Some cell groups...

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Some cell groups...

Forum: Prayer & Supplication
Re:

sian (track 13)
Re:

Waah I no understand you ahh!! (Eveline How)
Re:

I beg to differ...Eve (Peter Selvan)
Re:

Independent thinking (Eveline How)
Re:

Untitled (Agape)
Date: 2001, May 31
From: Eveline How <luv_jazz@hotmail.com>

Hello Agape
I seemed defensive not because I want to defend what I do... frankly I care very little of what people think of me (so no need to make veiled suggestions, okay?) :) Only do not try to convince me with stupid arguments and expect me to accept them. I am very insulted by stupid arguments!
I've in general remained silent about the function of cell groups in the church. This is because some churches use the cell as a "foundation" of the whole "operation" of the church and I do not want to be misconstrued as being in favour of or opposed to this structure. The cell group is a relatively new concept although some say that shades of it can be found in the NT. In the present day charismatic movement it has perhaps taken on more significance than what most Christians realise.
As for the comment that Christians must attend cell group in order to have fellowship, I'm afraid I have to respectfully disagree with that statement. Cell groups, or should I say small group meetings, are good for most people but not everyone. Most small groups I know, even the one I'm part of, are of the same mould: everybody (and all from the same church too) sit around the table, sing some songs, share Bible passage, share prayer items, pray and finish.
Personally, and this is of no fault of the group leader or participants, I find such a format highly dissatisfying. Why? 1) members are from the same main group (i.e. the church) so there's an implicit "group-think" built-in which I find stifling; 2) topics usually revolve around the Bible passage and prayer items; other foreign topics raised would be politely listened to but put aside; 3) trying to do too many things in too little time; 4) participantion is "compulsory" otherwise you're viewed with suspicion, so those who simply would like to have some "time-off" for themselves for good reasons are "weird" or "strange."
This is not "high quality fellowship," if you don't mind my blunt observation.
(And, from what I know, some churches actually depend on these small groups to do the bulk of proper Bible teaching. I do not know to what extent this phenomena exists in our church in Singapore, but if it is widespread, it is certainly a worrying sign. )
Contrast such a politically-correct "fellowship" with this group of fogey old men who gather at this dark pub with a strange name, drinking beer, smoking pipe and talking about anything under the sun till the cows come home. There was probably no praying, no singing, no Bible reading, nothing remotely associated with the "Christian things" Christians usually do.
Yet out of this group called The Inklings, one of the greatest Christian thinkers and writers of the 20th century was produced. CS Lewis decided to convert to Christianity after long discussions and arguments with JRR Tolkien, many of which probably took place in that pub called "Bird And Baby" (actually it's called "The Eagle And Child").
Tell me if the cell groups you participate in has the potential of producing a person with half the calibre of CS Lewis. Tell me if the people in your cell group are willing to challenge each other's views on controversial matters, while remaining emotionally and personally detached from the arguments. Tell me if your group had any heated argument about a subject which had no resolution.
I can tell you frankly: I've not had those in my own group. But I've had such arguments and discussion with my other Christian friends, some of whom I've met on Antioch. I've met a couple of people on this board; we still communicate by email, sometimes piquing one another when a suitable subject arises.
Now, these people are not from my small group. We have not meet face to face for a few months now. When we meet, we eat, not pray. Would you still call that "fellowship" still?
That's why I stated that I do not believe Christians must attend small groups, cell groups or whatever groups to have fellowship. One does not need to gather at someone's place, sit around in a circle, start and end the session with prayer, sing some songs, read Bible passages, for it to be called a "fellowship."
Since you quoted that verse from Paul at least once, here is my response: it is in my observation that not all cell groups are "beneficial". In fact, some are really a huge waste of time if the people just sit around, smile at one another and talk the same old stuff. Observe your own cell group the next time you attend one! Thus, I am not surprised by "sian's" reaction and I still stand by my comments.