Session 7 & 8

(last page continued Evaluation of the Infrastructure Paradigms)

Traditional Church

(Stability, welcoming, efficient, inclusive)

Large group worship; Open affinity groups only open small groups if any
Strengths
- Inclusive, all are welcome! Worship and SS for children at the same time
- Outreach can be strong if affinity groups meet outside church building
- Special classes for systematic study
Challenges
- Drift to "program centered" passivity vs. process centered involvement
- Closed groups seen as a threat, exclusive, clique
- Building centered, need facilities, "fortress" mindset often develops
- Affinity groups either remain open to new comers and dont go deep . OR
Forget the new comers and seem confused when new comers dont feel welcome.

Cell Church (Fast growing through evangelism, flexible, high involvement)

Large group worship and small open cells for evangelism, growth of people
Strengths
- Strong evangelism focus!! Growth! Every cell is focused on a clear purpose.
- Dont need big church facilities
- Participation helps belonging, mobilizing people,
- Requires/involves many leaders so leaders developed OJT, mentored by overseer
Challenges
- Grow group & divide kills intimacy, accountability, in-depth discipleship except leaders
- Push, push, push: task oriented (3-6 months meet/evangelize/grow then divide; tight admin)
- "Pure cell churches: no affinity groups for special needs (youth, support, seniors, singles)
- Each cell has people on many different levels of maturity, training and commitment
- Grow & divide, and start over tough to systematically go through study in groups.

Meta-Church (Balance quantity & quality, place for everyone, focused leadership development)
Large group worship; affinity groups; open small groups; closed small groups (discipleship/support)
Strengths
- Stresses linking groups and developing people toward leadership quality
Linked groups help both evangelism numbers & quality discipleship growth in character
- Utilizes different kinds of groups to meet different kinds needs
- Sees need for open/closed cells, and affinity groups, and classes
- Mobilize many people for diff. kinds of ministries (sp gifts related) with a focus on disciple making
Challenges
- More complex, takes principle-based thinking.
- Drift toward consumerism, buffet mentality, consumer centered.
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APPLY: 1. List the groups in your church.

What are their purposes? Their primary functions? Are they aligned with discipling people toward
ministry/leadership involvement?
2. How are these groups doing in fulfilling their intended functions? Are they helping develop/move
people in the disciple making process toward ministry/leadership involvement? Consider . . .
a. Are they trying to mixed too many purposes/functions? b. Does their form help or hurt?
c. Are the groups linked together in an intentional progression?