Hi,

I'm a newbie here, and this is my first post. I used to be a cell leader in a Pentecostal church!!! Times have changed.

My experience is that cells vary a lot. In the cell I lead, we had a rather motley bunch and debate was positively encouraged. But I've been to others that are much less tolerant of people voicing disagreement and I've been told off for saying things that really weren't all that outrageous!

There are upsides and downsides I think. On the upside, a good cell can provide a place of friendship and open discussion, thus depowering the preacher a little bit, because you create a place where discussion is encouraged and people can think for themselves, be honest with each other and form good relationships...on the other hand, if the cell leader is domineering, or all the other cell members aren't comfortable with open debate, or with you basically being real - e.g. 'I was prayed for and I just felt worse' doesn't go down too well in some groups!

Ruthie