One of the key ingredients of the church is FELLOWSHIP. Acts 2:42 says, “They continued steadfast in the apostles’ doctrine, fellowship, breaking of bread and in prayer.”
Biblically, fellowship is:
2842 κοινωνία [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][koinonia /koy·nohn·ee·ah/] n f. From 2844; TDNT 3:797; TDNTA 447; GK 3126; 20 occurrences; AV translates as “fellowship” 12 times, “communion” four times, “communication” once, “distribution” once, “contribution” once, and “to communicate” once. 1 fellowship, association, community, communion, joint participation, intercourse. 1a the share which one has in anything, participation. 1b intercourse, fellowship, intimacy. 1b1 the right hand as a sign and pledge of fellowship (in fulfilling the apostolic office). 1c a gift jointly contributed, a collection, a contribution, as exhibiting an embodiment and proof of fellowship.[1]
The fellowship of the Bible is more than a dinner or refreshment time.
- It is an intimacy enjoyed by those of like faith.
- It is a partnership in eternity.
- It is community among many kinds of people glued together in the bond of Christ.
- It is a service community, working together for the gospel.
So many Christians find the church family as their only family. Their biological family either disowns them or doesn’t understand them, and thus they immensely enjoy and need their Christian family.
FOR THIS REASON, HERE ARE SOME PRACTICAL IDEAS TO ENHANCE GOOD CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
- Develop and assign believers into fellowship groups.
Illustration: Friendship Fellowship Groups
- Have all those willing to allow their names to be put into a drawing box.
- After a Communion Service (fellowship around the table and now fellowship groups), pull four names out of the box and have someone record the four names.
- This group will be assigned to meet four times in six months. Each person will host or decide what to do for their event.
- At the end of the six months, at another Communion Service, allow for testimonies.
The benefit of this kind of fellowship is that it puts people together that normally would not fellowship together, which is extremely healthy for the church family.
2. Allow people to volunteer for a fellowship group.
Illustration: my brother Steve has a “Hoster’s and Roaster’s Fellowship.”
- People sign up as those who are willing to host a group.
- Others sign up as those who will bring the food.
- Because they do not have an evening service on a regular basis, the church is encouraged to use Sunday night as a time for Christian fellowship.
3. Defining fellowship for these groups is critical. The pastor needs to help the groups to go deeper than food and friendship. True fellowship is in the gospel. Here are some thoughts:
- Sharing in prayer is a deeper fellowship. Groups might set a time for prayer.
- Sharing testimonies of salvation, service and opportunities for evangelism would be very good.
- Sharing devotional experiences and blessings is beneficial, encouraging others to have their devotions.
- Sharing what others are doing in Family Altar is helpful.
Well, you have the idea. What are you doing to enhance the fellowship beyond visiting after church?
[1] Strong, J. (2001). Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon. Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software.
