Hebrews 10:24-25 – “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

Fellowship is the intentional gathering of God’s people to walk alongside each other, socialize, learn, and encourage each other. Fellowship constitutes spending quality time with the family of God.

WHY FELLOWSHIP IS HARD

1. Selfish ulterior motives. What’s in it for me? I come to get. I come to be entertained.
2. High, lofty expectations. It has to solve all my problems.
3. Introvert. Do not want to be around people. Want to be alone. Want to get away from crowds.
4. Do not want to be around religious people. Don’t want to hear religious talk. I’ve my friends far from here. Phony, hypocrites.
5. Too spiritual, too quickly. Too heavenly minded, no earthly good.
6. Too shallow, too goofy. Feel it’s a waste of time. Too earthly minded, no heavenly good!
7. Too busy. Life demands. Work and family, school and social life. No time for another extra church thing. Busy schedules.
8. Dysfunctional relationships. Distrust that this would work. Fear there will be fights and disagreements.
9. Insecurities. I’m not as good as they. I might be exposed. Not ready to be amongst them. I can’t afford to bring those items. I don’t know what to wear. Fear of being judged.
10. Hurt/gossip. Sometimes Christian groups are not safe environments.

Here is how I define FELLOWSHIP

F – family. Friends. You belong.

E – encourage, inspire. You can do this. This is how it’s done.

L – Listen. Learn from each other. Observe each other. Older and younger. Grow together. Learn with each other. KNOW CHRIST; KNOW OTHERS; KNOW YOURSELF

L – Love one another. To know all is to forgive all. Misconceptions gone.

O – Obliged to check in. Accountability. Liable. I haven’t seen you at church in a while. 

W – Witness, talk about the Lord. About life. Teach others.

S – Service. Carry each other’s burdens. Be there for each other.

H – Human touch. Hugs and care. We crave human interaction.

I – Intimacy. Deep knowledge. Deep friendships. Closeness to others.

P – Pray. Know what to pray for. Prayer partners. Prayer list.

HOW TO FELLOWSHIP

1. DISCIPLESHIP GROUPS. Join a group. Band, songsters, Bible Study, etc
2. GREET PEOPLE (BY NAME). Know people. Celebrate their special occasions.
3. MEALS.  Join us in the fellowship hall for a meal. Come in say HI
4. SOCIAL MEDIA/Facebook. Use social media to keep in touch, and to build relationships.
5. OUTSIDE CORPS. Organize and attend outside corps events. Organic meetings outside the corps can build relationships.
6. PICNIC. Picnics are essential in the life of a corps life. The park, sports, BBQ, children’s games, sitting at a table, all encourage fellowship.
7. FAMILY EVENTS. Invite and celebrate family events together.
8. DO CORPS MINISTRY TOGETHER. Fellowship can be done on your way to CCM, a concert, serving at the Food Bank, etc.