Local churches use a number of models and approaches with regard to small and medium sized communities. The name 'cell' or 'small group' is by and large interchangeable. Cells or small groups are usually relatively small communities of around 5-10 members. Clusters are generally medium sized communities that may be composed of a number of small or cell groups and can be focussed on a particular geographic area or mission emphasis.

Fusion don't prescribe a model but we do have a broad range of experience through working with hundreds of local churches and their students, in a variety of contexts. We want to equip and encourage local churches in discipling students to be effective in mission, actively growing in their faith and in authentic relationships with others. Creating cells, small groups or clusters can be an effective means for local churches to grow in this direction.

The life of a cell groups is ideally formed around authentic community that exists throughout the week but a typical expression often also involves a weekly cell group gathering. The '4 W's' principle can be a useful means to structure these meetings.

Welcome

A typical cell or small group of 5-10 members would start with a Welcome time, encouraging every member to participate and be open and honest. It is a time when members can get to know each other better and for everyone to have opportunity to speak. Cell life only thrives when all contribute.

Worship

Next there is a time for Worship. It is an opportunity to say "Jesus you are the centre of this cell and the reason we meet". It is Jesus who is the source of life and it is his presence that will create life; life in the cell and life for multiplication. Cell group worship is much broader than a song, it is anything that the cell does that brings Jesus centre stage. Worship creates an environment where the students can experience his life and ushers in his presence. It's an ideal starting place for applying Scripture to our lives when we move to the Word section.

Word

There are a number of resources available specifically for student cell and small groups. These can help to teach the Bible in the context of a cell or small group and apply the truths and values to our lives. The whole cell is a discipleship model but the teaching, sharing, discussion and prayer that the 'Word' element facilitates means that a lot of growing and maturing can take place. Within the life of the cell, the word time challenges us to wrestle with problems, outwork our beliefs and become more like Christ. Ongoing discipleship is developed with the encouragement and accountability of others.

Witness

The cell meeting doesn't just stop there, attention turns to the 'Witness' section and God's heart for the lost. Mission and multiplication are key values and the cell group must be prepared and aim for growth through friends becoming Christians. Time is spent praying for friends and planning socials with them. In John 13 Jesus provoked love in his disciples by challenging them that the love they showed one another would radically mark them out as his disciples. Cell and small groups aren't just meetings – they are communities. Cells and small groups can be attractive, inclusive, outward looking communities that invite others to be a part of it.
Cell and small groups facilitate caring, dynamic, committed relationships that exist outside of meetings and facilitate discipleship and outreach.

As one student put it,

"Cell has given me a depth and maturity in God that would have taken years in a large meeting environment. Cell is about lifestyle, love, depth and radical living as part of the body of Christ."