Unfortunately, the word fellowship has been greatly misused in our modern church context. We consider that any gathering of Christians is a time of fellowship. Now in one dimension, I agree with this definition if while we are together we are eagerly seeking to love one another from the heart. But a lackadaisical hanging out with no intention of pursuing intimacy with God or each other I do not believe can be considered fellowship. A great way to really see if something can be considered true Christian fellowship is the fruit that it produces. If you walk away from a gathering energized, edified and encouraged to go deeper in God, you likely had Christian fellowship. But if you leave discouraged, ambivalent, or sort of empty chances are you were not authentically fellowship with other believers at the gathering.

Course: Ecclesia (Module 2) | Topic: Early Church Principles | See All Categories & Topics