Principles based strategy

In his book Home Cell Church Explosion, Joel Comiskey highlighted thirteen common principles or patterns that under-gird the success of growing small group (cell) churches around the world. Comiskey also noted: “In my opinion, the first four are the most important (foundational) common patterns.”

Dependence on the Holy Spirit through prayer.
Senior pastor and leadership team give strong, visionary leadership to the small group (cell) ministry.
The small groups ministry is actively promoted as the backbone of the church.
Clear definition of what a small group is: meets weekly, outside the church building, evangelistic, pastoral care/discipleship and a clear goal of multiplication.
The passion behind small group ministry is evangelism and church growth.
Reproduction (multiplication) is the major goal of each small group.
Small group (cell) and celebration attendance is expected of everyone attending the church.
Clearly established leadership requirements for those entering small group ministry.
Required leadership training for all potential small group leaders.
Leadership developed from within the church itself, at all levels.
A supervisory care structure for each level of leadership (G12 or 5×5).
Follow-up system for visitors and new converts administered through small groups.
Group lessons based on pastor’s teaching to promote continuity between small group and celebration – although flexibility might be given to meet the needs of specific homogeneous groups.