how different
people had grown as they rose to the occasion and accept the challenge of leading a
group.

2. I don‘t have the gift of leadership


Remind people by reminding them that leadership is mostly character. It takes time to
develop character and competency (skills). If you believe some has the basic
character qualities of a potential leader, remind them that you will make sure they get
the appropriate training that they need.

DEVELOPING AN APPRENTICE LEADERS

In ICC, we have a systematic development plan:

We want to train our cell pastors in five different areas:

COMPETENCE (CP)-KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

The knowledge and skills needed for the cell pastors include:

-Basic Doctrines

-Vision and structure of the church

-Values and cultures of the church

-How to lead a dynamic discussion

-Stages of group life

-How to provide primary care

-Dealing with difficult people

-Listening skills

-Conflict resolution

-Group outreach and evangelism

-Caring for people in crisis

-Group Multiplication

-Apprentice selection and development

-Leading your group to serve together

-How to follow up newcomers


CHARACTER (CR)

Integrity

Moral uprightness

Punctuality

Keeping promises

COMMITMENT (CM)—SEVEN GATES

Prayer

Commitment

Submission to serve

Discipline

Responsibility

Loyalty

Vision

SPIRITUALITY (SP)—SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES AND HABITS

Journalling

Prayer and study the word

Corporate prayers

MOTIVATION (MV)—INSPIRATION AND MOTIVATION

Able to motivate oneself

Overcoming discouragement

Keeping a balanced life


LEVEL ONE—ENTRY LEVEL FOR CELL PASTORS/CELL APPRENTICES

--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.

Curriculum Area of Duration Learning outcomes Practical criteria


Development

Lifetrack One CP 8 weeks/2 Learn the basics of -Regular prayer


weekends Christian Living life

-God -Water baptized

-Salvation by grace -Baptism of the


HS and speaks
-Prayer in tongues
-Bible -Tithes regularly
-Worship

-Baptism-water & HS

-Tithing

-Church

Lifetrack Two CR, MV 8 weeks/2 Inner Life development -Been to


weekends encounter camp
-attitudes and emotions
-develop
-Character development accountable
-Discerning the will of relationship
God -In the process
-Overcoming the devil of dealing with
past hurts and
-Forgiveness issues

-Conflict management

-Communication

-Walking in faith

Lifetrack Three CP 2 Vision and Mission of -join


weekends the church membership

-Vision and Mission -able to lead


someone to
-Cultures and Values Christ
-Multiculturalism -able to
articulate the
-Soul Winning vision of the
-Cell Church church

-Partnership

Lifetrack Four CP 2 -Leading a cell group -know the


weekends basics of
leading a cell
groups

-at least have


led one cell
discussion

-at least led one


worship in cell

LEVEL TWO—BEGINNER LEVEL FOR CELL PASTORS

-At this level, a person can start leading cell but need constant supervision and monitoring

Curriculum/Tasks Area of Duration Learning Practical criteria


development outcomes

Interview & CP, CR, CM One off -Diagnostic If successful,


conscience and MV application of
statement -Identify further blue card
training needs

-Ascertain no
current moral
issues

-Alignment to
the church‘s
vision

Personality test CP One off Again diagnostic


and skill and help to
inventory identify possible
areas of
weakness and
development

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

Self Study CP, CM, Three term-27 The curriculum


course weeks will have three
major segments
Half an hour to
one hour a week Basic Doctrines

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.

T Area of Duration/frequen Characteristi Trainers Learning outcomes


Develop cy c
ment

WISH MV Annual Motivational Various Relational


Wholeness

Synergy MV/SP Annual Motivational Various Revival

Cell MV/CP/C Annual Motivational/ Various Skill development


Pastors‘ M skill
bootcamp development

SP CP/CM Once a month Motivational Senior Increased


training and skill Pastor commitment and
and GP development and G competence
huddles Pastor

ALT CP/CM Once every two Vision Ps Faith Alignment/compete


months casting and nce
skill
development

MID CM/CR/S Twice a month Spiritual various Develop relationship


P discipline
Spiritual discipline
Character
and Character
relational development

One-on- CM/CR At least once a Relational G pastor Support/trouble


one month shooting/focused
skill skill development

Self Study 2 nine weeks knowledge Self Good doctrinal


Course course study foundation
book
Clear understanding
of seven gates
APPENDIX : FORMS FOR CELL APPRENTICES TO FILL IN
BEFORE THE CELL INTERVIEW
GENERAL QUESTIONS

WHERE ARE YOU ON THE EQUIPPING TRACK

Please circle Yes/No

Are you water baptised? Yes/No

Are you baptised with the Holy Spirit with the


Evidence of speaking in tongues ? Yes/No

Are you a member of ICC? Yes/No

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

Other professional studies (e.g. doing an MBA, etc)

Any other ministry involvement in or outside the church


SKILL INVENTORY

Skill Don’t Know Weak Below Above Strong


average Average
Evangelism
Lead someone to Christ
Trained others to share Christ
Follow up new believers
Share personal testimony
Turn a conversation to the gospel
Plan an outreach event e.g. BBC
Evangelise a cult member
Leadership/admin
Vision casting
Answer questions regarding the
Multicultural vision
Organise rosters for cell
Organise logistics for cell
Strategise for growth
Plan for multiplication of cell
Apprentice a new leader
Shepherding-primary care
Listening skills
Encourage others
Confronting issues
Resolving conflicts
Phone follow up
Home visit
Conduct water baptism
Lead someone in HS baptism
Shepherding-crisis care
Care for someone sick
Care for someone with terminal illness
Care for someone whose family
members passed away
Care for domestic violence’s victim
Care for someone with suicidal
thoughts/threats
Crisis pregnancy
Abortion
Depression
Pornography
Group facilitation
Lead a group discussion
Lead worship in cell
Be a good host
Lead ice breakers
Self Care
Time management
Stress management

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