PUTTING AN END TO WORSHIP WARS - Elmer Towns

pastor to emerge as a leader. Also, most Body Life Churches have a network of lay pastors
responsible for leadership in the cell group ministry of the church. These lay pastors also fulfill
the role of facilitator in cell group discussions. These pastors view themselves as part of the
body primarily responsible for encouraging others to share in ministry of the body.
People who attend Body Life Churches come expecting to interact with others. During
the worship service, they expect to be taught biblical principles which will help them live the
Christian life. This expectation carries over into the cell group meeting. Much of the focus of
Bible study in cell meetings is on the application of a verse or biblical concept in their life. The
cell group holds them accountable to grow in their Christian life, and also provides the support
system lacking in many urban centers.
In the past, families have been the foundational unit in the social fabric of America. In
small town America, many extended families live in the same community, sometimes on the
same street. With the increased mobility of the present generation, the extended family network
is breaking down. Parents struggling with the challenges of raising their children do not always
have parents, grandparents and other relatives living nearby. In Body Life Churches, the cell
group becomes a kind of adopted family to which group members can turn for support and help
to face the challenges of life and living.
THE BONDING AGENT OF THE BODY LIFE CHURCH?
The small group or cell is the key to the infrastructure of a Body Life Church. These cells
involve people in the lives of others and provide a context in which the "one another" ministries
of the New Testament can be accomplished. Those attracted to this worship style tend to be
gifted in the area of showing mercy.
Showing mercy is discovering emotionally stressed and distressed individuals and
ministering to their emotional needs. Mercy-showers express sympathy, empathy, and spiritual
ministry to help alleviate the inner pain that is causing a person's dysfunctional emotional
response. Those gifted in showing mercy tend to be drawn toward hurting people and are
somewhat effective in helping others rebuild their lives.
The role of cells in many of the world's largest churches and popularity of books by
leading advocates of the Body Life approach to worship and ministry has resulted in various
spokesmen for this cause. In America, Larry Richards, Ray Stedman, Gene Getz and Joe Aldrich
have all emerged as leaders in the cell church movement. Because cells have played a major role
in the remarkable growth of the church in Korea, various Korean pastors have also become
recognized leaders in this movement. The best known of these pastors in the west is David
Yonggi Cho, pastor of Yoido Full Gospel Church in Seoul, South Korea, the world's largest
church.
THE STRENGTHS AND CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE BODY LIFE
CHURCH
The most significant strength of the Body Life Church is its emphasis on small group
ministries. These cells serve as a glue bonding newcomers to the church. Often, in a Body Life