Events I have been a cell leader since February 2018, and though I saw that role coming, I did not expect it to be that soon. So, I burned out almost immediately in March. From there, I have learned to pace myself better, and ask for help from the more experienced leaders, listening to their stories and receiving much needed encouragement and advice to step forward. In return, let me encourage you to be part of a Cell Group. Why? It is in line with DUMC’s mandate to STEP up, STEP out, STEP in and STEP forward. Let me give you four reasons — S.T.E.P. SERVING — More often than not, I see people cringe when asked to serve in church, but they are okay with helping out in a smaller setting like a cell group. The simplest of tasks is to prepare or buy a meal for supper, or to conduct an icebreaker that warms up the cell group before worship. Cell groups give us the opportunity to try out things on a small scale first. “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” (1 Peter 4:10) TOGETHERNESS — As we congregate and meet week in, week out, we will get to know a group of friends and do life together. We get to share joyfully in each other’s triumphs and pray encouragingly when one is down and out. We will spend time together to take part in all kinds of activities, like a visit to an art gallery, or to catch a movie. A personal favourite activity for my CG is going for a hike at the waterfalls. Doing things together draws us closer, and in so doing, we build strong bonds of friendship and become a family. EVANGELISTIC — One of the primary reasons for having a Cell Group is that we may grow and mature in Christ. It helps prepare us to share with the people around us the gospel and God’s love in our lives. “In your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” (1 Peter 3:15) PURPOSEFUL — For whatever reasons one may have/state about joining a CG, I find that when we commit ourselves to it, we will end up gaining the most. It is a place where I have grown in the past two years, learning from my mentors and older, wiser friends. It is a reservoir of friends whom I have learned to trust, to rely on and to open up about my struggles, pain and vulnerability. It is how I discover and practise my gifts, to lift others up with a word of encouragement or prayer. It is through being a cell leader that I have learned to have ownership of a group of sheep under my care; to spend time getting to know them, and to walk with them on their journey. There is indescribable joy when I see my CG family overcome the issues in their lives and be on fire for God too. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11) “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24-25)
Message from Founding Senior Pastor by Dato’ Dr Daniel Ho, Founding Senior Pastor 13
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