What is the G12 vision / movement?

Answer

The G12 vision/movement is a cell-church discipleship strategy pioneered by Cesar Castellanos at the International Charismatic Mission of Bogota, Colombia, where he served as a pastor. Castellanos believed that God spoke to him in a vision, outlining what He desired the Church to do in response to the end times. This vision introduced the principle of the “government of 12,” a hierarchical pyramid scheme of discipleship and authority. He suggested that since Israel had 12 tribes and Christ had 12 disciples, the Church should structure itself based on this governmental model and transition into a cell-church.

The G12 model operates as follows: a pastor trains 12 individuals to become cell leaders. These cell leaders are each tasked with discipling 12 others in a cell group, typically including a minimum number from the community rather than solely from their own church. After a designated period and upon meeting specific stringent criteria, these cell members then become leaders themselves and initiate their own cells. Consequently, the church’s membership multiplies, and the Gospel message spreads into the community.

Undoubtedly, there is nothing inherently wrong with this cell model. Churches worldwide are consistently striving to find the right balance of model and ministry to effectively impact their communities, and this presents another approach they can consider. However, it is the teachings often associated with this model that warrant scrutiny.

Take Cesar Castellanos, for instance. Castellanos is affiliated with the charismatic New Apostolic Reformation, which is doctrinally questionable. This movement asserts that God has raised up present-day apostles to carry on the work of the original apostles of Scripture and that these contemporary apostles are responsible for overseeing the Church’s work on earth. They are linked with terms like “name it and claim it,” the “Toronto blessing,” “word faith,” “signs and wonders,” and “healing.”

Th and prosperity,” all unbiblical teachings. Castellanos borders on believing that God gives them post-canonical revelation, including the G12 vision.

Leaders of the G12 movement have also made a number of questionable statements, such as, “The model of ministry based on 12 is the most effective means of obeying the Great Commission of Jesus Christ to win disciples and of growing the Church” (from a brochure for a G12 conference being held in India in 2003). Also implied by G12 leaders is that Government of 12 is what God is doing now, and that if you’re not on board with G12 you are opposing God. None of this, however, can be supported by Scripture. Dividing a church into cells of 12 cannot even be supported by Scripture. What we do find in Scripture is that the Church is likened unto a body—many parts make up the whole, each part just as necessary as another (1 Corinthians 12). The Church is led by elders, served by deacons, and filled with believers. How each individual church is to govern and organize itself is left open to interpretation and supposition by Scripture.

The G12 vision / movement simply isn’t found within the pages of the Bible, nor are many teachings its proponents espouse. This is where the true danger lies. As a church-growth model, G12 seems to have worked for many churches, but its association with doctrinally corrupt teachings leaves much to be desired for those intent on retaining Scripture, and not man’s teachings, as the sole measure for one’s life (2 Timothy 3:15-16).