If we are going to do God's will, it is easier when there is a support system around us. We growth through the people who support us. One important aspect of our spiritual lives is the support system around us--people, spiritual family. We must understand the nature of this family, God's plan for the church.
I. Personal Relationships.
We must provide places for developing personal relationships. These occur in the smallest of groups--10-15. These are the cells that make up the spiritual body of Christ, the church. If members are molecules, molecules together make up cells. Cells allow us to know one another. Cells are the ideal place for shepherding.
Are we a relational church? How many people do you currently know by name in this spiritual body? How many people do you know on a first-name basis who are unchurched or unsaved? Some studies have shown that the average number of unchurched know is at least 20. Multiply that by this church: 200x20=4000. Even with overlap, we know a lot of people personally.
II. Supportive Community
Sharing fellowship in small groups builds community. Community comes in groups of 20- 100. We have a lot of community building activities. A primary place where we experience fellowship that builds community is in our Bible classes.
III. Powerful Congregation
The early church shared a great fellowship, built on shared faith. Look at Acts 2:42. Luke's summary of the early church shows four shared activities: teaching, fellowship, Lord's supper (or eating together), and prayer. When the church assembled, what did they do? They shared.
Fellowship is a process whereby we share life, faith, goals, struggles, and victories.
Ray Fulenwider has written a progression that builds from fellowship.
