Principle of Twelve

City In The Desert's "vision" is found in the expression of a cell-based approach to evangelism, discipleship and church growth known as "The Principle of 12." Through this vision, we have begun to give expression to what has been our guiding vision for a number of years:

"WE CAN REACH THE WORLD FROM THIS PLACE!"

City In The Desert has embraced a global calling and responsibility since it's inception. Because of this, we have diligently sought an effective method of evangelism and discipleship, which is within reach of the average layperson. We desired a method which was sustainable over the long haul and which could be readily "exported" to any place in the earth for furthering the work of the gospel.

Bethany World Prayer Center

The Principle of 12 is just such a vision. First developed in Bogota, Columbia, the principle of 12 has caused rapid evangelism and discipleship on every continent. Our connection to this vision is with Bethany World Prayer Center, located in Baker/Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Bethany's Pastor, Larry Stockstill. has long been the most successful and well-known cell-church pastor in North America. Bethany's desire to help other churches facilitate transition and success in the Principle of 12 is overseen from their network office BCCN (Bethany Cell Church Network).

Based upon Jesus' own approach to ministry, the Principle of 12 builds groups of multiplying leaders, gathered around four basic principles that define the vision:

WIN - First, the unsaved are won to Christ (WIN) in open cell groups, outreaches, social gatherings and Sunday services.
CONSOLIDATE - New believers are then "consolidated" or connected (CONSOLIDATE) through a process referred to simply as PEP, which consists of four pre-encounter lessons (P), an Encounter week-end (E), and 7 weeks of post-encounter instruction (P).
DISCIPLE - These newly connected members are discipled (DISCIPLE) through training in the School of Leaders, 30 weeks in three trimesters or "levels."
SEND - Finally, they are "sent" (SEND) to open new cells and begin the process of reaching out to their own friends, relatives and neighbors. The process of receiving personal ministry and training encompasses about one year for the average person if the track is followed through to its conclusion.

For more on The Process.

Encounter Weekend

At the heart of the training process is the Divine Encounter weekend, where participants are able to focus on the realities of Jesus' sacrifice for us, as well as the ramifications of that sacrifice in the way we live daily. Encounters are held at an "away" location (camps, retreat centers, etc.) and run from Friday evening until Sunday afternoon. We have seen many people's lives dramatically changed after attending an Encounter weekend retreat. Encounters free people to begin training as a cell pastor, so that they might eventually lead a home cell.

The heart of the vision of The Principle of 12 are the home-based Cell Groups. The heart of the cell group is its cell pastor. Therefore, much attention is given to relationship building with potential cell pastors and an in-depth process of training and freeing people from mental, physical and emotional hindrances to their ability to further the work of Jesus in the earth.

The Principle of 12 does not depend upon educated, professional clergy, but rather on average, every day people who have a desire to be effective in making their world a better place to live through furthering Jesus' mission and ministry in the world. The vision of the Principle of 12 truly makes room for the gifts and callings of every member of a local church body to be effectively put to work for the good of their community.

Cells are able to meet at any place and at any time where people gather, unlike the traditional approach of "bringing people to church" in order for them to be taught and ministered to. In this way the church is literally turned inside-out upon the world. We believe that through the Principle of 12, we (or any body of believers) can truly fulfill the Great Commission - "Go into all the world and make disciples!" If you're ready for a new approach to Christian living, perhaps the Principle of 12 is what you've been looking for. Find a cell group near you.

Saturday - July 31, 2010