Forms of Communication used by the Cell Church post - Covid-19

Abstract

In the past, the church was a place of comfort and healing. However, COVID-19 brought about a profound change that saw life as we knew it come to an abrupt halt. Services that were not considered essential, including that of the church, were forced to close their doors. Religious bodies and critical leaders of society did not recognise churches as an integral, life-giving part of the community and world at large. Secular organisations offering essential services could be operated under strict conditions. However, the church remained closed. Despite lockdown restrictions being eased, churches still ensued an uphill battle to open their doors. Strict limits were imposed when the church was eventually allowed to resume fellowship. This was imposed by the government to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Pastors had to look to other mediums to propagate the gospel to ensure the church’s survival. Social media have become the most common medium used by the church during COVID-19 to propagate the gospel. This paper aims to describe the forms of communication used by the cell church post-COVID-19 to ensure its survival. The early church gathered in homes as there were no designated buildings where they could worship. COVID-19 forced Christians to have fellowship in their homes and connect with their pastors via social media. The cell church is built around the Jethro Model. It was a form of leadership suggested to Moses by his father-in-law when he noticed how he handled the issues of the Hebrew people. The cell group provides spiritual nourishment for each other and encourages fellowship between family and friends. With cell groups being closed as a result of the restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic, this has hindered the spiritual growth of believers. This paper proposes that cell churches use all forms of communication until cell groups become functional again. Secondary sources are used as part of the research methodology for this study.