I remember hearing Mario Vega in February 2010 use the phrase, “Healthy cells multiply.” He wanted the audience to know that multiplication was the result of a deeper, more profound goal. Later Mario told me that Randall Neighbour originally coined the phrase “healthy cells multiply.” Wherever or from whoever the phrase originated, the meaning rings true for cell ministry.
We in the cell church movement have always wanted to fill the world with vibrant cell groups. We feel the compulsion to complete Christ’s command to make disciples (Matthew 28:18-20) and believe Jesus has called his church to make this happen. Multiplying cell groups play a key part in fulfilling the Great Commission. But is it possible to multiply unhealthy groups? Can cell groups multiply too rapidly?
At times in the past, I’ve been so focused on multiplication that I launched new groups prematurely, which eventually died untimely deaths. I’ve learned the hard way that weak “multiplied groups” can die just as easily as they are born.
How long does it take to multiply a healthy cell group? It depends on the receptivity of the culture (e.g., it takes a lot longer to multiply a cell group in Turkey or Spain than in El Salvador!). The state of the church’s transition is also a key factor.
We do know, however, that healthy new cell groups are led by strong, prepared disciples. This means the new disciples (leaders) have experienced true community, group evangelism, the exercise of spiritual gifts, and have completed the training track.
I’ve also come to realize that team leadership is the biblical norm and should be the focus when multiplying cell groups. New healthy cells are led by leadership teams, rather than lone-ranger leaders. I’ve seen churches multiply lots of lone-ranger cell groups, only to see them languish with few people or to experience lonely deaths. Team leadership will help cell members stop thinking, “I don’t want to take the cell leader training because I am not the ‘leader type.’” Many more can participate on the leadership team, while fewer will be team leaders.
In summary, a healthy cell that is ready to multiply has grown in community, evangelism, spiritual growth, and has prepared new disciple-makers (leaders) who are ready to go forth and start the new group.
