One of my favorite scriptures on fellowship is Hebrews 10.23-25, “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in habit of doing, but let us encourage one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching,” (emphasis added)
Much is written these days about fellowship using words like: genuine, authentic, and vintage. Good words all, describing our longing for meaningful connection to others. I want to share some guidelines that foster real relationships that reflect Hebrews 10. These are shared in the book, Building a Church of Small Groups. I’ve taken some liberties describing each element.
- To Know and Be Known – starting point of relationship that leads to real accountability in our walk with Christ. Requires willingness for vulnerability and opening your life to others.
- To Love and Be Loved – even through relational discomfort I choose to love another anyway. I know that I will also be loved – even if I act like a jerk.
- To Serve and Be Served – humility and flexibility are required for true service in Christ’s name. Some opportunities for service are planned, others are unexpected. We’re called to both.
- To Admonish and Be Admonished – we all need people who will tell it like it is. People who will hold a mirror in front of us and ask, “do you see yourself as you really are?”
- To Celebrate and Be Celebrated – to really rejoice in what is happening in each other’s lives. Praise God for his faithfulness!
Let’s all recommit ourselves to seeking, embracing, and living in real fellowship!
The 3ssentials of Strawberry Community Church are:
Encountering God, Encouraging One Another, and Enriching the World
