The Impact of Fellowship
“Some Christians try to go to heaven alone, in solitude. But believers are not compared to bears or lions or other animals that wander alone. Those who belong to Christ are sheep in this respect, that they love to get together. Sheep go in flocks, and so do God's people.”
Charles Spurgeon
The purpose of fellowship is to gather together for a common purpose. Discipleship is coming together for the purpose of growing together in God’s word. Sounds like a pretty common purpose, right? Looking at these definitions, it is clear that fellowship and discipleship easily go hand in hand.
Recently we had a Christmas party for our staff that work on our compound, which consists of three watchmen and one house helper. We’ve been working with these individuals for the last three or so years, but have never had the opportunity to put together a party for them. Our helper put together their meal of choice: beef, rice, cassava, greens, and some sodas to drink. Our kids helped us prepare some of our favorite Christmas cookies to share a little taste of our culture in the states. We welcomed our staff into our home, where they sat in our living room surrounded by Christmas decorations and music.
As I sat and observed the staff during the party, I was overwhelmed with the pure joy I sensed from them. I’ve never seen them so happy, almost giddy like children. They laughed and joked in both English and Lugbara, ate multiple plates of food, drank several sodas (one staff member had five!), and just enjoyed one another. We sat together for almost 4 hours, sharing stories and laughing until we cried. A couple of our staff said multiple times, “We will never EVER forget this day.” There was deep satisfaction in each of their spirits, as well as their bellies!
After that party, I noticed a slight shift in their relationships with one another. It changed how they worked with one another, how they spoke to each other, and they just flat out laughed together more! Not that it was negative before, but it was apparent that our time of fellowship built more unity and togetherness.
I don’t share this story to toot our own horns by any means, in fact the opposite. I share this story because the Lord taught me so much about His gift of fellowship. We were so humbled and thankful for the experience that day. To us, it wasn’t that hard to provide the food for the meal or the space to gather. It was intentional, purposeful fellowship. We wanted to bless our staff to show our gratitude for all the things they do for us every day. We wanted to enjoy them, and allow them to enjoy one another, to celebrate all they’ve achieved together the last year. But as a result, there was a change in their hearts, and definitely ours as well. To me, it was a small taste of “every tribe, nation, in tongue,” as it states in Revelation.
I love the focus of House to House, and that its vision is deep, purposeful fellowship with one another, plus rich discipleship. The goal is to grow together with one another, no matter where you are in your journey, towards being more and more like Jesus. It’s a loving, supportive, community that goes deep in the Word, and deep with one another. Praises are rejoiced, needs are shared and sometimes met by the group members, and insight into God’s Word is discussed. Friends leave blessed by what they’ve learned and how they’ve encouraged one another. It’s both fellowship and discipleship, which God has given us through the body of Christ as His Word. And His desire is for us to be impacted by it!
“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.” Hebrews 10:24-25