Although the largest churches in the world are cell-based, many have questioned whether the model will work in North America. The Church In Many Houses: Reaching Your Community Through Cell-Based Ministry makes the case that the cell model will work- if key assumptions about spiritual growth and the nature of the church are reexamined and renewed. By drawing on scripture, research, and insights gained through personal experience as the pastor of a growing cell church, Steve Cordle identifies the four pivotal philosophical shifts necessary for the cell approach to work. These are mindset shifts from:

• programs to relationships-the purposes of the church are best fulfilled in the cell group instead of in programs.  

• from member to disciple-maker-every member can and should become a group leader

• from educating to equipping-spiritual growth is not knowing more but applying more

• from "come and see" to "go and show"-the power of penetration evangelism.