Do I Really Need Fellowship with Other Christian Believers?
By Jessica Brodie
“I don’t need to be in church to feel close to God,” I’d always say to justify why I didn’t attend church much in my twenties.
But while that’s true, I was missing the big point: Going to church is a huge part of our faith journey and our growth as a Christian and a Godly person. It’s something God wants us to do. It helps His kingdom, and it helps us as people, too.
Back then, I didn’t know that—or maybe I just didn’t want to know. I’d often shy away from worship on Sunday mornings. Excuses would roll off my tongue like, “It’s my only day to sleep in” or “I don’t want to go alone” or “I’m shy and going to church hurts my inner introvert.” I’d pray, and I certainly believed in God, but I just didn’t think going to a building on a Sunday morning to stand and sing with other Christians was a priority, nor did I think it mattered much to the Lord.
As I’ve grown in my faith, I’ve realized I was wrong. Going to church really is important. It’s not about the building. In fact, “church” can be on the beach, in the woods, or in a coffeeshop. It doesn’t even have to be on Sunday morning. It can be on a weekday or an evening. What’s important is regularly gathering with other Christian believers to worship God and to let the fire of His Holy Spirit work through us and change both us and the world beyond.
Bottom line: God wants us to go to church. He wants us to join with others in His name.
Deep down, I sensed it. And when I started going regularly, I felt a change stir within me—now I know it deep in my core.
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Recently, my family got to take a boat trip to watch thousands of birds called purple martins gather together off a nearby lake. They gather every evening around sunset in a huge mass in the summertime months where I live, soaring and swooping as they eat and engage with each other. I think they know how important fellowship is, though perhaps they have their own reasons. Yet it took me, a human being made in God’s own image, with a brain capable of tremendous intellect, so many years to figure out what these birds understand by nature! Yes—fellowship is a good thing.
Here are three of my favorite reasons why we should make sure to enjoy fellowship with other Christian believers:
1. Fellowship with other Christians makes us stronger
One of my all-time favorite Scriptures is Philippians 4:13, “I can endure all these things through the power of the One who gives me strength” (CEB). But combine God’s power with our willingness, then add in a few other people? Shazam! Kapow! Talk about strength!
Jesus tells us in Matthew 18:19-20, “If two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, then my Father who is in heaven will do it for you. For where two or three are gathered in my name, I’m there with them.”
And Ecclesiastes 4:11-12 points out, “If two lie down together, they can stay warm. But how can anyone stay warm alone? Also, one can be overpowered, but two together can put up resistance. A three-ply cord doesn’t easily snap.”
We are stronger together.
2. Fellowship with other Christians brings support and reminds us we’re not alone
God designed people to be in perfect, beautiful relationship with Him. Sin separates us from God. But through Jesus, we are brought back into that healing, healthy, whole relationship.
The apostle Paul likens our relationship like a body. Christ is the head, and we are His body (1 Corinthians 12). But people are unique, and we all have different gifts and skill sets.
As he explains, “But as it is, there are many parts but one body. So the eye can’t say to the hand, ‘I don’t need you,’ or in turn, the head can’t say to the feet, ‘I don’t need you’” (1 Corinthians 12:20-21).
Together we make the whole unit work better. It’s a support system. Everything connects and lifts up the other.
It also says in Hebrews 10:24-25, “And let us consider each other carefully for the purpose of sparking love and good deeds. Don’t stop meeting together with other believers, which some people have gotten into the habit of doing. Instead, encourage each other, especially as you see the day drawing near.”
Being together boosts us up and supports us when we need it.
3. Fellowship with other Christians helps us grow
We hear warnings all the time about “the company we keep,” meaning the people who surround us. The Greek philosopher Epictetus famously said, “The key is to keep company only with people who uplift you, whose presence calls forth your best.” American President Woodrow Wilson put it this way: “Your enlightenment depends on the company you keep.”
Indeed, it’s almost common knowledge that we are highly influenced by the people around us most frequently. And when we surround ourselves with people who value Jesus and try to live their lives in alignment with Him, we are better. They hold us accountable and we do the same for them. They encourage us and model Godly behavior. And they also help us do more for God’s kingdom on earth, for when we combine our talents for God’s glory, much good results.
Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens a friend.” And 1 Corinthians 14:26, says, “When you meet together, each one has a psalm, a teaching, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. All these things must be done to build up the church.”
We grow, other grow, the church grows, and God’s kingdom explodes with growth—all glorious things.
So the next time you’re having a bad morning or feeling shy or sleepy, don’t let that stop you from doing what God tells us is best for you, for others, and for Him: prioritize gathering with other Christians. Coronavirus might have brought some obstacles, but whether it’s online or in sanitized pews wearing masks, gather—and blossom in the Lord.
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