Form new small (home) groups.

• Each one should be a church within a church. Home group life is dealt with sin section V; this activity is for the leaders to get such groups started.
• The main pastor/elder and other leaders of the church must be the primary spokesmen for forming small groups.
• Explain the biblical basis, share the vision, and seek the first committed leaders.
• Let the Lord work in groups small enough for "one another" interaction--somewhere between 5 and 15 adults. The best size depends on their ability to talk freely in a group; for most people, the larger the group, the less they participate.
• Build around existing leaders who understand that the new groups are not mere Bible studies, but for shepherding.
• Also build 'gathering groups' around new believers who have unsaved friends to draw from. Mentor them behind the scenes or let them serve as co-leaders for such 'gathering groups.'
• Begin at once to train new leaders in the groups as apprentices.
• Emphasize the essentials:

• Although some groups may need to start with men or women only, move from this as soon as possible to entire family involvement.

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A must for home groups in the city: Home Groups: Reaching Urban Centers, a Study of Churches on Five Continents, Mikel Neumann. If not yet in the book store, contact Dr. Neumann at Western Seminary, 5511 SE Hawthorne Blvd., Portland, OR 97215; (503) 233 8561. E-mail MNeumann@WesternSeminary.edu

For a 'how-to' working manual for urban home groups: Cell groups: Reaching the City, Mikel Neumann, DES menu library.

T&M Student Activity Guide page 35b

If you have not done so, identify every person who is currently leading some small group.

• Get into a coaching relationship with them.
• Give them criteria by which to recognize emerging new leaders who can be appointed as apprentices to the current ones. Look for those group members that encourage others to speak up and share with the group.

If you work cross-culturally, be aware that some leaders will try to suppress anyone who might rise up as a new leader, for fear that their own power will be challenged or diminished.

• Teach them the biblical guidelines for spiritual authority and humble servant leadership.
• Show them that greater power comes from delegating it to others.