Introducing the Model of 12
Every Pastor wants to know how to make their church grow. But growth is more than strategy. When most church leaders hear about the amazing growth in the ICM church in Columbia they immediately want to know the details of their strategy. But we need more than a strategy for growth. We need a fully developed vision for discipleship, nurture and mission and a new pattern for church life in the 21st Century.
The key to the success of this vision is not just the strategy of our cell vision but the values that uphold it. We cannot think that we will be successful simply by adopting a strategy. We must rise to the challenge spiritually, take on new levels of the anointing and, above all, embrace all the values that lie behind it applying them and developing them as the Holy Spirit leads us.
1. The Model of 12 is a vision for discipleship
Jesus said, "Make disciples" (see Matthew 28:19-20). He did not just tell us to evangelise or to get decisions. People who accept the gospel and believe must be discipled. They must be taught, shaped and formed into the
image of Jesus. We are still far short of full obedience in this respect. Many people who make decisions to become Christians in various forms of evangelism across the world are never truly discipled in the paths of Christ. This must change, and we must place full obedience to Jesus' command on
the highest level of our agenda as his people and as his church.
2. The Model of 12 is a cell vision
Cells are small groups of people who meet together weekly in order to disciple each other and reach out to those who don't know Christ. We must learn to love the cells. They are where the blessing of growth takes place. Cells are a highly effective way of fulfilling the New Testament mandate we
have as believers to be disciples and to disciple others. That's where believers receive the personal ministry they need and where their find and fulfil their ministry in the body of Christ.
3. The Model of 12 is a vision for leadership
The Model of 12 which emphasises the leadership development aspect of the vision. Every Christian is a potential leader. We are all called to serve Jesus and to lead others to Him. Those who are leading cells are discipled in groups of 12 (like the 12 disciples of Jesus). Therefore everyone who
ministers is also ministered to in this vision. That means there is proper accountability in all things.
4. The Model of 12 is a vision for multiplication
This is one of the most exciting aspects of the cell vision. Jesus' purpose for you is fruitfulness. He wants you to be successful in your life. He calls you to 'to be fruitful and multiply'. The growth that comes through the Model of 12 is not through transferring members from other churches.
It comes through the cells as the members reach out to their family, neighbours and friends. This means everyone must develop a passion for the lost and reach them uncompromisingly for Christ.
5. The Model of 12 is a vision for the glory of God
Something wonderful happens when God's people are mobilised. The 'super star syndrome' disappears and the work is done all. The real heroes in this vision are the members of the church not a handful of its super-anointed leaders. That way God can really get the glory. Signs, wonders, miracles
and mighty deeds happen throughout the whole church and everyone has a part to play.
As you can see the vision of the Model of 12 is a comprehensive one. And it takes some time to implement it fully. There will be new initiatives and creative innovation in every area of your church and personal lives. It will bring unrecognisable transformation to the way you think about church fellowship and to the way you do things. The cost will be high. But the rewards will be worth it.
The Heart of the Cell Vision
The Model of 12 facilitates the multiplication of cell groups, the training of new leaders and the discipleship of every member of the body. The aim of the model is that everybody is involved in reaching the lost through an open cell. The goal is for everybody to become a leader and run their
own open cell. Everyone is ministered to and everyone is a minister.
The cell groups do not divide - instead they multiply. When a person becomes part of a cell they start to pray and fast for three non-Christians. One by one they are led to Christ and become part of the cell. When the cell has grown to some size the multiplication takes place. Each person in the cell then starts to build a new cell. They continue to receive help, mentoring and encouragement from the original cell, but they also start their own cell. When all the members of the original cell have started their own new cell, the original cell becomes a Primary 12 group. A Primary 12 group is made up of leaders who have their own cells and meet for leadership training, to share about their progress, and for encouragement and support.
For more information see the booklets INTRODUCING THE CELL VISION and WHY CELLS?
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