We know that the goal of the Christian life is to glorify God and to enjoy him forever. While this is God's ultimate plan, does he have a particular purpose for the cell-based church? I've been wrestling with this question for the past twenty-two years. This question confronts me every time I coach a pastor or pastors. In preparation for coaching, I ask myself, "What is my principal objective in helping this pastor?" "Where am I guiding this church?" "What am I trying to do?" I've come to the conclusion that the primary goal of cell ministry is to make disciples who make disciples. Christ's last command to his disciples was for them to repeat the process and to reproduce new disciples. But how were they supposed to do that? This book answers these questions.The early church followed Christ's pattern by making disciples through the house churches that periodically celebrated together in public worship. In 2 Timothy 2:1-2, Paul tells Timothy to continue the discipleship process by passing on the pure gospel message to faithful men and women. Even though the term "disciple" is later replaced by words such as "brothers," "sisters," "Christians," and "saints," the concept remains the same. We in North America and the Western world often project our own cultural bias into Christ's great commission (Matthew 28:18-20). Most discipleship books, in fact, assume that discipleship is an individualistic endeavor--between me and God. And yes, there is an important individual aspect (e.g., personal devotions, etc.). Yet in Matthew 28, Jesus was talking to a group of disciples. He wanted them to follow his example by making disciples in a group. Jesus molded twelve disciples in a group and then sent them house to house. So how does the cell church make disciples? In this book, I show how the cell (small group) works together with the cell system to make disciples who make disciples. In the cell, a potential disciple is transformed through community, priesthood of all believers, group evangelism, and team multiplication. In the cell, potential disciples are formed through learning how to love one another, exercising their gifts, evangelizing together as a group, and then sent forth as teams to start new groups. Discipleship is a group process in the New Testament, and God is calling his church to re-emphasize this truth. The cell system ensures each leader has a coach and that training (equipping track) happens. Then the cells gather together to worship and grow through the teaching of God's Word. All three aspects are essential to form disciples. Training is needed because disciples won't learn all they need to know in the cell. Coaching ensures that each leader is cared for and receives shepherding. The celebration service brings the cells together to hear God's Word, worship, and receive fresh vision. The goal of the two-wing cell church is to make disciples who make disciples. The cell church today makes disciples by following the early church pattern of cell and celebration. Recommendations: I've read all of Joel Comiskey's books, but Making Disciples in the Twenty-First Century Church is his best work yet. In this book Joel reminds us that the real call and challenge of the Church is not developing leaders or numerical growth, but "making disciples who make disciples." He also helps us understand why that is best done in a cell or small group context, and gives us great insight about how to make that happen. I'm looking forward to having all of our Pastors, Coaches, and Cell Leaders and Members read this book in the near future. Dennis Watson Lead Pastor, Celebration Church of New Orleans ____ I am so excited about Joel Comiskey's new book, Making Disciples in the Twenty-First Century Church. When I'm asked what makes a cell church thrive, I always say, "discipleship." Thank you, Joel, for unpacking discipleship; not just as an endeavor for individuals, but as the critical element for creating a church community and culture that reproduces the Kingdom of God all over the earth. I pray this book won't only be read, but lived out as we were made to make disciples. Jimmy Seibert Senior Pastor, Antioch Community Church President and Founder, Antioch Ministries International ____ I really like that Joel asked the Why question before the How question. He even takes on the What question which is just as important. The interest in discipleship is greater now than anytime in the last fifty years. I fear however that we are using the same words but are not speaking the same language. I recommend this work, I cheer Joel on, he joins many of us who are masters of the obvious. It seems so obvious that our purpose is to be disciples and make disciples. I cheer him on because he goes beyond the What and Why and does address the How. This will help any person who reads it and I pray that there will be many. Bill Hull, Author of Jesus Christ Disciple Maker, Disciple Making Pastor, Disciple Making Church, and The Complete Book of Discipleship, Adjunct Faculty at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University __ The history of the cell church movement in Brazil has many names of great man of God. Joel Comiskey certainly is one of them. We see how over the years his understanding of the New Testament Church has deepened. Again Joel surprises us with this jewel. He covers many aspects of cell church life, showing us how discipleship relates to the broader scope of it, and how to shape followers of Jesus. He takes us to the heart of the matter of the cell church as he states it: "The purpose of cell ministry is making disciples who make disciples." Excellent book. The movement in Brazil, certainly, will be blessed through this book. Enjoy it. Robert Michael Lay Cell Church Ministry in Brazil Pioneer in the cell movement in Brazil, and publisher of Joel's books __ In his tremendously helpful new book, Making Disciples in the Twenty-First Century Church, Joel Comiskey cuts directly to the core purpose of cell ministry, which

This book explores how God has used small groups throughout church history, specifically focusing on the early church to the present time. God not only established the early church as a house to house movement, but he also has used small groups throughout church history. This book chronicles the small group or cell movement from Jesus all the way to the modern day cell explosion. Themes include: -Small Groups In Biblical History -Small Groups In Early Christian History -Small Groups and Monasticism -Small Groups During the Pre-Reformation Period -Luther and Small Groups -Martin Bucer and Small Groups -The Anabaptist Movement -Puritan Conventicles -Pietism -The Moravians -The Methodists -The Modern Day Cell Church This book will both critique the strengths and weaknesses of these historical movements and apply principles to today's church. This book will also explore the modern day cell movement and how it is having a significant impact around the world.

With full calendars and long lists of things to do, people often put on hold life's most important goal--building an intimate relationship with God. Often, believers wish to pursue the goal but are not sure how to do it. They feel frustrated or guilty when their attempts at personal devotions seem empty and unfruitful. With warm, encouraging writing, Joel Comiskey guides readers on how to set a daily appointment with the King and make it an exciting time they will look forward to. This book first answers the question 'Where do I start?' with step-by-step instructions on how to spend time with God and practical ideas for experiencing him more fully. Second, it highlights the benefits of spending time with God, including joy, victory over sin, and spiritual guidance. Third, this book inspires and motivates those who already have a quiet time to press ahead and grow in their intimacy with God. An Appointment with the King discusses personal priorities, the use of Scripture, listening, place and time of day, meditation, increased power in prayer, and other helpful topics related to daily quiet time. The book will help Christians tap into God s resources on a daily basis, so that even in the midst of busyness they can walk with him in intimacy and abundance. This book will teach you how to spend quality time with God each day, refreshing your soul and preparing you for the day ahead. Each chapter will provide practical suggestions on how to experience God more fully in your quiet time. The goal is to help you understand the whys and hows of spending time with God.

Estas viviendo la vida cristiana abundante? La muerte de Cristo en la cruz ofrece la victoria sobre la amargura, las adicciones, la esclavitud a lo oculto, y las ataduras que debilitan. Encuentro: Recibe La Libertad de Cristo te mostrara como aplicar la victoria de Cristo a tu propia vida. Este libro es un recurso excelente para alguien que esta atado por habitos pecaminosos o que simplemente necesita vivir una vida abundante. Explica claramente como recibir la llenura del Espiritu Santo y despues como andar en el poder del Espiritu. Es un gran recurso para usarlo en forma individual o en un retiro. Al final de este libro, hay una seccion para que un asesor pueda ayudar a guiar a otra persona o personas a traves del contenido de este libro. Los temas incluyen: El arrepentimiento y el perdon El poder de la cruz sobre el pecado Satanas, y las fortalezas demoniacas Como recibir la sanidad interior Libertad del temor de la muerte Como ser lleno del Espiritu Santo Los temas incluyen: El Arrepentimiento y perdon. El poder de la cruz sobre el pecado, Satanas, y las fortalezas demoniacas. Como recibir la sanidad interior. Libertad del temor a la muerte. Como ser lleno del Espiritu.

We've entitled this book "You Can Coach" because we believe that coaching is more about passing on what you've lived and holding others accountable in the process. Coaching doesn't require a higher degree, special talent, unique personality, or a particular spiritual gift. We believe, in fact, that God wants coaching to become a movement. We long to see the day in which every pastor has a coach and in turn is coaching someone else. In this book, you'll hear three coaches who have successfully coached pastors for many years. They will share their history, dreams, principles, and what God is doing through coaching. Our hope is that you'll be both inspired and resourced to continue your own coaching ministry in the years to come.

Pasar tiempo a diario con Jesus es un deleite o una carga? Este libro te mostrara como hacer que tu tiempo devocional con Dios sea la parte mas emocionante y satisfactoria de tu dia Jesucristo quiere que cada cristiano crezca en una relacion mas profunda con El. Sin embargo, tantas personas se estancan en la vida cristiana. Crece Profundiza tu relacion con Cristo explica como tener diariamente un tiempo devocional para conocer a Cristo mas intimamente y crecer en madurez. Este libro ofrece abundante ayuda practica para convertir la rutina de tus devociones en un habito transformador y gozoso. Explica con claridad como buscar a Dios en el tiempo devocional y los asombrosos beneficios de experimentar a Dios dia tras dia. Se puede usar este libro en forma individual, en pequenos grupos o en un salon de clases. Al final del libro hay una seccion para que un asesor pueda guiar a otra persona o personas a traves de los contenidos de este libro. Los temas incluyen: Los beneficios de pasar un tiempo diario con Dios Pautas practicas para empezar y mantener el tiempo devocional Como descubrir el gozo de Dios al buscarle La meditacion en la Palabra de Dios Como entrar en la presencia de Dios Como oir la voz de Dios Como interceder por otros El ayuno El tomarse un dia de descanso sabatico

Small group resources tend to overlook the spiritual side of small group leadership. And yet most would agree that spiritual preparation is the most important aspect of leading a small group. Only Gods supernatural power can draw people to the truth and liberate them to be all that God wants them to be. Only through the Spirit's power can we expect to see the miracles that Jesus talked about when He said that if we would abide in Him, we would bear much fruit and even do greater works than He did while He was on earth. The key distinction of this book is the spiritual perspective it gives to small group ministry. So much of the literature about small groups that is already published relates to small group technique and only touches briefly on the Spirit's power. This book is a practical reference guide to help small group leadership begin to move in the supernatural realm. The books first priority is to help small group leaders and members trust the Holy Spirit to lead them, empower them and work in their group. Small group facilitators often sense a lack of guidance, power and spiritual authority. Jesus knew His disciples would be powerless without a touch from the Holy Spirit, and so He told them to wait in Jerusalem, saying, "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8). Small group leaders need a power boost to make small group ministry relevant and exciting. The second priority of this book is to help the facilitator identify and mobilize each small group member to use his or her own spiritual gifts. Small group facilitators often feel ill-prepared to identify spiritual gifts of the people in the group. I firmly believe that the small group atmosphere is the perfect place to develop the gifts of the Spirit in each member's life, and so it is essential that the facilitator know how to do this. Whatever denominational or non-denominational label a church wears, the most important characteristic, in my opinion, is promoting individual sensitivity, devotion and dependence on the Holy Spirit. In a Holy Spirit-charged atmosphere, cell leaders are best raised up and members are encouraged to minister in their giftedness.Some churches are better at empowering lay people than others. Those that are less adept often make lay people feel they must possess a theological degree (much like the pastor has) before they can successfully minister to a small group. The emphasis in such churches is on acquiring Bible knowledge rather than obedience to Scripture and dependence on the Holy Spirit. In such churches, a high premium is placed on sitting and hearing the Word preached each Sunday. While I agree that small group leader training is essential, ultimately the graduate must step out and depend on the Holy Spirit. And my observation is that success in small group ministry will hinge on that dependence. Effective small group leaders and churches emphasize the Holy Spirit's empowerment in daily life and the fact that all believers are priests and ministers of the living God. Such churches emphasize the need for each member to depend on the Holy Spirit to guide, direct, empower and even take the biblical text and apply it to daily experience. It is this atmosphere that makes small group ministry work successful, whether the church is Baptist, Methodist or Assembly of God.This book has been written for those who are leading (facilitating) a small group, participating in a small group or considering joining a small group. Group members should read this book for two particular reasons: First, members make a significant contribution to the life of the cell. Each member will be intimately involved in using the gifts, intercession, etc. In the life of the group, no one is to sit back and do nothing. The best cell leaders, in fact, rarely "lead" the entire cell, instead encouraging cell members to participate actively. Second, members are the next in line to actually lead the small group. I am assuming that the readers of this book are believers who desire God and are seeking to walk in the Spirit. I am also assuming that those reading this book are studying the Bible and growing in their relationships with the Lord. There are many great books dedicated to defining each spiritual gift in detail. Many other authors cover gifts beyond the scope of this book, such as voluntary poverty, hospitality, celibacy, missions, exorcism, martyrdom, artistic creativity, craftsmanship and music. Rather than cover every possible gift, this book will focus on how the Spirit uses gifts in the small group context and guides the leader to facilitate a Spirit-filled group. Because this book is written to lay leadership rather than senior leaders of the Church, I will not cover in detail the five-fold offices that Paul mentioned in Ephesians 4.8 Instead, the gifts I will cover in this book are explicitly listed in Scripture (the one exception is intercessory prayer, which I call a spiritual gift although some would disagree). To remain effective in small group leadership, I recommend that each small group leader have a coach. This coach might be the senior pastor, a staff pastor or another volunteer lay leader (for example, the leader of the mother cell that gave birth to the new cell). I will not cover the discipline of coaching, nor the small group coaching structure necessary to have long-term success.

My favorite coach is John Wooden. During his time coaching college basketball with the UCLA Bruins, Wooden won ten NCAA titles, including seven in a row from 1967 to 1973. His UCLA teams also had a record winning streak of eightyeight games, four perfect 300 seasons, and won thirtyeight straight games in NCAA Tournaments. Yet, Wooden wasnt overly focused on winning basketball games. He was more concerned about building character in his players. He stimulated his players to be successful in their school studies, attitudes, and behaviorwhich ultimately resulted in success on the basketball court. And Wooden lived the life that he asked his players to follow. Wooden was an amazing coach because he built into the lives of his players and developed their character. Coaching small group leaders has similar characteristics. The goal of Christian coaches is to move people toward Jesus Christ. The Christian coach strives to lead people forward to conformity with Jesus Christ, knowing that the ultimate crown is the one that will last forever (1 Corinthians 925). While Christlike character is most important, a small group coach also equips leaders with the tools, knowledge, and opportunities they need to develop themselves and become more effective in small group ministry. A cell coach encourages, nourishes, and challenges cell leaders to grow and multiply their cell groups. The word coach is descriptive of the role a person plays as he or she supports cell leaders under his or her care. It is not a sacred term. In fact, churches use many terms to identify the role played by the cell group coach supervisor, section leader, G12 leader, cell overseer, cell sponsor, even L (which is the roman numeralfor 50). This book provides step by step instructions on how to coach a small group leader from the initial stages of leading the group all the way to giving birth to a new one. Those who have never coached before will receive clear information on how to take the small group leader to the next level. And someone who is already coaching a small group leader will also find the eight lessons in this book invaluable to empower others to lead fruitful groups. I have another, moreindepth book on coaching called How to be a Great Cell Group Coach. Some of the same concepts are covered in both books, but the major difference is that this book is a handsontraining manual to prepare someone to be a coach of small group leaders. My other book How to be a Great Cell Group Coach would be a great reference manual to use alongside this book.

Everyone has at least one spiritual gift, according to the Bible. But many dont know what that gift is or how to use it. This book provides clear steps and guidelines to find and activate spiritual gifts. The eight lessons offer biblical insight on what the gifts are and practical suggestions on how to use them. This book will especially help those leading a small group to know how to discern the different gifts among group membersand then to help each person activate that gift. The only way to discover spiritual gifts is in the context of relationships. Spiritual gift tests, while helping believers to think through the possibilities, are insufficient in themselves. The atmosphere of trust in a small group is the key cornerstone that allows the free flow of the spiritual gifts. When trust is established, people are more willing to risk and try out new, potential gifts. A small group can provide honest feedback about the persons success, as well as areas of improvement. This book prepares each small group member to understand what his or her spiritual gift is and then instructs the person how to use that gift. Discover is a great resource to use individually, in a small group, or in a classroom teaching setting.