The mention of ‘Agape Cells’ may sound familiar to many of you.  It is an arrangement of the congregation in caring units that we initiated a few years ago but allowed to slip by the wayside.  It is time to reorganize with renewed vigor.

 

 

We noted when Agape Cells were begun that the military assigns each soldier a ‘combat buddy.’  The need is recognized for each soldier to have someone who is watching out for him, ready to give a word of encouragement, a warning extra protection, or whatever else the situation requires.  What is true in the physical realm is also true in the spiritual!  Because we as Christians are also involved in battle of an even more serious kind, everyone in our congregation needs ‘combat buddies.’  As Christian soldiers, we need to watch out for one another, pray for one another, and care for one another.

 

In a recent sermon on Matthew 22:39, “love your neighbor as yourself,” we were reminded how important it is not to neglect our own brothers and sisters in Christ in our demonstration of devoted love and care.

 

It is for this reason that we as a congregation need a network for prayer and caring – the Agape Cells.  They are teams made up of 4-6 family unites, rotated periodically so that we can build new relationships, small to help each person focus on just a few households, and inclusive, meaning that everyone is purposely included and accounted for so that no one is left without ‘cover.’

 

Groups will be published soon.  Then, give yourself to building the kind of caring relationships with those in your cell that will build up those individuals and the entire Body of Christ.

 

Here are two simple functions we are asking from everyone:  (1) Pray for the people in your cell daily.  (2) Care for those in your group by taking steps to get acquainted and then staying alert to needs as they arise.

 

You are also sure to be blessed as you seek to be a blessing!