School of Tyrannus (Acts 19)

I haven't really study the cell church movement or the Emerging church movement. Both groups stress good works in the community and meeting non-Christians where they live. This is very good. However, these movements seem to downplay teaching and doctrine. The model of forming small groups, which reach out, grow and split into other small groups is a fine model. The weakness of this strategy is that if the small groups grow quickly, these leaders have very minimal training in doctrine. If we look at Paul's methodology, we read at least at one point, he stayed put and taught theology for over two years to disciples in Ephesus. Paul wrote Romans and Ephesians. These letters are not user friendly. The training of these leaders need to be addressed. We must guard the deposit of faith and pass it on.

Acts 19:8-10 (ESV)
8And he [Paul] entered the synagogue and for three months spoke boldly, reasoning and persuading them about the kingdom of God. 9But when some became stubborn and continued in unbelief, speaking evil of the Way before the congregation, he withdrew from them and took the disciples with him, reasoning daily in the hall of Tyrannus.[c] 10This continued for two years, so that all the residents of Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks. (brackets mine)