The glory of the gospel is that when the church is absolutely different from the world, she invariably attracts it. ~ David Martyn Lloyd-Jones
It seems that all too often we approach church like we approach dining at a restaurant. What is on the menu; e.g. what programs or outlets for “fellowship” does it offer? What level of service does it provide; e.g. do people make ME feel welcome or do they go out of their way to make MY experience satisfactory? Am I satisfied with the service and are the “portions” too much (preaching is too long), or insufficient for my tastes? If my needs have not been met do I complain to the manager (Pastor) or take my business elsewhere (change churches).
Sadly we seem to expect church to cater to our self-centeredness and selfish desires to be stroked, entertained, coddled and served. We hear people comment that the other members are not friendly to them, there is not enough “fellowship”, nobody reaches out to them or nobody talks to them. Since when did church become a place for our needs alone to be met? Why are we so focused on others serving us and not reciprocating?
Our Savior came to serve us, (read John 13) but in return He expects us to serve others and ultimately serve Him in the process. Fellowship, encouragement, prayer, love and edification are supposed to be mutually beneficial and not a one way street.
Part of the problem it seems is that we have a warped definition of fellowship. To be sure one of the benefits and outcomes of true fellowship in the Gospel is the union and bond we have in Christ. This unity leads us to love and enjoy the company of like minded saints. I personally relish the opportunity to get together with other Christians and enjoy a meal, share a laugh and just bask in their companionship. But that is NOT what true Christian fellowship is or how it should be defined.
If you look up the passages in the New Testament where the word fellowship is used, (Act 2:42, 2 Corinthians 8:4, Philippians 1:2-5 and 1 John 1:3, 6-7) you will see that the believers did not get together in the fellowship hall and have a dish to pass dinner. In Acts 2 it states that they; “…continued steadfastly in the Apostles doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread and in prayer.” The Greek word for fellowship is defined as; “the close associations between persons emphasizing what is common between them; by extension: participation, sharing, contribution, gifts, which is the outcome of such close relationships.” It is above all a deep sharing and partnership in doctrine, prayer and love because of the Gospel.
We have reduced fellowship into a coffee clutch, sports activities, entertainment and game night. Too be sure these are not bad things and I am all in favor of Christians enjoying one anothers company. But true fellowship in the Gospel means that you will discuss God’s Word, what the Lord is doing in your life, what the Bible has taught you this week or what truth from the preaching of God’s Word encouraged you, (or maybe even stepped on your toes...) If our “fellowship” has no spiritual dimension or aspect to it then we are hard pressed to classify it as continuing steadfastly in the Apostles doctrine and in prayer.
As a side note; when you ask for prayer do you in turn ask your fellow believer if he or she has any requests you can pray for? When you tell someone that you will pray for them do you actually follow through and pray, and then ask them at a later date if the Lord has answered that prayer? Again, fellowshipping in the Gospel means we show our love for the Father by showing our love for the saints.
Finally, the next time you start to think of your church like a restaurant; get up out of your seat and find someone lonelier than you, shyer than you or weaker than you. Extend yourself to others and you won’t be the one being served but you will be serving others and more than likely bless in the processes. For true fellowship in the Gospel take the initiative and talk with others about what the Lord is doing in your life.
♫We've been blessed to be a blessing
We've been loved to give His love
Made it mighty
So we can fulfill His call
We've been blessed to be a blessing
With enough to give enough
For the greatest in His kingdom
Is the servant of us all♫
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