Charles A. Calahan
writes about the cell-based church he pastors in Wichita, Kansas.
Charles A. Calahan
writes about the cell-based church he pastors in Wichita, Kansas.
The cell-based model of ministry is one that some visionaries of church growth believe to be an important model of the church in the next century. It is a strategy of ministry that some WCG congregations are either adopting or are considering adopting.
The cell-based approach is a shift in the purpose and function of a congregation. The cell church is based on members meeting in holistic small groups and then coming together weekly to praise and worship as a congregation.
The small group or cell group component enables the presence of Christ to be manifested in relationships of caring Christians. Page 5.
Pastor General
Joseph Tkach writes in this month's Personal on the general subject of trials, and how it
may relate to the "name it and claim it" teaching, also known as the "word
of faith" teaching.
Many Christians have been taught that they are guaranteed a way to escape trials. They point to biblical promises that God will intervene for those who have faith in his Son.
God not only promises to help us in our trials, he also promises us trials! Christ did not come to bring us a trouble-free life. Instead, he warned us that we would have strife within our families because of him (Matt. 10:34-36), that we would have trials (John 16:33) and that we would be persecuted (John 15:20).
We enter the kingdom through many trials (Acts 14:22), and every Christian will suffer persecution (2 Tim. 3:12). We should not think it unusual when trials afflict us (1 Pet. 4:12). Pages 6 and 7.
"Which is the
greatest miracle of all?" asks Don Mears.
Many Christians would point to the resurrection of Jesus after his death on the cross. The crucifixion-resurrection event is, after all, the basis for our salvation.
But why would we consider the death and resurrection of Jesus so great an event? After all, others have died and risen again. When Lazarus rose, a great deal changed for him, but little changed for the world. But when Jesus rose, everything changed.
The reason his death and resurrection have such power is not because death and resurrection are the greatest miracle. Rather it is because his death and resurrection had been preceded by the miracle that truly is the greatest of all: the miracle of the incarnation. Page 8.
Some small WCG congregations are doing big things.
Douglasville, Georgia, sponsored a multidenominational women's retreat Aug. 15 and 16. Page 4.
Sherwood, Arkansas, added a weekly Wednesday evening service that includes communion. Page 20.
The Corona, California, congregation, conducted a summer "Virtues & Values" program that brought some community children to church for the first time. Page 21.
October income
picked up a bit to $106,913, bringing the year-to-date average to $105,972, writes
controller Ronald Kelly.
This still falls below our budgeted income of $110,000 a day.
I want to thank all of you for your prayers and financial support. I ask you to join me in prayer that our members will be able to maintain a regular and sustained program of giving. Page 22.
Copyright © Worldwide Church of God, 1998