Open Cells Versus Closed Cells
 
OPEN CELL
A cell group is born when a leader has been released to begin mentoring and discipling a new convert.  Sometimes a cell will begin with just one member.  Although many churches do not qualify a cell as a full cell until there are at least four people in it, many cells actually have their beginnings with just one or two members.

The cell group continues to grow after it is birthed.  During the first stage of the cell life, it is called an “open cell,” meaning a cell that is open to attendance by any individual.  The purpose of the open cell is to win souls and begin to develop them in the Lord.  Cell members invite their friends to the cell, and there is a focus on building that cell into a healthy group of 12 individuals.  Sometimes the cell grows larger than 12, but that is not a problem.  

The leader will begin to introduce all the cell members to the process to develop them in the Lord.  When members begin to show signs of spiritual health, they will become soul-winners and will be focused on the harvest. 

CLOSED CELL
Once there is a group of 12 leaders who all have cells themselves, the cell becomes a closed cell.  The reason it is a closed cell is that now the cell takes on a new dynamic of coaching leaders, or management.  This cell meeting usually lasts longer than does the open cell. 

The cell is closed because it has now changed and become a cell of leaders, and the leader of the closed cell is focused on keeping his leaders healthy and focused.  The words of instruction given in the closed cell will be strong words, or “meat” from the Word.