by Kristen Chenoweth
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” Hebrews 10: 24-25
Fellowship is a beautiful thing. It allows us to share our gifts, serve with our strengths, and grow through our weaknesses as children of the one true King. In a world that continually urges us to do things our own way, for the sake of our own personal benefit and gain, we lose sight of the greater joy shared in life with others.
I’ve never been one for big crowds, but I’ve always found the company of a few good friends refreshing and encouraging, especially in times when I don’t feel like dealing with people at all. The unique opportunity to build others up and to affirm who we are in Christ at times is the most profound influence we have with our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.
I think there’s something to be said about intentionality and the ability to be personal with a few close individuals that help keeps us moving in the right direction. It’s the subtle nudge to take one more step, to think about things from a different perspective, to be encouraged to be active in our faith, and to live out our faith in our everyday lives.
I’ve never been one for big crowds, but I’ve always found the company of a few good friends refreshing and encouraging, especially in times when I don’t feel like dealing with people at all.
Being together doesn’t always mean big, but it does mean purposeful. We see this modeled by that fact that even Jesus took time away from the crowds to gather with His disciples. They shared their lives together; traveled the same roads, ate the same meals, experienced the same mundane day in and day out tasks, all while learning and living within a network of encouragement and support. Jesus’ ministry was based upon His love for the Father and His love for His people.
We can see this reflected in the time He spent with people and the way He spent time with people. Instead of finding Him pouring over committees and meetings, you may find him breaking bread in the homes of those close to Him, taking time at a well with a woman seen as a disgrace, or even adjusting travel plans to make people His top priority. In our day and age where our time demonstrates our priorities, how well do we communicate that our relationships with people are valued? We are called to meet together not as a burden, but as a joy in sharing in the love of Christ with those around us.
We also see this imitated in the way early Christians needed each other. In a world of hostility towards their faith, they met together to be strengthened and encouraged. It wasn’t much of a passing thought to them as it was a necessity to facing everyday life. Their time together over meals, Scripture, songs, and offerings shows us that they understood the value of coming together and what that meant for each of them in their day to day lives.
This also demonstrates that our fellowship isn’t strictly settled over bible studies, doctrinal discussions, or even current political debates, but that sometimes fellowship is simply coming together in the name of Jesus to celebrate the goodness of Christ in our lives. But do we have that same understanding?
There are many ways we meet, gather, and come together as a body of believers; but one opportunity that’s coming up for all women is an event on Friday, May 9th called Ladies Night Out. It will be a night of fellowship with the girls filled with conversation, dinner, shopping, and much more! We will be gathering together at ULC for dinner and devotions, as we unpack the information regarding how the evening will unfold, as well as information on carpooling into downtown.
There will be giveaways, great food, fellowship with old pals, and opportunities to grow with new friends. It will be a night of encouragement and support as we continue to journey together on our walk of faith and we would love for you to join us!
For more information please contact Kristen Chenoweth at Kristen.Chenoweth@cuaa.edu.
