"Cell-like" Basic Ecclesial Communities and Evangelism

Rev. Louis Aldrich S.J.

While preparing a talk on the role that the laity should play, according to Vatican II, in evangelism, I was surprised to discover that John Paul II recommends establishing Basic Ecclesial Communities (BEC) as an effective means of first proclamation evangelism; that is, evangelism aimed at leading non-Catholics to a conversion to Jesus as Savior and Son of God, followed by Baptism and entrance into Catholic Church. These communities are, according to the Pope, a new and rapidly developing phenomenon in the Church; and they are to be welcomed because they are places both of formation of lay Catholics and proclamation of the Gospel to non-Catholics. Through BEC each Christian experiences real community, becomes conscious of having a role in that community and takes on some inistries. Hence, BEC becomes a means for evangelism and developing disciples.

The so-called "Cell-like" BEC communities are especially effective, because they have as their specific goal first proclamation evangelism. These "Cell Communities" start with 8-10 Catholics and seek to grow by adding another 8-10 non-Catholics. The seeking of new members (evangelizing) is done through natural relationships: same neighborhood; same age group; similar ethnic background, etc. When the Cell reaches 16-20 (and assuming most of the non-Catholics have been Baptized) it divides into two cells and the process of growth begins again: so one becomes two; two to four; four to eight; etc. The fastest growing Protestant Churches in Taiwan and Korea use this method; Catholic parishes in South Africa, Korea, Italy and the USA have also been evangelizing through cell communities.

The Catholic cell communities have reached a consensus on the best form for their communities meetings, which is as follows: Song and Praise (about 15 minutes); Sharing what God has been doing in each member's life (about 15 minutes); Instruction on Faith and Spiritual Life (about 20 minutes); Discussion of matter presented in Instruction (about 10 minutes); Cell Business (about 5 minutes); Prayer for Intercession (about 15 minutes); Healing Prayer (about 15 minutes). “Parish Cell System” is a well written manual that explain the details of how to organize and run Parish Evangelism Cell Groups.