The purpose of this thesis is to provide critical analysis and theological basis on Cell Church which is currently emerging to recover the community which the modern society requires and to overcome dismantlement and negligence of community, extreme i...
The purpose of this thesis is to provide critical analysis and theological basis on Cell Church which is currently emerging to recover the community which the modern society requires and to overcome dismantlement and negligence of community, extreme individualism and bureaucracy of traditional church in the midst of rapidly changing 21st Century society. The application of reformed Cell ministry can be sought based on this.
The purpose of the study is first, to understand Cell Church through overall study on it. Secondly, consider benefits and shortfalls of Cell Church and theological issues through critical analysis and evaluation on Cell Church based on reformed ministry theory. Thirdly, search for ministry applicable foundation by providing theological groundwork of reformed Cell ministry. Fourthly, provide practical ways to apply and change to reformed cell ministry through such study.
The study questions of this thesis are first, what are the characteristics of Cell Church ministry method? Second, what are the theoretical, practical challenges and theological issues of Cell Church? Third, what are the historical, theological basis of reformism for reformed Cell ministry? Fourth, what are the practical application measure for admirable reformed Cell ministry?
The thesis consists of six Chapters, and the topics for each are as following: Chapter 1 is introduction; Chapter 2, the understanding of Cell Church and a need for study on Cell ministry; Chapter 3, critical analysis and evaluation of Cell Church; Chapter 4, theological and historical basic of reformed Cell ministry; Chapter 5, practical application of reformed Cell ministry; and Chapter 6, conclusion.
The content of the study is first, preceding examination on Cell Church study and then closer look at Cell Church, ministry theological characteristics and ministry methodological characteristics and necessity of Cell ministry. Secondly, problems of Cell Church and theological analysis, church historical analysis on Cell Group and case study of Cell ministry application principle on Ilsan Hansomang Church for analysis on Cell ministry application were studied. Thirdly, history of reformed Cell ministry and providing reformed Cell ministry theology were considered. Fourthly, role of the leader in Cell ministry, transformation method towards Cell ministry, Cell ministry's training method, and promotion method for practical application of Cell ministry were searched. The specific details are as follows.
Chapter 1 is introduction that gives overall explanation on issues raised, purpose and meaning of the study, method and scope of the study, questions and term definitions, and assumptions of the study to provide direction of the study.
Chapter 2 considers historical background and Cell Church development in Korea as part of preceding examination on Cell Church study. As part of theoretical examination, the history of Cell Church were studied for better understanding of Cell Church. The study was made on early church and Cell Group, Cell ministry model before religious reforms such as The Unity of the Brotherhood, Luther and Wesley's small group movement, George Whitefield's small group movement, small group movement of chinese churches under communism, modern day discipleship training movement and Cell ministry model presented in gift movement. Next, characteristics of Cell Church were examined to find out first, Cells were considered small church within a church; second, Cell Church considers Cell group and large group congregation as two wings; third, Cell Church theory emphasize importance of priesthood ministry for all congregation. That is, "all believers are ministers." Fourthly, Cell itself is considered church community.
Regarding ministerial theological characteristics of Cell Church, first, the spirit of Cell Church regards ordinary believers as ministers, and second, in terms of christianity educational aspect, Cell has the characteristics and functions of a small group.
Regarding ministry methodological characteristic of Cell Church, its structure and ministry principles were examined. When classifying Cell structure into model types, first, there is Church school and Cell combination model; second, Cell Staff Model; third, G-12 Model; fourth, Band Model; and fifth, 5×5 Model. Finally, regarding the need for study on Cell ministry, aspects of social cultural paradigm, church growth, effectiveness, and future were discussed.
In Chapter 3, theoretical and practical problems of Cell Church were pointed out as critical analysis and evaluation on Cell Church. Regarding theoretical issues, wrong understanding on the concept of Cell, contradiction on the concept of minister, situation-centered and biased bible education and sermon on evangelism, misuse of gifts of holy spirit and revelations were pointed out.
Regarding practical problems, too much dependency on the leader, closed Cell group fellowship, deterioration of sermon and bible study, difficulty in forming consistent relationship, limitations of gathering places, and limits of special ministry were pointed out.
Regarding church historical analysis and evaluation on Cell Group, similarities and differences against traditional small groups were pointed out. The similarities are that both required small group gatherings per period and both claim for the recovery of church suggested in the new testament through harmonization between the small and large groups, and that these small group movements have continued on in the church history. The difference is that Cell is considered the essence of church, that is, Cell is considered the church and there are differences regarding interpretation of the role of the holy spirit.
During theological analysis of Cell Church, difference in form between Cell Church and traditional church and theological difference between reformed church and Cell Church were examined through theological analysis on church theory of Cell Churc