The Church In Many Houses: Reaching Your Community Through Cell-based Ministry - Softcover

Cordle, Steve

3.77

26 ratings by Goodreads

9780687325795: The Church In Many Houses: Reaching Your Community Through Cell-based Ministry

Softcover

ISBN 10: 068732579X ISBN 13: 9780687325795

Publisher: Abingdon Press, 2005

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Although the largest churches in the world are cell-based, many have questioned whether the model will work in North America. The Church In Many Houses: Reaching Your Community Through Cell-Based Ministry makes the case that the cell model will work― if key assumptions about spiritual growth and the nature of the church are reexamined and renewed. By drawing on scripture, research, and insights gained through personal experience as the pastor of a growing cell church, Steve Cordle identifies the four pivotal philosophical shifts necessary for the cell approach to work. These are mindset shifts that move from:

programs to relationships―the purposes of the church are best fulfilled in the cell group instead of in programs
member to disciple-maker―every member can and should become a group leader
educating to equipping―spiritual growth is not knowing more but applying more
“come and see” to “go and show”―the power of penetration evangelism.

Impose a cell structure upon a congregation that has not yet made these philosophical shifts we are likely to fail. But when people adopt these biblical mindset changes, the cell approach will seem natural, and will result in great unity and effectiveness. The Church In Many Houses will help congregations make the changes that are necessary for success.

Forewords by Joel Comiskey and Michael Slaughter

Centering the church where people live everyday makes sense. It is the apostolic way. Steve Cordle shows how it works in today's society.-- Robert E. Coleman

"What a great read! This is not another "follow-these-ten-steps-and-your-church-will-grow" book. Steve Cordle writes from the perspective of a leader who would not settle for an ordinary church that called people to believe, give and behave. He wants more than that for the people he is called to serve. His quest has drawn him to the very basic form of the DNA of the Church as seen in Scripture, evidenced in history and rediscovered today: the development of authentic, life-changing, community in which people are transformed into the life and character of Jesus through cell-based ministry. This volume is unflinchingly honest. It does not pretend to have attained perfection in developing a cell-based church, but it does point those who desire the same kind of church along the way." --- Reggie McNeal ;

This book is written by a practitioner. Steve Cordle is growing the kind of church he is writing about: a missional congregation that is committed to developing fully devoted followers of Christ through cell groups. This is a fine volume for those who want to grow a church both spiritually and numerically. I highly recommend it.

Dr. Jeffrey E. Greenway
President
Asbury Theological Seminary

"The multiplication of cells is God's idea-we see it all throughout nature. So I can imagine God's incredible pleasure in seeing groups of cells multiplied to reach, disciple and expand His Church. Leaders will benefit from Dr. Steve Cordle's careful research, practical experience, and deep passion for cell-based churches found in The Church in Many Houses."

Dr. Robert E. Logan
CoachNet, Inc.

Steve Cordle has set off within me a hunger to explore the cell church. Steve shares his call and journey of leading the CrossRoads UMC, an effective growing great commission church, through a transition to an even higher efficient cell based church. I would encourage every pastor of a growing program based church to prayerfully read steve's journey and ask the question, "What kind of church do I want to give my life to?"

Steve Cordle has set off with in me the hunger to explore the cell church. As the pastor and DS of program based churches, I am challenged by this journey and left wanting more.

Steve Cordle works hard to answer the "Why" question about becoming a cell based church. This is not just the next hot thing. Yet, with in this book you not only answer the why question, Steve shares great steps into the "How" question of becoming a cell based church. Steve has opened my mind and heart and planted a hunger within me to begin a quest toward the cell based church.

The Rev. Dr. Duane A. Anders, Dayton North District Superintendent of the West Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church & Lead Pastor of Stillwater UMC

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If you are searching for a practical way for the local church to build on the priorities and practices of Jesus Christ, then this book is a must-read.

Steve Cordle writes: "I can't say I caught the vision of the cell church; rather, the cell church vision caught me. I couldn't shake it." This dynamic book, The Church In Many Houses: Reaching Your Community Through Cell Based Ministry, brilliantly illustrates how the cell church vision caught Crossroads UMC.

Having visited Crossroads UMC, Steve Cordle leads one of the most exciting cell churches in the U.S. Steve has many gifts: a knack for keeping things simple, a humble heart that permeates his story, and enthusiasm that keeps you reading. Enjoy the journey!

Rob Campbell

Pastoral Team Leader

Cypress Creek Church, Wimberley, Texas

A long time ago, a small band of disciples proved that authentic, evangelistic, Spirit-led community can change the world. It's happening again. Steve Cordle writes winsomely of what is beyond worship attendance and outward compliance. His eye witness account of inner transformation through the cell church ministry of Crossroads United Methodist Church will inspire all who tire of program-loaded church life. But be careful as you read this book, it could change the entire way you see and do church.

Roger Ross, Sr. Pastor, New Horizon United Methodist Church, Champaign, Illinois

A lot of people talk about cell groups but not many do them, especially in mainline churches. This book is written by a mainline pastor whose church lives and breathes cell ministry. Bill Easum
President, Easum, Bandy & Associates
www.easumbandy.com

Steve Cordle has captured the heart behind the success of the New Testament Church ... The life of the body is in the cell.

Mike Slaughter, from his Foreword
Pastor, Ginghamsburg Church

"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.

About the Author:

Rev. Dr. Steve Cordle is founding pastor of Crossroads United Methodist Church, a growing cell-based church in Pittsburgh, Pa. (900 weekly attendance and over 60 cell groups). He serves on the board of Cell Church Consulting International and has studied cell based churches in the U.S. and Asia. He contributed questions for Home Cell Group Explosion Discussion Guide by Joel Comiskey.

Steve is a graduate of Wittenberg University, Asbury Theological Seminary (M. Div.), and United Theological Seminary (D. Min.).

Thomas G. Bandy is an internationally-recognized church consultant and leadership coach. He works across the spectrum of church traditions, denominations, congregations, contexts, and cultures. Tom coaches transforming and transitioning congregations, church plants, multi-site and cross-cultural churches, and faith-based nonprofits. He is the president of Thriving Church Consulting LLC and can be found in his virtual office at ThrivingChurch.com. He is the author of several books on congregational leadership.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.