We believe that all of us need a particular kind of honest fellowship that can only come in a group of 3-4 people.
WHAT IS A KINGDOM CELL?
A Kingdom Cell is a place where people at a similar life stage, or with a similar vocation, can share the complex day to day realities of what it means to pursue the unique adventure God has them on.
It is called a Kingdom Cell because God’s Kingdom is about his will happening in every area of life on earth as it is in heaven and cells are the basic building blocks of life.
Matt’s book 6 Radical Decisions talks more about Kingdom Cells.
WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?
A regular connection (usually once a week) for about an hour that is not driven by an agenda but by the questions life is presenting. It normally finishes with people praying for each other.
WHERE DOES IT HAPPEN?
Anywhere that is convenient and that its possible to have an honest conversation. Matt meets with two other guys at a local bakery, others meet at someones house or an available meeting room or church.
HOW DO I FIND A KINGDOM CELL?
The first step is always to pray and ask Jesus to direct you to the people he might have in mind.
The goal is to find people who can relate to your life experience so its easiest if it is someone of a similar age (plus or minus 8 years), in a similar family situation and with a similar kind of job.
It is also important to find people who you know will be honest with you and that you can trust to not tell others what is shared between you.
You don’t have to be friends before you start.
CONNECTING SUGGESTION:
Start by simply asking the person to meet for a cuppa. Don’t feel the need to make it too serious right off the bat. Get to know them – their family, school or work life. Ask them about their goals and dreams. If the conversation goes well, before departing, ask to set up another cuppa in a couple of weeks.
(HINT: DON’T LEAVE THIS TO “WE’LL HAVE TO DO THIS AGAIN SOMETIME” – BE MORE INTENTIONAL, PULL OUT YOUR CALENDARS AND GET SOMETHING PLUGGED IN RIGHT AWAY!)
If the connection feels meaningful after a second meeting consider asking them about making things a little more ‘formal’ (i.e intentional). If you realize after connecting once or twice that it isn’t likely the right fit, you haven’t lost anything. Continue to pray for Jesus to bring the right person along.
Kingdom Cells don’t have to be limited to people from our church. Followers of Jesus already in your workplace or sporting team may be the right people to share with.
If you are not sure where to start, you can fill in the form below and our pastors will work with you to find others who might be at a similar stage and called in a similar way to you.
What Kinds of things could we talk about?
The core question behind a Kingdom Cell is “What does it mean for me to follow Jesus in every area of my life?” This means that the most important things to talk about are the things that are happening in your life right now.
It is generally a good idea to spend the first few points of connection simply sharing your life stories with each other. You will find doing this will strengthen your relationships quite quickly as long as people are prepared to share in a real way.
The MOST important ingredients of a Kingdom Cell:
Speak the Truth in Love to one another
Have Space in your heart and in your calendar for each other
Actively Listen to one another
Reflect Grace to one another
Encourage one another