As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. ~ Proverbs 27:17
Most people join cell groups so that they can connect with others. They go to learn from each other, receive prayer, minister and be ministered to each week. Many times, it is difficult for leaders to receive because we, as leaders, are trying to make sure everyone else has their needs met. This doesn’t mean that we are not transparent or sharing our lives, but often we try to meet everyone else’s needs first!
Whether we are Pastors, Section Leaders, Coaches or Cell Group Leaders, part of our job is to make sure that we have safe places and/or people with whom we can share our struggles, trials and testimonies. One place of encouragement should be regular Life Group Leader Meetings within the church body. At Celebration Church, we have monthly Leader Meetings, where leaders come together and share praise reports, problem solve together and share how the groups are going. We spend time praying for each other and carrying each others’ burdens. This is a great place to network and CONNECT as a leader.
Another place to connect is at monthly or bi-monthly “section” meetings. This meeting is for a Section Leader or Coach to build relationships with the cell leaders they oversee. These meetings can be used as a time of fellowship; we like to play board games together, have a meal, discuss the happenings of the group and encourage each other. Hebrews 13:16 says, “And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” When the cell leaders meet in this way, they are much more likely to continue leading because they see the sacrifices of others and are challenged to “do good.” At Celebration we use the book, How To Be A Great Cell Group Coach, by Joel Comiskey. It is very helpful on connecting with leaders on this level.
Lastly, reach out! If you are longing for connection or need someone to communicate with about situations that you are facing then reach out! Have you met someone that you thought, “I’d really like to be their friend,” then ask them for coffee! We live in a world where people are looking at their phones more than they are watching where they walk. Make a connection, build a network and take the first step to see who can be an encourager and supporter of you! This takes bravery and intentionality, but you can do it. Reach out and see all those whom God has ordained in advance to surround you.
Connect in Cell Group, connect in leader’s meetings, connect with those around you. Most of all just CONNECT!!
This article originally appeared here.
