Ripe for Harvest

310 • R IPE FOR H ARVEST

VI. Living in Community

A. At Anyname Fellowship we place great emphasis on the importance of living in Christian community. All the elements of Christian nurture, service, and mission can be done in the context of a small group, what we call “cell groups.” We desire that every member of our church belong to a solid small group where they can be known, cared for, and set free to use their gifts to build up the body (Rom. 12.4-8). Truly, if someone is to become an intimate part of Anyname Fellowship’s church life, they must be committed to being a member of one of our cell groups, all which function under the careful leadership of our elders and pastors. B. While cell life is critical to live and grow in the body, they do not represent all of our living together. Cell life is not the only thing we do here at AF; our cells are key to our church life but are not our only church life. In addition to our cells, we also hope that every member will find personal friendships which encourage and inspire, as well as participate in our large group celebrations, teachings, and body life activities, all designed to build up our body.

C. What precisely is an AF cell group – what does one do?

1. What it is not

a. Not just a social gathering or activity

b. Not a substitute for personally walking with God

c. Not a club or a clique

2. What it is

a. A way of being the church together

b. A shepherding strategy

c. A means to bring in new members and strengthen those who are growing

Context Values/Vision

Prepare Launch Assemble Nurture Transition Schedule/Charter

D. The benefits of Christian community