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Soft Cell

Cell beside Congregation

With Paul Bayes in Totton...
Many Christians nowadays are familiar with the term "cell church" and of the ecclesiological model it refers to. Rather than congregational-sized, cell thinking advocates a small group as the basic unit size of church. What is less well-known are that there a number of ways to begin a cell church. Cell churches can be planted from scratch or existing churches can transition. Existing churches can choose to opt for a big bang approach where the entire church transitions together at an agreed time, or they can begin by planting a new cell church alongside the existing congregation – "cell by parallel planting". 

Cell purists have doubted whether parallel planting works, calling it a "soft" approach. But this method of planting does have certain advantages. It gives existing churches and their members real choice; no one is coerced. It sets up a creative diversity within a wider umbrella of unity. If cells are committed to growing and multiplying with outsiders rather than congregation church members, they are a fantastic opportunity for mission.

Order this issue no.20 Soft Cell to read the story of All Saints Everywhere in Totton, Southampton and discover how smaller, more modest-sized churches can go this route and find cell works in creating mission-minded communities of Christ-centred disciples.