My main complaint is that cell groups often do not accomplish the purposes they were set up for. Too often, a cell meeting becomes a miniature Sunday Service cum bible school. I believe the emphasis should be on building relationships though this is much harder to accomplish than dispensing fast food.

Besides spiritual needs, everyone has physical or material needs, namely, (1) Full Relationships, (2) Good Health, and (3) Adequate Finances. The majority may take all this for granted but there are those who remain deprived. Even after many prayers are offered, the needed blessings may still be slow in coming. I know that God has His own timing and patience is required but could our own indifference be delaying His hand?

It would be unbiblical for me to moan and groan without offering constructive alternative suggestions, so here are some. With regard to full relationships, I am aware that many single persons (I’m one of them) are in danger of undergoing unpleasant personality changes – for example, becoming rigid in their views of people around them, the whole world – as they grow older should they remain in isolation.

Why aren’t churches offering programmes to assist them to meet more single people? It’s no use asking them to enrol in bible study courses on marriage relationships when they have no prospects to work on!

As regards our health, it’s good to know that some take the trouble to visit friends who suffer from serious ailments. (In my case, I don’t like people to talk to me when I’m sick – for the past 20 years only the flu has confined me to bed – I’m abnormal in not wanting visits but thank God for the good health I’m blessed with.) Perhaps one could go further by offering counselling on healthy practices to those unaware.

Regarding financial sufficiency, a person who experience difficulty in meeting daily and monthly expenses is likely to be distracted and rendered less effective in whatever he does. The pastor will usually offer prayers in this regard for members affected but the more able members should offer specific advice on how to overcome financial problems, proposing solutions on an individual basis.

The New Testament church dealt with many practical problems in practical ways and not merely passing the buck back to God through prayer only. You would exhaust all practical remedies if it were your own child, wouldn’t you? "No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us." (1 John 4:12)

Editor’s Note: We welcome readers’ contribution for this column. Articles should focus on observations of current issues facing  churches in Malaysia, and should not exceed 800 words. E-mail to editor@necf.org.my