Cell groups: Where did they start?

A cell group is literally a “small group” of Christians that is often composed of six to 12 members and led by a cell leader. It is usually comprised of members of the same interest, age, or gender. This structure is employed in churches to focus on each member's spiritual life. In order to do so, the one that leads the group is the most mature among all members, preferably a Bible student, a Pastor, or someone who’s been “serving” in the church for years.

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The origin of cell groups is often linked to brothers John and Charles Wesley, two respected Christian theologians who invested a lot in small groups to evangelize many non-believers during their time. Their exemplary method of evangelism is always cited as the driving force that kindled and ignited the Methodist movement in the 18th century.

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The Wesley brothers believed that in order to experience Jesus personally, one must also introduce Him “personally” to those who do not know Him yet. And they understood that preaching in large crowds was an ineffectual way to do it. There were no microphones and speakers then, so it is clear that preaching the gospel then was not as easy as it is today. The Wesleys' open-air preaching to small groups was effective, as many of the churches that sprang from the small groups they founded still exist today in the United Kingdom.

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Many modern churches today have seen the effectuality of small group-teaching, though not in organizing new churches but in empowering their respective members. Today, cell groups are very common in Christian churches around the globe.

Mercy Church in SLO, California, also holds services targeted at specific age groups, including children and college students, through small groups called “cells,” where members ponder on God’s plan for them. This website provides a detailed account of how the church utilizes cells to empower its members' spiritual lives.