Fellowship at First Christian Church 

What is Christian Fellowship?

Fellowship with the family of God and with God Himself is one of the greatest blessings of being a Christian. Fellowship is something that is shared by all faithful Christians the world over. It is comforting and encouraging to know that we have wonderful Christian brothers and sisters from all over the world – most of whom we will never meet until that great day we are united with them for eternity in Heaven!

The word “fellowship” comes from the Greek word koinonia. It is elsewhere translated in the King James Version as communion (1Cor.10:16; 2Cor.13:14); communicate (Heb.13:16); or contribution (Rom.15:26). All three usages of the word koinonia suggest commonality of purpose, partnership and interest. True Christian fellowship is not just pot-luck dinners, youth activities and social get-togethers. True fellowship goes beyond mere social activity. True fellowship is found in unity of the heart, spirit and understanding which can only come from a mutual acceptance of Biblical authority and a mutual love for the truth.

In Acts 2:42 we read that one of the four things the early church devoted itself to was “fellowship.” Fellowship was a very important part of their reason for meeting together. It was one of their objectives. But what is fellowship? We often hear people talking about fellowship. We hear it said that what we need is more fellowship. But our modern ideas of fellowship have become so watered down that the word no longer carries the same meaning it did in New Testament times. We are not surprised that the early church devoted itself to “the apostles’ teaching” and also “to prayer.” Apart from the ministry of the Holy Spirit, these are the two most important means of growth, power, and effectiveness in the Christian life and this is everywhere evident in the rest of Scripture. But Luke tells us these early Christians also devoted themselves to fellowship. They just didn’t have fellowship; they devoted themselves to it. This means that fellowship was a priority and one of the objectives for gathering together. They made fellowship a priority.

One phenomena common to all believers is the recognition that without Christ, our spiritual understanding was dark. Some even say, "It's as if I stumbled in the darkness, and then God threw on the light switch." Unbelievers are still living in spiritual darkness. While God desires that we live among them and share what we have learned with them, we are called to be separate in our choice of close companions, and for a very good reason! Christian fellowship is critical! Being in the company of people who think like you do is very important to your growth and survival as a Christian. At First Christian Church, you will find that fellowship because of a common relationship that we all have together in Christ.

"What we have seen and heard we announce to you too, so that you may have fellowship with us (and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ). "  1 John 1:3