FIRST CELL (using material called Rooted) is a 10-week small group experience designed to connect you to God, the church community, and your purpose. Together with your First Cell Group, you’ll explore the Bible, engage in prayer and serve experiences, share stories, and practice rhythms essential to a healthy spiritual life. Whether you are brand new to church or have been following God for a long time, first cell will help you exercise your faith and discover how your unique story fits into God’s epic story in human history.
The 2024 SPRING FIRST CELL Launch is Sunday, Jan 28.
Register Here
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This season of FIRST CELL is starting soon. We are excited to see what God is doing through the FIRST CELL groups in 2024. Here are some testimonies from other churches that have started First Cell.
"Going through Rooted, I was able to answer deep questions about where I am on my faith journey, which brought me closer to the Lord by growing in more knowledge of His Word and spending time with Him. This experience also brought my Small Group closer to each other.” - Leah, Rooted Participant
"I hesitated when I was asked to go through Rooted but sensed a prompting despite some fears and inconvenience. After Rooted, I understand my life journey better. The material was challenging, helpful, and connected dots. New experiences for me included fasting, extended prayer, and developing short and longer versions of telling my story along with God’s story. Come with an open heart and see how God will surprise you!” - Roger, Rooted Participant
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Frequency Asked Questions:
WHAT IS THE FIRST CELL EXPERIENCE?
First Cell isn’t simply a Bible study or a book. It is a 10-week community experience where you’ll practice 7 rhythms essential to a healthy relationship with Jesus. You’ll establish firm roots in the Truth of God’s Word through personal study and then come together as a group to discuss what you’re learning.
How much does it cost?
The cost is $40 per person and includes the workbook and the final celebration experience at the end of 10 weeks. Needs-based scholarships are available. You will receive your workbook at the First Cell Launch Event.
What are we learning through FIRST CELL? What do you mean by “Experience”?
First Cell isn’t simply a bible study or a book. It is a community experience where people practice 7 rhythms essential to a healthy relationship with Jesus.
What is the commitment for First Cell?
Your group will meet for 10 weeks to discuss the daily devotions in the Rooted Workbook. There are 5 daily devotions each week, which will take about 15-20 minutes to complete. You will also participate in a prayer experience and service experience outside of your weekly group time. And, in the days following Session 10, we will gather to celebrate our time together and what God has done in the lives of those participating in all our First Cell Groups.
We understand that First Cell is a significant time commitment, but we believe it's worth investing in the entire process. If you know you will miss more than 2 meetings, we ask that you wait until the next Rooted session. This journey is a cumulative experience, and so we ask that every participant commit to honor each other by attending all meetings.
Can I share a book with someone?
Because this is a listening and journaling experience, it is essential that you do your own reading, praying, and writing. Having your own “guide” on this adventure will be essential. Buy your own book, invest your time, and see what God might do to surprise you.
What are the two outside experiences for our normal group time?
All First Cell groups will do a Prayer Experience and a Serve Experience -- each take about two hours. While we realize there may be some extenuating circumstances, we consider these “can’t miss” experiences through the First Cell journey. Group leaders will lead groups to find dates and times that the entire group agrees upon for the Prayer and Serve Experiences.
How will my FIRST CELL Group be chosen?
Can we sign up as a group?
Our staff will prayerfully place participants into groups of about 11-15 people. We try to group by age, marital status, and life stage, though groups ultimately depend upon the demographic of those who register. A substantial amount of prayer and thoughtfulness goes into creating groups we think will provide the best experience for all people who attend. While we do our best to honor requests when possible, we can't guarantee we'll be able to accommodate all friend requests.
If you are currently in a Cell Group at Living Hope, your group can go through this experience together. If your current leader is not a trained Rooted Leader, we can help identify someone to lead your group or train someone in your group to go through the 10 weeks. Contact Pastor Ben Tabbal for more information.
Do all FIRST CELL Groups transition into long-term Cell Groups?
We hope so! As you go through the Rooted material, your group will talk about continuing as a group. If your group does not continue together, we will help you find a Cell Group that you can grow with.
Where may I direct my questions?
We’d love to answer your questions about First Cell! Send an email to ben.tabbal@livinghopecc.org
The 2024 SPRING FIRST CELL Experience Launch is Sunday, Jan 28!
Register Here