Hebrews 6:10 Hebrews 13:2, 16 Ephesians 4:11-13
FELLOWSHIP improves body life! It may take various forms, but it always involves contact among God’s people, It does not usually happen by accident, but by the planned effort of those who are committed to this ministry.
BRIEF FELLOWSHIP at the rear of the auditorium after services is good but we must graduate beyond that. Our concept of the Church as the body of believers (the body of Christ) rather than the physical building, the denominational hierarchy or the formal program, urges us to be involved with one another. Our like-minded- ness in Christ should give us joy in being together not only at public meetings but also in one another’s home and personal company.
We can’t be restrictive in our fellowship with a few close friends. Friendships are not discouraged, but there are needs to be met in those who come to us as transients or with the intent of actually finding a permanent place in the local body. .
The preaching can be sound, the Bible classes great, the programmed events successful, but there is no substitute for the close fellowship of open homes. This really rounds off those fundamental good things.
If new-comers are to give up worldly interests and worldly friends, they must replace these with Christian interests and Christian friends, The organized services and social programs are a good beginning, but the informal fellowship is necessary to develop warm friendships. In a large congregation with a busy schedule, it takes more than just a few who are committed to the task of incorprating new-comers into the body. A graft only holds when life flows into it from the parent organism. Honestly ask yourself, Have I been given to hospitality? Can I do more? Great will be the blessings to your own life as you reach out to others in light of Christ’s commandment “that you love one another; as I have loved you” John 13:34.
The following is a list of variations that might make Hospitality an exciting and vital ministry for you:
- Invite a new family for dinner on Sunday or on an evening.
- Plan to have a few couples over for an evening. Use this to get some newer members together with some established couples.
- Invite the neighborhood group who usually comes to your home-prayer meeting.
- Teacher, invite your Sunday School class to your home.
- Students, invite (have your parents invite) your teacher to share a meal or a special occasion, perhaps with teacher’s wife or husband.
- Teachers, invite your class of girls with their mothers, or your class of boys and their fathers. Maybe a game night.
- Have an afternoon coffee and dessert with a couple, a single person or a family. Maybe they could bring something to share for the table.
- Have a fellowship supper with some families who have children the same age as your own. Kids will appreciate the get-together, too.
- Plan an event outside the home with a couple of families. This might be skating, sledding, skiing, bowling, hiking or any other type wholesome activity.
- Have an older retired couple in for supper before prayer meeting.
- Have an evening of fellowship with one of the pastors or your shepherd. Get to know them on an informal basis. (alternative: after evening service)
- Invite a single person for fellowship. (Any married, college, widow, widower, serviceman). Share your family life with them.
- Have a game night. Include those of all ages. Top it off with a sundae buffet. (Each can bring a different topping.)
- S.L.S. (Spiritual Life Study) leaders, have a time of informal fellowship with the person or couple that you are leading through the study.
- New families, don’t wait! Ask some folks over who have blessed you, or some who would help you get better acquainted with the church family.
- Wives, arrange for your children to have play-time with children from another church family. Have a brief time for a chat with the other mother when she picks up her child.
- Parents, allow your son/daughter to invite their Sunday School class over for a cook-out or backyard picnic.
- Plan a double date with another Christian couple for a meal out, a concert, a sports event, etc.
- Get together with several for a service project. Help someone move; share with someone going through hardships. It is fun to work together on something done in love.
- Be mindful of elderly folks who might be shut-in. Plan a visit alone or join with another to visit. Take some little gift.
- If a member of a committee or church organization (Deacons, Choir, Trustees, Missionary Committee) have your group over for an informal time, check with your chairman as a matter of courtesy.
- Got a baby? Why not have the nursery coordinator over or someone who has worked with your baby?
- Watch and pray for special needs. Do something special to fill a need in someone’s life who is experiencing a trial.
- Men, get together for athletic activities occasionally.
- Wives, have a luncheon to help incorporate newer wives.
- Open your home to a missionary for mealtime or overnight.
- Have a craft night. Make wreaths, candles, bouquets, etc. Have one or several share in this.
NOTE: These are but a few suggestions. There are many others. You must choose to be active in hospitality.
ADD TO THIS LIST OTHER FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AS YOU THINK OF THEM.
If you have been slow to move in this direction before, choose this day to set new goals for the future. Ask the Lord. He will help you do it.
As you share in these times of fellowship with others of all ages, take some time during the event to have a brief period of devotion. This may be kept simple and informal: perhaps a few choruses, a verse or two of Scripture, a time of sharing and prayer. This helps to keep us mindful of our singleness of purpose in the Lord and it is good to give praise unto His name.
A key thought: Do not enter this ministry for what you can get out of it! You might be disappointed at times, but remember you are doing it with others in mind as your first concern, You will be blessed richly over and over if you keep your attitude right about what you are trying to accomplish for the Lord.
Don’t allow yourself to become sluggish and comfortable with your few close friends, Reach out, stretch out and increase your contacts with people. Help others to become a vital part of the body of Christ!
A FEW CAUTIONS;
- Don’t do the same thing over and over, i.e., weekly. This tends to get monotonous. Also regularly scheduled events should be under the anointed leadership of the church.
- Don’t always involve the same people. Increase your effectiveness by becoming involved with many. Cliques or select groups will always get to a point of offending others within the body.
- Don’t over-extend or over-organize, i.e. as to the number of people or the complexity of the occasion. This can lead to a poorly controlled event. Events involving large numbers of people should come under the appointed leadership of the church.
- Don’t get locked into a certain age bracket, e.g. those of your own age. Involve those of all ages.