The cell church strategy of Ralph W. Neighbour in evangelism and discipleship

The purpose of this dissertation is to examine, evaluate, and make contemporary applications of the cell church strategy of Ralph W. Neighbour in evangelism and discipleship. This research seeks to show Neighbour's cell church strategy as a valid and viable alternative to the program-based strategy of evangelism and discipleship in the traditional church. The distinct features of the cell church strategy are evaluated.;Sources consulted for this dissertation include numerous primary and secondary materials in the form of books, articles, personal interviews, audio and videotape recordings, doctoral dissertations, e-mails and the Internet. In addition, a survey by the author of cell churches from Neighbour's database at TOUCH Outreach Ministries, Houston, Texas, is utilized to inform the study.;Chapter 1 presents a biographical profile of Ralph Neighbour as one of the premiere cell church proponents in America. The development of his cell group strategy and prototypes of the cell churches he pioneered are examined.;Chapter 2 investigates Neighbour's cell church strategy in the context of biblical and selected historical small group movements that reflect characteristics similar to his cell group model. Neighbour's cell group strategy is compared to other cell group advocates and traditional church programs such as Sunday School.;Chapter 3 examines the unique characteristics of Neighbour's cell church evangelism. The cell group approach to outreach is identified and explained. Finally, evangelism in the cell church is compared to its traditional church counterpart.;Chapter 4 studies the viability of cell groups in fulfilling the task of discipleship. Neighbour's cell discipleship process is compared to discipleship in the traditional church. Attention is given to the emphasis on community and the one-on-one mentoring process of cell church discipleship.;Chapter 5 summarizes and evaluates the research and makes application to the task of contemporary evangelism and discipleship. Neighbour's strengths and weaknesses are openly evaluated. Applications to modern evangelism and discipleship are based upon the enduring principles gleaned from the study of Neighbour's life and ministry. Key principles include sacrificial outreach to outsiders (totally unchurched lost people), an intentional process of discipleship, creating genuine Christian community, and utilizing the powerful principle of cell multiplication.