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fresh expressions of church

`yes, but does it fit here?'

Can cell church really be made to fit with English culture? This question 

is relevant both to churches that make the transition to cell, and to fresh

expressions of church. In particular, two cultural questions are asked.

In south east Asia a highly directive style of leadership is normal, with 

a robust focus on discipleship and evangelism. This style is rejected by

some English commentators as a negative and unacceptable form of

control.

In addition, cell church emphasizes that the `cell' is the primary unit of

church. The instincts of Western Christians are to see the congregation as

the primary unit. This problem should not be underestimated. Even those 

in favour of cell argue that it is folly for a church to try to shift into cell

thinking without long and painstaking efforts to ensure the existing

congregation has understood the value change involved.

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The shift to cell

takes much preparation. Some parishes have begun along the path, but

then pulled back, either settling for some cell values or reverting to an

earlier pattern of house groups for study and aspects of pastoral care.

so what?

Significant space has been given here to cell thinking and practice. 

The movement is clear that what it advocates is real church, with cell

worship, community and mission, all infused by a Christocentric spirituality

emphasizing discipleship. There is less clarity around issues of sacraments,

ordained leadership and deeper connection to the wider Church beyond

attending area celebrations.

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The variety of contexts in which cell has already been shown to work is

intriguing. That people have been able to vary the extent to which they

adopt its structures widens the attraction. It is the case that, of all the 

fresh expressions that have been detected, this one has the highest rate 

of adoption by the other expressions. Its flexibility and emphasis on core

values rather than structural methods tells us that cell is a significant

development.

churches arising out of community initiatives

Some churches have begun as a result of community initiatives. In most

instances these initiatives have not been an attempt to create church  

church has developed through or out of the initiative. Churches of this sort

are typically found in areas of social deprivation, and among people that

have experienced significant dislocation from existing forms of church.

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