Your Growth Group #8 , Discover Fellowship

 

One of the things that happens when we follow Christ is that our worldview becomes different from those around us. As we study His Word, our perspective aligns with the Lord's. Our affections and interests change. A lot of the time this creates distance between us and our families. It can cause our friends who do not follow Christ to reject or even mock us! Jesus taught us that people would reject us because of Him (John 15:18-25).

Sometimes being a Christian can be a lonely road. This is one of the big reasons for the local church. Church members share a common view of Scripture and have a shared belief that Jesus Christ is Lord. We come to realize just how important it is to be with people who share our most treasured beliefs, who see the world with a similar world-view. 

The Bible uses the term fellowship to describe this affinity and friendship between fellow church members. Though Christians may not share the same DNA or background, there is a kindred spirit between them, based on faith, which encourages them to keep on living for the Lord. Sometimes, we become closer with fellow church members than we do with even our own families. 

We've spent many weeks talking about growth groups (only one more blog after this one on the subject!). I want you to know that fellowship will most commonly be felt between those in the same group. Why? In our small groups we talk about the Word and how we live it out. We share our hurts and our joys. We feel accepted in our groups even when our own friends and families reject us because of our love for Christ. So, naturally, fellowship forms. 

As you engage with your growth group. I pray that you will realize the potential gift which awaits in the group- the possibility of much needed comradery with other believers. I pray that you will lean into your group to foster this fellowship. 

Fellowship thrives when group members are open, honest, and vulnerable with one another. It grows in a context of commitment and faithfulness. Fellowship requires a lot of time for it to be the very best. The early church shared many meals together and had rich fellowship. 

One of the best things you can do for your group is help your group leader plan fellowship events. Help figure out the food. Find someone to host. Drum up some activities. Help people to talk about the Lord. The result will be a group with warm fellowship. You may gain friendships that will last a lifetime.