Fellowship
Slide 3 of 3
“Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever. So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing” (1 Thessalonians 5:10-11 NLT). Paul’s words point us to a divine reason for our fellowship. Christ died for us. Our Christian fellowship should prepare us for His return.
Christian fellowship is friendship among followers of Jesus that encourages, edifies, and builds up. What are we to build up to? We are to help one another become more holy, more Christlike. In fellowship, we persevere together to share the good news of Jesus with the world.
Hospitality and Christian fellowship go hand in hand. Naturally, the ideas for gathering around food and fun will include fellowship. But we can also use our hospitality resources in practical ways to target the ministry of fellowship specifically. Do not feel intimidated because you aren’t a Bible scholar. There are many excellent online resources for Bible reading plans or Bible studies.
Host a regular small discipleship group:
- Choose a target group (all women, all men, or mixed).
- If you have young children, share the cost of hiring a teen to occupy them while you meet.
- Pray this prayer together: “Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know” (Jeremiah 33:3 NASB).
- Pray for one another’s needs.
- Read the Bible together and discuss what the passage says about God’s character and principles, what it explains about people, and what you should do with your new understanding.
- Work through a Bible study together.
- Dive deeper into the sermon from your church by looking up cross-references and discussing application.
- Confidentially discuss your struggles and praises and hold one another accountable for growth.
- Sing worship songs together.
Bible study resources:
How to Lead a Bible Study Effectively
7 Bible Reading Plans to Take On
Bible Study Guides and Articles
Invite visiting missionaries to stay in your home:
- Let your church leaders know your home is available.
- If possible, provide transportation as needed.
- When the opportunity arises, enjoy getting to know more about their ministry. If you have children, it’s a wonderful opportunity for them to be exposed to other cultures and global missions.
Work on service projects together: Choose a home-based project or venture out to a community organization that needs volunteers.
Ideas:
Pregnancy center
Sewing projects (e.g., glasses cases for vision ministry, reusable feminine pads, pillowcase dresses, blankets)
Church outreaches
Food drives
Visit shut-ins at nursing homes
Help elderly or disabled with yard work
Find Your Niche
No one can do all these ideas. But everyone can do some. If God has given you love in your heart as well as some resources (and He has), then I hope you are inspired to steward these gifts into acts of hospitality. I suggest you begin by trying just one idea that appeals to you and see how God uses it to benefit your Christian community.
And the benefits are enormous. When we come together as the family of God, we encourage spiritual growth and day-to-day perseverance through the muck of life. We see how God provides support to us through other people. But Jesus gave an even higher purpose as He spoke to His disciples right before He died on the cross.
“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples” (John 13:34-35 NLT).
Using your gift of hospitality shines the warmth and love of Jesus to a watching world. So throw open your heart and doors to the hospitality of food, fun, and fellowship in Christ.
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/Kruraphoto
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