Littlebigfoot on the web

In an increasingly fragmented society, young people are desperately seeking a place where they can experience and participate in real community. God has placed within every human being the need to belong. Our society emphasises the role of the individual, God’s focus is on us becoming more self-less and more ‘brotherly’ in our lifestyles.

How do we create a real sense of community in our cells, a place where young people are able to grow and contribute, a place where they feel ’safe’ to try out new things, ask difficult questions, a place where when they are challenge don’t run away and hide, where everyone feels valued?

Pray

Jesus prayed for his disciples. Pray for those in your cell. Pray for God’s life to flowing between them during the week.

Teach

Talk about community, what it is, how it feels, how to achieve it. Brainstorm community words - together, sharing, co-operation, love, peace, listen etc.. Find stories. Identify community values. Don’t run from conflict, address it together.

Model

It is so important that you as the leader model what you hope to see built. Be open, honest and encouraging. Make the time to phone cell members. Arrange evenings out. Show interest in others’. Check up on yourself to see if you’re living it out.

Have fun!

Make time to hang out, do crazy things, eat together. A lot of what Jesus did was in a relaxed informal setting. It’s a great way to develop friendship.

Discussion:

When was the last time you all had an evening out?

How much is your cell a meting rather than a community?

How can you cultivate community in your cell?

Who in your cell has a gift for building community? How can you use them to develop cell community?