The Importance of Community and Fellowship in the Church
Have
you ever walked away from participating in church group activities after an
announcement from the altar to get involved?
It
is common for some believers to choose not to get involved in group activities
in the church beyond the normal Sunday morning sermon.
Doing
this may not provide the believer with enough nourishment to last the distance
of the Christian race. Every believer needs a support system of like-minded,
positive people to weather the storms of life.
In
the bible, it is written that: we are not to ‘neglect meeting together, as is
the habit of some, but encourage one another, and all the more as we see the
Day drawing near’ (Hebrews 10:25).
Statistics
on depression in our modern day world conclude that there is a link between
social isolation and depression. This becomes more important in light of the
recent reports of increased suicides in Nigeria amidst perilous times.
2Timothy
3:1-5, 13 (KJV)
Depression
is also caused by an excessive focus on self. Fellowship with our brethren in Christ
helps us to take our minds off our problems and gain perspective as we focus on
Christ and loving other brethren. (1 Kings 19:3-17)
The
scripture says in Proverbs 18:1 (ESV) “Whoever isolates himself seeks his own
desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment.”
Most
people choose to isolate themselves for fear of being offended by other people
during their interactions with them. Friction is inevitable in group
interactions as we are human beings being perfected daily into the image of
Christ. The key thing to keep in mind however; is that the art of forgiveness
and love are your best defense against offense.
Moreover
Jesus stated in Luke 17:1 “.... it is impossible but that offences will come…..
“ But, as believers, we are to bear with one another's faults and weaknesses in
love.
Ephesians
4:2-3 (ESV) says;
“With
all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,
eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
It
is also written in the book of Proverbs 19:11 (ESV);
Good
sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.
We
must also practice self-awareness by realizing that sometimes, there may be
truth in the correction we receive from other people.
Interacting
in fellowship groups enables us to identify some of our weaknesses and seek
God’s help through prayer, in correcting them; whereas when we isolate
ourselves we learn nothing new and cannot grow effectively.
1
Corinthians 12:14 ESV
“For
the body does not consist of one member but of many.”
Community
fellowship also helps us to keep our spirits up in a perilous world by being
around other positive, God-fearing believers.
This
is confirmed in Proverbs 27:17 which says “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man
sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.”
Due
to the imperfect world we live in and the entrance of sin into it, a lot of us
were not privileged to grow up in complete or morally sound family units. The
house of God is the perfect place to experience the love of God through His
earthly family; that is, the church of Jesus Christ.
Benefits
of community fellowship
Your
skills are developed socially, intellectually etc.
Church
group activities such as house fellowship meetings provide the opportunity for
youths to practice their leadership and presentation skills in a safe
environment when you are asked to lead prayer, praise and worship and
eventually the teaching for the evening.
Serving
in the church workforce also helps you to develop your intellect depending on
the department you are in e.g. Editorial, media, believer’s class, teaching
unit etc.
It
enables you create networks and possible lifelong friends.
Participating
in communal activities allows you to meet new friends and expand your social
and business networks with good-hearted people. God may just surprise you at
the point of your need (be it finances, marriage, mentorship etc.) through a
fellow church member in your network.
It
aids in knowledge sharing
Through
communal church events information and knowledge sharing is made possible for
the equipping of the body of Christ for carrying out Kingdom Business. Mid-week
and weekend programs such as digging deep, vigils, faith clinic and evangelism
teach believers how to perform prayer, bible study and praise & worship for
themselves.
Special programs such as the mighty men
conference and entrepreneurial and skills empowerment meetings provide
believers with much needed knowledge for kingdom dominion. (Hosea 4:6, Proverbs
11:30)
It
enables you to discover your divine purpose
If
you read the biographies of some popular, successful secular and Christian
musicians and entertainers such as Nathaniel Bassey, Beyoncé Knowles, Korede
Bello, Sinach etc. you will discover that they started honing their crafts in
their local churches. Getting involved in serving in a church department gives
God the opportunity to be involved in developing and polishing your fallow
talents for the glory of His Kingdom when you are more closely connected to
Him.
“I
am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same
bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” John 15:5 (KJV)
It
helps you to learn about and enjoy the benefits of teamwork
Getting
involved in the workforce and other group activities in your local church helps
you to experience the benefits of teamwork. In the secular world, great feats
are accomplished by people who come together with a common vision or goal.
Great
tasks such as building large edifices are easier to do through co-operative
societies how much more so the work of God when church members come together to
fellowship?
Even
God Himself respects the power of unity among human beings so much so that He
had to come down to earth and confound the language of man when they decided to
team up and build a tower that stretched towards heaven. (Genesis 11:1-9)
Help
can be obtained faster in your time of need
When
you are connected with members of the church, it is easier to obtain help in
your times of need. Avenues such as the welfare department, prayer and counseling
team can assist you financially, spiritually and emotionally in your times of
trouble. Likewise being a part of these departments will help you to minister
to your fellow brethren in Christ.
From
the above mentioned points it can be agreed that community fellowship is highly
important for every believer. Now take action by getting involved in the
activities available to you within the Kingdom of God!
Prayer:
Dear God, please give me the grace to be humble enough to commune and
fellowship with my fellow brethren in Christ in Jesus name, Amen.
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