A few days ago, a Facebook friend in a transparent way (as
most FB users hopefully are) expressed some difficulties that he and their monthly
house-to-house fellowship group were experiencing. He noted that the turnout
was low and that the participants were chronically late. To remedy the
situation, my friend sought advice from his global friends. Specifically, he
asked for tips on how to bring change as far as a meaningful Christian fellowship is concerned. I,
therefore, shared with him four practical steps (“tips”) interspersed with Scripture
verses that I thought could possibly help them improve their times of fellowship. They were
as follows:
1.
Pray for each other. The Lord can do great
things in our times of fellowship in response to prayer. “Devote yourselves to
prayer, being watchful and thankful” (Colossians 4:2)
2.
Commit to fellowship with each other on regular
basis. The Early Church devoted themselves to fellowship (cf. Acts 2:42).
3.
Keep in touch with each other between fellowship
times. Whenever you meet that should not be the only time you talk and listen
to each other. Let interactions continue during, after, and before the next
time of fellowship. Also, enhance fellowship with each other through service
to each other and group service projects for others (cf. Hebrews 10:24-25)
4.
Understand what a meaningful Christian fellowship entails.
One of my friends used to say, “You cannot fellowship with the back of
someone’s head.” Fellowship is best done face-to-face and is essential for
spiritual growth. Warm fellowship involves “sharing in the lives of others,” receiving
and giving, etc. In fellowship, it would be good to remind ourselves that “it
is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).
Hope these tips help you in some way. Blessings on you and
your Christian fellowship group!
