The United States and the world are experiencing a revolution in the Protestant faiths. In many countries, the change is labeled as emergent.

Although the experiences are slightly different at all the different denominations, one characteristic is true of all of them. They are organized around the small group. The groups meet in each other homes and are founded on the need we have for community and honesty. Too often in the organized religions, everything is done according to plan with little time given to the reality of each of our lives.

Of course, I have a particular belief that sharing and community in small groups has been greatly influenced by the leader of the 12 step groups—AA. Founded in 1938, AA has been such a phenomenon that it is estimated that there are close to 200 different types of 12 step groups.

Jesus and His disciplines used small groups to spread the Gospel. One organized church of today, Unitarian Universalist, has a well organized website devoted to topics, ideas, suggestions, for their small group ministry. The site has extensive resources for small groups with links for Christian and secular small groups. One of the links listed there are for cell churches.

The International Cell Church Conference for 2006 is in Johannesburg, South Africa. It also fills 8 stadiums simultaneously in San Salvador. One in four people in San Salvadore are members of the Elim Church which is now the 2^nd largest church in the world. The cell church online has a database for a cell church near you. It also has a lot of resources for ice-breakers for small groups, etc.

Cell is defined on this site as persons being in regular, intimate relationship with a small group of people. The group with this site has some worksheets available to measure spiritual growth. At Ginghamsburg, they state: “We understand that worship celebration on Saturday and Sunday is uplifting, a time to celebrate God, and an important growth but it will not bring about life transformation. It is in the cell community where life transformation occurs.”

They define a cell group as: “A small group made up of 2-12 people who come together to build relationships through encouragement, accountability, guidance, and prayer so that all members experience life transformation through Christ. Cell groups are not therapeutic support groups.” The site then lists support groups if someone is interested. It also teaches others how to start cell groups.

The secular resources for small groups from UU are (1) group dynamics: basic nature of groups and how they develop and (2) study circles.

Another source for small group topics is Building Church Leaders from Christianity Today. Some of the topics there are: reaching people, building a team, healthy small groups, knowing God, becoming outward-focused, growing small groups, unity in diversity, setting goals and measuring results.