We believe that the biblical model for the local church is a body of believers who know one another well and serve one another through God-given spiritual gifts. The body of Christ serves as a means of spiritual growth and support for the individual Christian. In order for the church to minister to each person effectively, we must be committed to knowing one another well. This is the purpose of fellowship groups, to aid in developing relational discipleship and shepherding within the body.
Threefold purpose of the fellowship group ministry:
1. Extension of the shepherding ministry
1 Peter 5:1-4
1 Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed, 2 shepherd the flock of God among you, overseeing not under compulsion, but willingly, according to God; and not for dishonest gain, but with eagerness; 3 nor yet as lording it over those allotted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.
The elders have a responsibility to shepherd each member of the church. However, as a church grows, it becomes difficult for the elders to keep up with all of the individuals in the church and what is happening in their lives. The fellowship groups provide a community of believers who are regularly sharing in each other’s lives while praying for one another’s needs. This community serves to help keep the elders informed of what is going on in the lives of each member. By maintaining this organized format, the church can grow into a large body but still maintain elder involvement in the lives of the individuals.
2. Provide opportunities for fellowship
Acts 2:41-47
41 So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls. 42 And they were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to the prayers. 43 And fear came upon every soul; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. 44 And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; 45 and they began selling their property and possessions and were dividing them up with all, as anyone might have need. 46 And daily devoting themselves with one accord in the temple and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number daily those who were being saved.
The church is a family bound together by common teaching and a common Spirit. We come together for corporate worship but our fellowship doesn’t stop there. We should be building relationships with one another around our common bond. The early church shared all things in common and fellowshipped with one another from house to house. They served one another, shared meals together, and prayed for each other. Fellowship groups provide an opportunity for church members to be in fellowship together and develop deeper relationships. In this setting we are able to get to know other church members who we may not normally associate with. It is a place where we branch out and purposefully do life with other believers. This affords us the opportunity to benefit from this family relationship as well as serve others according to our spiritual gifts.
3. Aid in developing proactive discipleship
Titus 2:1-7
1 But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine. 2 Older men are to be temperate, dignified, sensible, sound in faith, in love, in perseverance. 3 Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, 4 so that they may instruct the young women in sensibility: to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be slandered. 6 Likewise urge the younger men to be sensible; 7 in all things show yourself to be a model of good works…
Discipleship is a natural result of developing loving relationships in the church. Those who have been in the faith for a long time and who have grown in humility and maturity have much to offer those who are young in the faith. Likewise, the various trials and experiences we each face shape us as we are conformed by God’s Word. We are to turn and encourage one another with what we have learned from God’s truth for the purpose of spiritual growth. Fellowship groups provide a natural avenue for discipleship and personal spiritual growth among believers.
We currently have five fellowship groups that meet on the first and third Sunday of each month. Each member of our church is encouraged to take part in one of these groups.
For more information contact: drbc@drbc.us