The Real "Cell Pastor"

I'm am in my fourth year serving as cell pastor at Allen Memorial. I was hired to help our church transition to become a cell church that impacts the world for Christ. From the very first interview I had many questions. You see, I had been a church planter and lead pastor for eighteen years. I knew that my title as cell pastor was really a misnomer. A better description of my role would be "Cell Champion."

Sure, I could be a great help assisting the Senior Pastor by focusing on leadership development, coaching, equipping, writing cell materials, helping cells to focus on evangelism and missions. But I understood from the day I was hired who the real cell pastor was.

The Senior Pastor can never give away his role as cell pastor or visionary if a church is to transition to be a cell church and not just a church with groups. He must be involved and model himself cell church values like community, personal evangelism, and the importance of making disciples.

Even more important than that, he must be a man of prayer, seeking to be "filled with the Spirit" day by day, meeting God to hear from Him and to receive power, vision and direction to lead the charge.

If you are a Senior Pastor, having someone to function as "Cell Champion" can really make a difference. They can put all their effort and focus into the cell system and people development, but never forget who the real "Cell Pastor" is. You are so important to the fulfillment of the vision. We will stand by your side, pray for you, encourage you and run with you but we need you to lead the charge. Your example speaks more than your words. Show us the way!