The practice of Fellowship is engaging in common activities of worship, study, prayer, celebration, and service with other disciples of Jesus. (Dallas Willard)
"They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” Acts 2:42-47
"Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:25
Ways to practice:
- Attend gatherings of Christians regularly, committing yourself to sharing your own needs as well as meeting the needs of others.
- Join a small group.
- Eat a meal with other believers.
- Develop a healthy, interdependent friendship with one person that encourages, supports and challenges you with God’s perspective.
- Play and pray together with some people who love Jesus.
- Read a spiritually rich book or practice a piece of inspiring music with someone.
What results might we expect?
- Experiencing more of Kingdom life, together.
- Having physical and spiritual needs met.
- Partnership with others in sharing Kingdom life with others.
- Sharing the ups & downs, celebrations & sufferings with other Jesus-followers.
"If God is our father, the church is our mother." The words are those of the Swiss Reformer John Calvin ... it is as impossible, unnecessary, and undesirable to be a Christian all by yourself as it is to be a newborn baby all by yourself.” N.T. Wright
“Friends know the patterns of our souls.” Ruth Buchanan
For more exploration of fellowship: