Well I read the book and it was a very good read. Very insightful and scriptural it seemed for a man who was well ahead of the trend for house groups, although he refuses to call his model a house church.
The basic element he taught is what he called the cell group, pretty understandable.
Then 5 cells made up one congregations.
Then 5 congregations made up a celebration group.
Each group is overwatched by a Pastor figure, so 5 cell groups are cared for by a Pastor per group, who then fall under the zone Pastor for the congregation they belong too. So as with the celebration group.
The basic group when they come together, do very little in the way of traditional service. They emphasize fellowship over teaching.
He discusses how it's important to just welcome people in, share some refreshments and break the ice amongst the group and newcomers. Then after a period of time, gather everyone and discuss how things had went since the previous meeting, any prayer concerns they have, and at this time if anyone has an insight from Bible study throughout the week they would be allowed to share. He emphasizes it's not just the Pastor's responsibility to teach, and in fact he says the Pastor should do very little of the sort, but should just guard against false doctrine and should be a guide for the group. Then after sharing, the group will split into smaller groups to conduct a time of prayer and intercession.
He says that as larger groups meet; congregations should meet probably 1 time a week and celebration groups should meet 1 time a month if possible, but atleast once a quarter. The larger group settings would be emphasizing prayer and worship, over teaching and sermons. He says a sermon can be preached, but it should be short and concise, not an hour long tirade about one verse of scripture.
Very good read by a man who was way ahead of his time, concerning the American church.
