MC524: Developing Cell-Based Churches (4 units)
Pablo A.
Deiros, Professor of History of Mission
Summer 2004 Pasadena
DESCRIPTION:
How to preach the Gospel to every creature in a place,
city or nation? How to help the millions of new believers to grow in their
faith? How to develop the thousands of pastors and leaders that are needed to
serve the new believers? These are some of the questions that demand an urgent
response. This course provides the description,
biblical-theological-missiological foundation, critical analysis, and practical
implementation of the various models of cellular churches that are proving to
be one of the most effective ways of responding to the above- mentioned
questions.
RELEVANCE
FOR MINISTRY:
The fulfillment of the Great Commission given by our Lord
Jesus Christ has two very clear elements: go into all the world and preach the
Gospel to all creation (Mark 16.15); and, make disciples, teaching them
everything the Lord has commanded us (Matthew 28.19-20). This is the challenge to
any local or national church: to find balance between the task of proclaiming
the good news and the task of providing integral growth to the believers. The
cellular church is proving to be one of the most effective ways to obey the
Lord in responding to both challenges.
LEARNING
OUTCOMES:
• Develop strong biblical-theological-missiological foundations to
shape and support their understanding of the cell church.
• Encouraged to apply this strategy in their efforts to plant and develop
growing Christian congregations.
COURSE
FORMAT:
This course will consist of lectures, class discussions,
extensive readings, basic research projects, and practicum components.
REQUIRED
READING:
Beckham, William A. The
Second Reformation: Reshaping the Church for the 21st Century. Houston:
Touch Publications, 1997.
Comiskey, Joel. Home Cell Groups
Explosion: How Your Small Group Can Grow and Multiply.
Houston: Touch Publications, 1998.
__________. Reap the Harvest: How a
Small-Group System Can Grow Your Church. Houston: Touch Publications, 1999.
Finnell, David. Life in His Body. Houston:
Touch Publications,1995.
Galloway, Dale. The Small Group Book.
Grand Rapids: Fleming H. Revell, 1995.
Kreider, Larry. House to House. Houston:
Touch Publications, 1998.
Neighbour, Ralph W. Where Do We Go from
Here? Houston: Touch Publications, 2000.
Schwarz, Christian A. Natural Church
Development. Carol Stream, Ill: ChurchSmart Resources, 1996.
Stockstill, Larry. The Cell Church.
Ventura: Regal Books, 1998.
RECOMMENDED
READING:
Comiskey, Joel. Groups
of 12: A New Way to Mobilize Leaders and Multiply Groups in Your Church.
Houston: Touch Publications, 1999.
__________. Leadership Explosion: Multiplying Cell Groups Leaders to Reap the
Harvest. Houston: Touch Publications, 2000.
Yonggi Cho, Paul. Successful Home Cell
Groups. Plainfield: Logos International, 1981.
ASSIGNMENTS:
1. Attendance and
participation in class are required.
2. Students will read a total of 1,500
pages from the books listed in the bibliography and submit a reading report.
3. A 15-20 pages paper on a cell-based
church.
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATIONSHIP
TO CURRICULUM:
Elective. Missiology students may arrange for doctoral
level credit by consultation with the instructor.
FINAL
EXAMINATION: None.