Notes for meeting between Cell Inc. and the Elders

Sunday, 17 September, 2000

One Model	Another Model
Jesus
Characteristics
Closed set Well defined in-group: e.g. Saved v. Lost Out-groups are assumed hostile (e.g. 'The World') Agreed statement of fundamental beliefs: "Evangelical" Proximity to goal is important Common direction and goal Clear lines of leadership and authority Production based mission Emphasis on commitment: "Male" Size is important Traditional, conservative, structured: "modern" Members can coast Creates world view around its own sub-culture Optimal for Stage III faith stage: intolerant of other stages no questioning tinkering: superficial analysis of peripheral issues and modus operandi	Fuzzy boundaries Membership determined by relationship Non-members are potential members No common belief system: "Holistic" Goal is more important than proximity Common goal Fuzzy leadership Process focused mission Emphasis on relationship: "Female" Size is unimportant Chaotic: "postmodern" Participatory membership Creative, innovative, diverse Optimal for Stage IV faith: tolerant of other stages "mystery" celebrated questioning: continuous self-analysis and critical reflection
Fundamentals
What does "evangelism" look like? What is the actual message of the Gospel? What does "conversion" look like? What does "growing in Christ" look like? What does "revival" look like?
Answers to these questions are well known within narrowly defined perimeters	Answers to these questions are emerging and may be different from the answers in the other model but are certainly less prescriptive

Questions
One Model	Another Model
Some issues to consider
What are the attitudes to leadership?
Leaders have the vision and take the group in the direction set by them. Some degree of consultation. Leaders carry the authority. Power expressed as "service." N.B. Leaders lead only to the extent that there are followers who let them lead.	All members of the group have roles to play. Leadership is one such role and is needed by the group. This does not mean anyone who is not a leader is automatically a follower: there may be no followers as everyone could be "leading" in their particular roles.
What about new Christians?
Nurtured by content-based instruction Low growth potential (depending on baggage)	Nurtured by ongoing relationships High growth potential
What about children?
Separate programme	Integrated into group life
What about worship?
Single up front leader Worship content provided Anticipated single outcome	Individual expression Worship context provided No anticipated outcome; diversity encouraged