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We also want to thank our beloved American
brothers for the initiative of having this Meeting as well as
for the invitation and for the IMB sponsorship.
This historical meeting in the beginning of the
XXI century confronts us vividly on how much we are changing. It
was pleasing to hear the IMB deputy-chairman (Pr Don
Kammerdiener) recognising the context of racial conflict that
marked the beginning of the pioneer’s work. Then, I had the
opportunity of asking a question that Afro-Brazilian and Bras-indians
wanted to ask for more than 120 years:
“Beloved brothers, who are involved in mission
strategy worldwide, encourage clearly the cross-cultural bridge
and do not continue to make the mistakes that have us, up to
today, confound European liturgy with doctrine and
anthropological prejudice with Biblicism. We cannot continue
hindered from our Latin American-Brazilian-brunet (latinidade-moreno-brasiliana)
because we have inherited the German-British protestant style.
After all, the 19th century pioneer’s liturgical and
ecclesiological model have already been revised and temporised
by great American leaders such as Rick Warren (Purpose driven
Church). We are about to turn a page in history and although we
all still have to preserve the way (Acts 24.14), this is a very
relevant moment, ounce in times past we would be discussing here
whether the Blacks and Indians have soul or not.”
Those who study and think know that the
separatism that came impregnated in the theological system of
the majority of the pioneers of then racist south of the United
States, those same ones who rebelled against Lincoln’s
abolitionism, that even today have us thinking that if
“something is from Blacks”, or from “savages” they are
consequently “from the devil”. But these are expressions of
race, Indigenous-Afro-European, mixed in such a way, that finds
itself bio-anthropologically inclined to clapping, different
rhythms, dancing, exclamations of rejoicing, etc. It is clear
that both the theological language and the expressions of faith,
are also conditioned to social-cultural context and historical
legacy, but it is extremely important not to forget the fact
that western culture (European and North American, as a genesis)
is not synonym for Christian ethics. It is sufficient to note
the homes of the most Fascists, Racists, Existentialists, Nazis
and Satanists contemporary systems.
Even before certain statements, which were not
intended to cause constraint, but with maturity we intended to
think about the historical and cultural aspects thoroughly. The
dialog continued absolutely harmonious, courteous and in
brotherly spirit.
Being in Santiago, Chile, the official language
was obviously Spanish. The Meeting also focused in presenting
the new model of IMB operation in its emphasis of planting
Churches. In the event, we were given a digital book in Spanish,
which unfortunately was not known by those in the debate before
hand. It caused us to be less able to argue with the IMB vision.
The STBNe (Northern Baptist Theological Seminary)
already have this document available in its site:
www.seminariobatista.org.br
(David Garrison.
Movimientos de siembra de Iglesias – Church
Planting Movement).
Pr David Garrison is the Deputy-Chairman
Associated of IMB Mobilization Strategy Coordinator, and works
in Wiesbaden, Germany.
The following news had us extremely happy. It is
concerned with church planting in Latin America: “in spite of
the great persecution by the government, two Baptist Conventions
grew from 235 churches in 1990 to more than 3200 in 1998”.
It was clear that the so called “lay person”
(which I prefer to describe as non-theologian Ministers) will
have a fundamental role in the new vision of Richmond.
To what all of us agreed whole heartily, but
disagreed to the “abandonment” of the seminaries as a missionary
strategy. After all, who is going to teach the non-theologian
Ministers? We need to be careful not to make “copies of the
copies of the copies...” so much so that we will not be able to
read the original ones later on. The training of the
self-supported ministers (or lay persons who are not paid by the
church) needs to maintain a responsible level of Bible study
which is our greater source of revelation. Without adequate
teaching it is difficult to satisfactorily look up the originals
in Hebrew and Greek, or understand systems and even do
apologetics and dialog with other areas of knowledge. Objecting
this position, I could comprehend the historical frustration of
the IMB strategists: “we have created philosophical schools that
did not take upon themselves the main mission the Lord entrusted
us: win souls and make them imitators of Christ”.
In this matter, we had, as CBBa, the advantage of
presenting the STBNe as the pioneer seminary in Brazil to
incorporate a system of mentoring which is going to
reunite the student to
what is biblical, ministerial and its ecclesiological praxis.
Also a very interesting issue was raised by the
worldwide missionary Baptist leadership; the acknowledgment that
“on our own, we are not going to reach the world for the Lord
Jesus Christ: we will need to be alongside brothers from other
doctrinal and theological beliefs”, said the IMB chairman, Pr
Jerry Rank. By the way, the IMB deputy-chairman, Pr Don
Kammerdiener, said that the greater hindrances to reach the
world are our “lack of vision, theological resistances, biblical
ignorance and our ecclesiology”. I thought it was incredibly
bold (boldness here in the sense of knowing that it is necessary
to run certain risks for a greater good, in this case, the salvation of the world).
But what all of this information above has to do
with “the second reformation: Cell Group revival!” Theme I
proposed to approach in this paper?
The answer comes from another trip I did two
weeks before I went to Chile.
By my own initiative, and mainly sponsored by the
churches I pastor (that are Periperi PIB and Beach Community IB);
I went to Santa Fé de Bogotá, Colombia, to visit the revival
center of Americas.
There, a prophetic word that has us looking at
what is small and pitiable and in all of it seeing that the
great works of God are fulfilled.
Colombia is a country marked by violence, drug
dealing and corruption. So much so that it would take more than
2000 evangelical leaders from different denominations and
nations worldwide (including USA, Germany, Canada, Sweden,
Scotland, Holland, Australia, France and Spain.) “risking their
own lives” (believing the Lord would keep them safe) to go there
and listen to a Latin American pastor, whose level of schooling
is questioned by the most demanding academic circles?
There
is only one answer: the move of God’s Spirit pointing to a great
revival! For it is really to revolutionise Colombia and impact
the world that God granted Pr César Castellanos a vision that so
far provided him with a church of more than 80,000 members, in
which almost everybody is committed to seeking holiness,
faithfulness and salvation of others.
It was such a remarkable experience, to
participate in two special meetings; One with more than 12,000
women and another with more than 20,000 young people from a
single church that were just coming from their cell groups.
Besides I could witness a generalised concern with
sanctification, discipleship and salvation of souls.
Even though, it was somewhat disconcerting, I had
to confront the IMB leaders with the reality that as we were
speaking about coming closer to other Evangelical denominations
and dealing with speeding up worldwide evangelism, we were not
bringing to the debate the Bogotá phenomenon. It is nowadays a
true Americas’ benchmark. Castellanos is working with principles
that helped him to build a mega cell group church and is causing
such an impact in the city and on the nation’s life, as well as
inspiring others to do the same.
We can discharge
ourselves from the mission the Lord Jesus entrusted us
(Mat.28.18-20) going on foot, with only one leg, riding a
donkey, a bicycle, or even a car, but if God grants us the
privilege of building a supersonic jet squadron it will be
negligence not to put it to use (Eph.5.14-21).
What do all pastors desire for their churches?
The fulfilment of the goal expressed in Ephesians 5.27 to the
flock entrusted to them: “a glorious church, without stain or
wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless”.
However, the question that keeps hanging is “how
is it going to be done?” The Holy Spirit, all Christians have
(at least it is thought so),
the Word, faith, love, vocation, theology, etc. All these are
also at reach of all those above and if we ask the pastors if
they have them, we offend them with the simple possibility of
thinking so bad about them.
Nevertheless, the question continues. Why there
are so many ministries suffering, bitter and so heavy to carry?
Why do we still have so many programs and business meetings
which look more like those the Lord speaks to in Isaiah (1.13):
“Stop bringing meaningless offerings! Your incense is detestable
to me. New Moons, Sabbaths and convocations – I cannot bear your
evil assemblies”.
The denominational ecclesiological structure does
not satisfy the demands of our present time nor the challenges
that our mission imposes on us. Even before I was involved with
the ministry, as a pastor, I was already concerned with the
Baptist cause. In 17th June, 1988 I wrote in my
meditation diary: “There is something wrong with our
ecclesiological model...” In the 27th of that same
month I wrote: “If we had grown 15% in the last 107 years we
would be more than 15 million Baptists instead of 600 thousand
as estimated”.
The biggest Baptist church in Brazil, known
traditionally, is Niterói First Baptist church; it is estimated
to have 7,000 members according to a data from 1999.
There are many who want to accept the Word of
salvation. I witnessed this truth again when my wife and I took
part of the “Impacto do Carnaval” (Impact Carnival). We left the
church camp retreat, with 420 people, under our leadership care.
They are such a blessing to us.
I confess I had many restrictions to this event
called “Impacto”. And at this time I went in a diplomatic
mission (receive the Chairman of the Southern Baptist
Convention, the biggest convention in the world, Pr Paige
Paterson). However, the “Impacto” impacted us: it was short of
labourers for the harvest. The word was shared repeatedly in 30
minutes and after each time, about 40 people stopped, listened,
prayed and an average of 10 “raised their hands to confess Jesus
as their only Saviour.” Many also wanted counselling and prayer.
Then, I remembered the mango trees full of wasted mangoes
because nobody picked them (Jo.4.35).
According to the greatest research on church
growth done by Christian Schwarz in his book “The natural
development of the church”, the common church model is
exceedingly technocratic. The church decisions depend on a
“position” that depends on an “election” that depends on a “Personnel
Committee”,
etc, etc, etc.
In the cell group model the decisions are not
centralized, because everybody is called to bear fruit, ounce
fruit bearing is associated to a holy and faithful living of
each person in the body of Christ.
In the cell group model the church back door is
watched closely, because everybody is responsible and highly
motivated by the Holy Spirit to work and keep the fruit.
There are many different cell group church models
such as, Joel Comiskey, “Explosive growth of cell group
churches”.
Some of the major references are: Full Gospel
Yoido Church, Korea, Pr David Cho; Missão Carismática
Internacional (International Charismatic Mission), Bogota, Pr
César Castellanos; Igreja Pentecostal Elim (Elim Pentecostal
Church), San Salvador, Pr Jorge Galindo; Ministério
Internacional da Restauração (Restoration International
Ministry), Manaus, Ap. Renê Terra Nova.
Nowadays, no doubt, the most analyzed and studied
model is the one from Bogota. It is called Govern of the 12 Cell
Group Church, or simply G12.
There have been many and various debates,
involving passion and controversy. The G12 suffers some
rejection of even certain “Pentecostal and charismatic” circles.
They regard some proposals as “new age”.
The majority of those who debate it though lack
information. By God’s mercy, I had the privilege of researching
plenty literature in Spanish, English and Portuguese; listened
to hours of tapes and debates, besides participating of the
“polemic” Encounter, in which, I was greatly blessed. And I can
say that the Encounter is really tremendous to any ministry and
person who want to make a deeper transformation where they are
based.
The Encounter is not all the cell vision is nor
its reason for existing. It is part of each person’s restoration
process; People who are going to be involved in training and
leading a cell group. Without the encounter, the process becomes
unviable. I have noticed no problem in the encounter itself,
ounce all the time it points to Jesus as the author and finisher
of our faith (Jo.15.5).
The major discussions about the Encounter are
related to the process. Some say it is “secretive”, but that is
not true, anybody can come along. The commitment made not to
talk about what happens there is simply to maintain the program
expectation as a surprise; and it is positive, biblical and
therefore Baptist (Mat.17.9; Jo.16.12).
Many “doctrinal” polemics are related more to
semantics and historical prejudice. Surely there are matters of
biblical interpretation options (which is a Baptist
characteristic) and even of theological understanding.
It is worth to remember, for instance, the
tensions between historical criticism
and historical grammatical
schools, or the fact
that some does not accept the existence of spiritual gifts or
even the existence of Satan and his demons.
The concern with “generational curse”, for
example, is disproportional, considering the vision as a whole,
cause besides not being a new subject, it is not also something
emphasised by Castellanos in his expositions on the Cell Group
Vision in the Govern of the 12; On the other hand, though, Renê
Terra Nova, then a pastor, worked this principle a lot in
Brazil. This is comprehensible in Biblical terms, if we consider
both our cultural roots and that not only what is genetic is
inherited. Even a house or a debt, can be inherited and
therefore it has a hereditary character, how much more a
psycho-socio-cultural and religious influence the Brazilian
miscegenation brings along for centuries.
Another subject of plenty criticism is “inner
healing”, what shows a huge lack of information because the
process is relevant and the results are astonishing; so to
remember what affects our present, in order to treat them, is
human, Biblical and necessary.
It is contradictory that some though they
recognize themselves as the Body of Christ; they do not want it
for their churches but send their church members to
professionals, Christians or not, who also use regression,
without which there is no therapy. Surely we are not speaking
about “regression to past lives”, like what the “new age” does;
we mean psychoanalytic or psychological regression.
Without despising the opinion of those who does
not agree with the Cell Group proposal, I would like to say that
unless some critical matters of G12 are well known, we are not
going to be able to evaluate it correctly. And as a result, we
are going to miss such a great opportunity of broadening our
ecclesiological references.
To those who are interested in the growth of
their churches, according to their possibilities, I would
recommend the following:
1 – To take part of your leadership to an
Encounter weekend, organized by a church whose pastor is a
reference to you. Remember, there are several fruit stands
offering orange in a market; some are good, others are sour,
still others are rotten, etc. It does not mean however that all
the oranges are bad or that all the venders are tricksters.
2 – To read Castellanos, César.
“Sueñes y ganaras el mundo”.
MCI. E-mail:
edivilit@impsat.net.co.
3 – To read Castellanos, César.
“Liderazgo de éxito através de los 12”.
MCI. E-mail:
edivilit@impsat.net.co.
4 – To read Comiskey, Joel. “Explosive growth of
Cell Group Churches”.
5 – To read
Comiskey, Joel. “Groups of 12, a new way to mobilize leaders and
multiply groups in your church.” Touch Publications. Site:
www.touchusa.org.
(In the site in English you will be able to find
Comiskey’s doctorate dissertation, it is worth reading too.)
6 – To read the Encounter Manual. I suggest you
read pr. César and Claudia Castellanos and also ap.
Renê Terra Nova, from Ministério Internacional da
Restauração (Restoration International Ministry), from Manaus.
Tel: (92) 233-3075. Site:
www.mir12.com.br.
(The MIR manual brings a mistake exploited by IURD, that seems
to be more concerned with the revival of so called traditional
churches than with the doctrinal purity blemished by the
following unfortunate phrase in the manual: “to forgive God”.
The meaning here is concerned to understanding the sovereignty
of God, even before adversity).
7 – To visit the biggest Cell Group Church in
Brazil in the Model of the 12. It is Ministério Internacional da
Restauração (Restoration International Ministry), in Manaus; its
apostle is Renê Terra Nova and its former name was Restoration
Baptist Church).
8 – To visit the biggest Cell Group Church of the
Americas in the Govern of the 12. It is Missão Carismática
Internacional (International Charismatic Mission) in Bogotá,
Colombia; its pastors are César and Claudia Castellanos.
9 – To visit Cell Group Church Ministry in
Brazil, Curitiba; its pastor is Robert Lay. (He is associated
with Pr Ralph W. Neighbour, who is one of the great theoretical
about cell group church, but unfortunately he cannot present an
ecclesiological reference of international repercussion greater
than Cho or Castellanos.)
10 – To pray and take some of your leaders to an
Encounter and talk about the possibility of transitioning from
the traditional structure to the Cell Group structure. Be
followed up by someone who has more experience in the process.
We do not advise a precipitate “imitation” of the
G12, but a responsible analysis and delight the enriching
contact with pr Castellanos’ vision.
For it is sure those who do not to examine deeper
the theme proposed will be blessed in their ministries,
according to the grace of God; they however would be even more
blessed if they also were praying for those who are exposing
themselves to win the nations, for loving the lost souls and the
Lord of the harvest.
We should not forget the illustration of blind
people touching an elephant. Each touched the elephant on
different parts. The first blind person touched the belly and
said that the animal looked like a wall; the second held the leg
and compared it to cocoanut tree; another caught its tail and
related it to a broom, and others described other parts of the
elephant. The moral is: Each one had a ‘reason’ for describing
the animal in the way they did. Still, the greatest reason was
their impossibility of seeing the entire animal, the elephant.
It was far too big to be hugged at once.
The essence of the vision of multiplication
through the Cell Group Churches in the M12 is salvation of souls
and the conquest of nations (Ps.2.8). And it is much higher than
eventual mistakes that need to be repaired along the way.
“However, as it is written: No eye has seen, no
ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for
those who love him” 1Cor.2.9.
Recent comment: March 2007:
Today, more than ever, we are sure of what we
said and for the choice we made in the year 2000.
We are, by the grace of God, a growing and
blessed ministry. I am a happy pastor and passionate for Jesus.
I love His church, my family, my discipler, Ap. Renê terra Nova
and each disciple, who along with me, are challenged to follow
the Supreme Master, Jesus Christ, the God.
After its maturity, the G12 stopped being the one
and only defining instrument of the cell group vision according
to Jesus’ model in Brazil. The M12 arouse along with other less
important variations.
If I were going to baptize the system, I would
say that we are in Jesus’ Model, or the disciple’s model. We
have the cell groups (non biblical name) as our strategy, as an
action to integrate and an element of structural and
ecclesiological mobility.
As a matter of fact, the first biblical reference
to the model we embraced happens when God talks to Abraham
(Gn.17.20). Whoever has spiritual and hermeneutical discernment
will be able to comprehend this key passage. Here Yahweh revels
that in order to be Father of a great nation it is necessary to
beget twelve princes. God was the first to set a goal of raising
a team of twelve.
Ap. Sóstenes Borges
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