I was blessed this past Sunday night to see all the people who attended the Lifestage Home Fellowships. There was a great spirit and I could see that believers were encouraged from time spent together. I believe fellowship is one of the most important components of strong churches. Here are some reasons.
- It was practiced by the early church. Acts 2:42 says, “And they continued stedfastly in the apostles ‘doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” It says they continued steadfastly. This was not just something casually attempted but rather a key component to the church. Note that in the order fellowship come second after doctrine—the preaching and teaching of the Word. It is important!
- It is vital to spiritual strength. 1 Corinthians 15:33 “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.” Believers are inundated with world through the radio, podcasts, TV, Facebook, Twitter, internet and secular agendas. Everywhere you turn it seems the world is communicating with you. How badly we need good communication to build up our spirits, encourage us to guard our hearts and motivate us to serve our Lord. For the sake of your Christian walk, be sure to prioritize fellowship with the believers.
- It is an outflow of love. 1 John 4:21 “And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.” God has commanded believers to love each other. Think about it, you spend time with the people you love. Fellowshipping with believers shows your love for them. Sometimes believers will look at fellowshipping based on personal need. Fellowship is not about us getting our needs met, but meeting the needs of others. According to 1 Corinthians 13:5 love “...seeketh not her own…” True love causes us to fellowship with other believers even if there is nothing in it for us. Consider the well known verse found in Hebrews 10:24-25 “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” The whole point of attending church and engaging believers in fellowship is to motivate fellow believers to love and good works in the time remaining before the rapture. Make sure intentional fellowship with the believers has place in your life. You can be sure you will be blessed in the process.
10 Fellowship Ideas
- Encourage someone after church
- Invite a person or family to your home for lunch/dinner
- Interact in the Adult Bible Studies
- Go to coffee during the week
- Go for Ice Cream after a service
- Go out soul winning
- Get together for prayer
- Share a testimony
- Write an encouraging note
- Include another person on a church work project
Josiah Kagin 