January 2009

A few months ago, I wrote about the importance of our Christian presence and witness at work, and the need for us to see that as a vital part of our ministry. One of the letters which I received afterwards urged me to stress the importance of Christians at work having support for their "ministry". I totally agree!

It is crucial that each of us receives encouragement and support for our Christian living in every sphere of our lives. Who do you go to with issues that you struggle with, or would appreciate help with, or do not really know what to do about, or just want to talk over with someone?

There was a time when the Church talked about the need for us all to experience "the cell, the congregation and the cathedral". Behind this language is the need for us to be faithful in our Sunday worship in our local congregation week by week by week. That is central and fundamental.

However, we all benefit from bigger occasions and the encouragement that comes, at least sometimes, from being part of a much larger congregation, such as in the Cathedral, or maybe for you it is in a quarterly "benefice" service when all the congregations come together, or perhaps a deanery one.

But we also need a smaller, more informal group - a cell - where we can talk over the discipleship questions and issues that we are facing now. For many, this is a major gap in their Christian life.

It is of great help to be able to discuss and learn with a trusted group. Some do this through Bible Study groups or Home groups or Prayer groups, or some other occasion, such as with the Mothers' Union. Whatever the group is called, providing it gives you the opportunity to talk about the issues that are affecting your life, and to do so in the context of your faith while you are learning with others, then it will be able to supply what you need to grow in faith, ministry and discipleship.

What a good new year's resolution that suggests: make sure that you meet in such a group - a cell.