Lesson 12: Soul Tending Together through Christian Fellowship
(see Soul Tending pgs. 154-156)
Whenever Christians gather, they do so in the name of Jesus. He is the hidden guest at every congregational meeting, potluck dinner, church softball game, or youth lock-in.
Take a moment and read the following scriptures: Acts of the Apostles 2:43-47; Ephesians 4:1-6; and 1 John 4:7-21. Reflecting on the scripture readings, what should make a group of Christians unlike any other group of people? How is the focus of the faith-based groups you may be participating in different from other organizations and groups you may be a part of?
The Apostle Paul writes in Colossians 3:14: “Love is more important than anything else. It is what ties everything completely together” (CEV). In Alice Walker’s book, The Color Purple, Shug talks about going to church to share God as opposed to finding God in church. Take a moment to reflect: Do people find God in church, do they bring God with them, or both? How is it possible to share a spiritual experience (for instance, in a worship service) when those gathered don’t necessarily know one another? What is it that binds Christians together?
Every church congregation, fellowship group, or mission organization has its own personality, but there are certain things they hold in common. Brainstorm a list of what goals such groups should have. Now read Colossians 3:12-17. How is this scripture a job description for all Christian groups?
The image of a fire is often used in describing our need for Christian community: Coals burn longer when they are heaped in a fire with other coals. When one is separated and no longer shares the warmth of the fire, it will become cold. How is this a helpful image of Christians and the purpose of Christian community? What other images come to mind? Think about reasons why Christian fellowship might or might not be important to you.
From the time of the apostles, it has been taught and experienced that Christian fellowship helps all on the spiritual path becasue in it we find persons who have a genuine desire to help us grow and from whom we learn about the faith we have inherited as a gift from God. We cannot be faithful followers of Jesus Christ in isolation. Jesus surrounded himself with others who would be a support system. In what ways have you grown spiritually through Christian fellowship? If you have had a bad experience with a particular fellowship of Christians, how could they have been more supportive and nurturing?
Homework: (1.) Take time each day this week to pray for members of your faith community. (2.) In your journal, write out the names of those persons who have supported you in your spiritual growth or shared their own faith journey with you. Spend time in prayer each day this week thanking God for their fellowship with you. (3.) Do you think it is significant that the New Testament has numerous instances where we see Jesus eating with friends, relaxing with his disciples, and talking about faith with individuals? How would the New Testament story be different is Jesus had held himself apart from the community? (4.) Using any art form you enjoy, fashion a representation of how you see Christian fellowship and community.
Reflection: What kind of ripples might (or have) come about from practicing Christian fellowship? How is your soul enriched, as well as those around you?