THE STRUCTURE AND FUNCTIONS OF CELL GROUP MINISTRY IN A KOREAN CHRISTIAN CHURCH

While many of the studies of Korean Christian churches in the United S tates mention the presence of cell groups within the churches, little scholarly research exists on the structure and functions of the cell g roup ministry. Based on data from a large Korean Christian Church in H ouston, Texas, the structure of the cell group ministry is described i n ethnographic detail. Four major functions that the cell groups provi de for both Korean immigrant newcomers and established Korean resident s are described, with emphasis upon the mutual benefits that exist bet ween cell groups and Korean entrepreneurs. The paper concludes with th e delineation of organizational problems that may also result from a s trong cell ministry.