The JCC Cell Groups Community: Overcoming Challenges and Growing Together

By John Lee

A Message from Acts

On 9^th July, Rev. Philip Huan delivered a powerful message based on Acts 6:1-7. The title of the sermon was “A GROWING CHURCH BEGINS WITH ME.” You can listen to the sermon again at https://tinyurl.com/3basvsfb (starting 28:50).

If you are involved in some way in the mission of the church, and are faced with problems, how does the message from Acts 6:1-7 encourage or challenge you?

The message from Acts 6:1-7 connects with the mission and pains of CGLs in several ways.

Challenges & Problems of CG Community

The CG community is often faced with challenges and problems. These problems can be distractions that prevent us from focusing on our mission. However, we try to view these problems as stepping stones to grow our CGs and make more disciples.

For example, one of the pains that CG leaders often face is feeling isolated and alone. This can be a very discouraging feeling, and it can make it difficult to keep going.

However, we view this pain as an opportunity to connect with other CG leaders, to share our common concerns and lend support to each other to build a stronger community. Bryan Tay has floated one thoughtful idea about CGLs encouraging and supporting each other by “cross-ranching.” This means that CGLs from different cell groups can come together to pray for each other, share ideas and offer support.

We also draw useful lessons from the Bible to help us cope with our heavy work of ministry:

• The LORD said to Moses, “Bring Me seventy of the elders of Israel known to you as leaders and officers of the people… They will help you bear the burden of the people, so that you do not have to bear it by yourself.” (Numbers 11:16-17)

This passage reminds us that we are not meant to carry the weight of ministry alone. God calls us to work together, to support and encourage each other.

• In Acts 6:1-7, we see the early church facing a similar challenge. The apostles were feeling overwhelmed by the workload of caring for the widows, so they called on the church to help. The result was the appointment of seven men who were full of the Spirit and wisdom.

This shows us that it is okay to ask for help, and that God will provide the people we need to get the job done.

• Rev Anthony encouraged those CGs whose composition are mostly elderly members, to remember the story of Caleb. Caleb was eighty-five years old when he asked for the hill country saying, “I am still as strong today as I was the day Moses sent me out. As my strength was then, so it is now for war…” (Joshua 14:11)

We are not too old to serve God. No matter our age or experience, we can all find ways to serve God and His people.

“A GROWING COMMUNITY BEGINS WITH ME”

Come, let us as a CG community overcome challenges and grow together.