Who's Hungry?

Church is not an event you attend. 

It's a body that you are a part of

It's a community where everyone plays a vital role.

We are “Fellowship Baptist Church” I’ve talked about the word “Fellowship” a little, but with this Sunday’s “Fellowship from House to House” coming up, I wanted to write about a few things related to it.

The basic idea behind fellowship is “connectedness” and “commonality.” We need to be connected to each other. We have a common savior. We are all part of the body and He is the head. Obviously we must come together and know each other more. As we approach the third Sunday of the month, I’d like to share some thoughts about the whole idea of community and having meals together.

People don’t entertain in their homes nearly as much as they did in the past. Coffee shops and restaurants have become a sort of “commercialized hospitality.” One social commentator has called Starbucks a “third place - a neutral gathering spot that’s neither home or work.” The Food Network and many cookbooks have convinced us that any time we have someone over, it has to be a “fancy dinner party.” In some ways, our culture has turned hospitality into a performance. While a fancy party has it’s place, a simple gathering is even better. The simple creation of fellowship and community around a meal is something we must maintain in the life of our church family.  

Here’s what happens when we gather in someone’s home for a meal: We slow down a little bit. We become people-oriented instead of task-oriented. Our overcrowded, information-seeking, entertainment-soaked culture with its technology & information addiction is set aside as we simply meet face-to-face over a meal and enjoy each other’s company. It truly is a joy when you set aside all the must-haves and must-dos that so often demand our time and attention and focus on simply being with brothers and sisters in Christ. (in case it’s not obvious, you should turn your phone off. ;--)

If you read through the Gospel of Luke, many of the stories take place in the context of a meal. One writer says “In Luke’s Gospel Jesus is either going to a meal, at a meal, or coming from a meal.” I wholeheartedly agree with what Tim Chester writes in his book A Meal with Jesus. He says, “meals should be an integral and significant part of our shared life... Meals aren’t just food. They’re social occasions. They represent friendship, community, and welcome.” Sitting around the table makes community real in a way that you won’t experience if you only see them across the sanctuary on Sunday morning.

There’s certainly much more to talk about here, but instead of going on and on about it, let’s all just commit to doing it. Begin thinking now about who you might invite into your home this Sunday. You could invite them for lunch, dinner, or even dessert and coffee. The point is to enjoy fellowship with your brothers and sisters in Christ in someone’s home. Now obviously, we can’t all have someone over. At least half of us have to be the guest, but please don’t wait around to be the invitee (but of course be gracious and accept if someone invites you). The point is to be proactive about fellowship and community. That’s the starting point. 

The next question that comes up, after you’ve got your plans made, is “so what am I going to talk about with these people?” You may know them well, or you might have just met them. While there are many things you could talk about, at some point, it would be beneficial (for everyone involved) if the conversation were to include some spiritual dimension. The Puritans had a practice called “Conference” where they would gather regularly to discuss biblical truths. The “vibe,” or environment they sought to create was one that was based on their fellowship with Christ and with one another and they knew that the true Christian life required community. 

Joanne Jung, in her book titled “Godly Conversation” writes, “The human soul was created for, thrives on, and is nurtured by face-to-face interaction and communication. It is in a Christian’s DNA to interface with others for spiritual sustenance, for his identity in Christ, and for the development of his own faith. Christian fellowship is a means of spiritual growth. Spiritual autonomy is not an option.” She goes on to say that gathering and discussing biblical truths is an integral part of developing community, and growing closer to God and one another.

Here’s are some possible things to talk about:

   • The last sermon you heard – what deeply touched you?

   • Something in the last book you read.

   • A passage of Scripture that has particular meaning to you.

   • Something you have recently seen God do around you.

   • Things you need prayer for.

   • The Gospel – what is it? How are you growing in your understanding of it?

Now don’t feel like you have to have a lengthy, deep, theological discussion, but for true Christian fellowship to occur, there should be some spiritual dimension to the conversation at some point along the way. (Oh - this doesn’t mean that you have to leave the board games behind either. They’re fun and beneficial as well.)

While we are not seeking to be the Puritans, there were three things about them that stand out: Their relentless pursuit of God, their unparalleled love for His Word, and a passionate commitment to community. I believe that “house 2 house” can be a definite catalyst for these things in the life of Fellowship Baptist Church. 

Who are you going to get together with this Sunday for house 2 house?

Soli Deo Gloria!

Rob Signs

P.S. - I've got a couple of books to recommend on this topic. They're both referenced in this blog.

   • A Meal with Jesus: Discovering Grace, Community & Mission around the Table by Tim Chester
   • Godly Conversation: rediscovering the Puritan practice of conference by Joanne J. Jung