The G12 vision/ movement – What is it?

what does the bible say?

The G12 vision was started by pastor Cesar Castellanos at the International Charismatic Mission Church in Bogota, Colombia. He states God gave him a vision to build a church based on small groups of twelve that reflected the twelve tribes of Israel and twelve disciples of Jesus in order to better reach people for Christ. This took place in 1983 after Castellanos visited Yoido Full Gospel Church in South Korea led by David Yonggi Cho, considered the largest church in the world. The G12 model led to tremendous growth, with the church's website claiming more than 100,000 church members across the nation of Colombia in thousands of cell groups. The model involves training twelve people as small group leaders who then repeat this training with twelve others. While there is nothing inherently wrong with this model, there are other reasons for concern,including Castellanos’ involvementwith the New Apostolic reformation. That movement includes doctrines that are concerning. Believers are warned to test teachings against God’s Word (1 Thessalonians 5:21) and reject doctrines that contradict biblical truth (2 Timothy 4:3). The G12 movement’s associations with the New Apostolic Reformation and prosperity gospel teachings raise legitimate concerns, as these often deviate from sound doctrine. Those who wish to make disciples may be able to learn something from its structure but should be careful regarding the unbiblical leanings of the movement.

from the old testament

Proverbs 27:17 says that "Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another." Clearly relational discipleship is important, which small groups can facilitate effectively.In Exodus 18:21-22 we see that Moses implemented a system of group leaders to assist in governance, a principle of delegation and training that aligns with the G12 model’s focus on leadership multiplication.

from the new testament

Jesus’ Great Commission found in Matthew 28:19-20 calls for intentional discipleship, reflecting the G12 model’s goal of training leaders to multiply disciples.Paul’s strategy of training leaders can be seen in 2 Timothy 2:2: "What you have heard from me…entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also." This aligns with the core concept of the G12 vision.Colossians 2:8 warns us to: "See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition." This warns against adopting practices or teachings inconsistent with biblical truth.

implications for today

The G12 movement holds a yearly conference in Bogota hosted by the church that trains other leaders in the methods used in its own success. G12 conferences are now held around the world. The model is based on a pastor who trains twelve people as small group leaders (called cell group leaders). Each leader repeats this training with twelve others who then train twelve others. It is based around four simple principles: win, consolidate, disciple, and send.

"Win" involves evangelism and bringing new people to Christ. "Consolidate" involves an "Encounter with God" weekend retreat. "Disciple" includes training the new believer to make disciples of others. "Send" involves leaders sent out to start another group that will reproduce twelve additional leaders.

The G12 vision offers a practical model for discipleship and church growth, emphasizing evangelism, training, and leadership development. Churches can benefit from its emphasis on intentional relationships and leader multiplication. However, the movement’s association with unbiblical teachings requires discernment.

Believers should focus on the biblical principles of discipleship without becoming entangled in speculative or theologically questionable elements. While learning from the G12 model, churches should ensure their strategies remain grounded in Scripture, prioritizing the gospel over methods or movements. The primary goal is to make disciples who faithfully follow Christ, using methods that align with God’s Word.