LifeGroup Meeting Formats

 

CHAPTER 9

From the Book G7-101010 Manual

Meeting Formats

Conducting Meetings in a Cell Group or  LifeGroups

Organizing and leading a cell group meeting involves a structured yet flexible approach that fosters spiritual growth, community building, and mutual support.  One of the most common meeting formats used in cell-based ministry is that of the “4 Ws”.

1. Welcome—Getting Acquainted

Purpose: To create a warm and welcoming environment where members feel comfortable and connected.

Biblical Basis:

Romans 12:10 - "Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another."

Hebrews 10:24-25 - "And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching."

Activities:

Introduce new members.

Share personal updates and prayer requests.

Ice-breaker activities to build relationships.

2. Worship—Exalting God Through Song or Other Means

Purpose: To focus hearts and minds on God, fostering an atmosphere of reverence and praise.

Biblical Basis:

Psalm 100:2 - "Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing."

Colossians 3:16 - "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord."

Activities:

Singing hymns or worship songs.

Reading Psalms or other Scripture passages.

Sharing testimonies of God’s goodness.

3. Word—Study of the Scripture

Purpose: To deepen understanding of God's Word and its application to our lives.

Biblical Basis:

2 Timothy 3:16-17 - "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works."

Joshua 1:8 - "This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success."

Activities:

Reading and discussing a selected Bible passage.

Group reflection and sharing of insights.

Application of the Scripture to everyday life.

4. Works—Ministering to One Another and Planning Group Activities

Purpose: To put faith into action by serving each other and planning outreach or social activities.

Biblical Basis:

James 2:17 - "Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone."

Galatians 6:2 - "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ."

Activities:

Praying for each other’s needs.

Planning community service projects.

Organizing social events to foster deeper connections.

Sample Meeting Outline

Welcome (10-15 minutes)

Opening prayer.

Ice-breaker activity or sharing time.

Introductions and updates.

Word (30-40 minutes)

Read a passage from the Bible.

Group discussion and sharing of insights.

Application and reflection questions.

Worship (15-20 minutes)

Singing worship songs.

Reading a Psalm or other Scripture.

Sharing testimonies or thankfulness.

Works (20-30 minutes)

Prayer requests and group prayer.

Discuss upcoming group activities or outreach projects.

Plan next meeting’s details.

By following this structure, cell group meetings can be enriching and meaningful, providing spiritual nourishment, fostering strong community bonds, and encouraging active faith through service.

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However, this is not the only possible meeting format. The typical cell group meeting at some churches lasts about an hour and a half and follows this pattern:

1. Ice Breaker: Light-hearted questions designed to get people talking with one another.

2. Vision Moments: The group members discuss future plans, pray for unreached friends by name, and share about their evangelistic efforts.

3. Applying the Scripture: The group discusses questions designed to apply the Bible text which was taught in the weekend message. The group leader does not teach a lesson, but rather facilitates discussion of a set of questions that have been provided by the church for that week.

4. Praying Together: Group members pray for one another’s needs. This is not a time to receive prayer requests for people outside the group. The question is a personal one: “How can we pray for you?”

When people pray they experience God’s presence. By praying for each other’s needs, the members strengthen their relationship and express caring for one another. Members’ faith grows as they see God answer prayer.