What are Fellowship Groups?
A fellowship group is a context for care and growth within the Body of Christ. It is a small group of Christians who commit to meet together regularly and often in order to encourage one another amidst the struggles of life (Galatians 6:1-2, Hebrews 3:12-14). They are places of depth, vulnerability, and transformation for people to grow in their love for God through practical love for His people.
Why should I join a Fellowship Group?
Almost all of our transformation happens in relationships, not attendance at events. While Sunday Worship Services are integral to the life of every believer and the unity of the church, what is accomplished in those few hours is not the extent of the Christian life. We need close relationships to fulfill the "one-another" commands of scripture. Many make time for "church," but few make time for deep relationships. We have our example in Acts 2:46, “They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts.” Fellowship groups are an intentional way to make deep relationships in the church a priority. If you find yourself habitually neglecting deep relationships within the church, lacking opportunity to love fellow believers the way Jesus calls you to, then you should join a fellowship group.
What to expect:
Physical presence
We show up for one another.
The primary expectation for any small group member is to make every effort to be physically present. God Himself came to be physically present with us, so we ought to be physically present for one another.
Hebrews 10:24-25
“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.”
Gospel Care
We are vulnerable about the struggles and joys of life.
A primary activity of discipleship is "speaking the truth in love" (Eph 4:15).
We best remind each other of the truth as we listen, ask questions, and abide together with Christ through His word.
Romans 12:9-13
“Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.”
Spiritual growth
We grow in Christ together.
We grow in obedience to the Word of Christ and follow His example when we hold each other accountable.
We commit to one another for the long haul. Relationships take time and all transformation happens in relationship.
2 Peter 1:5-8
“In light of this reality, move with every diligent effort to incorporate and richly supply moral excellence to your faith; with your moral excellence, intimate knowledge; with your intimate knowledge, self-control; with your self-control, endurance; with your endurance, reverence; with your reverence, brotherly affection; with your brotherly affection, godly love. Why? Because if these things are yours and are increasing in you, they establish you as neither useless nor unfruitful in knowing our Lord Jesus Christ.”
How can I get connected?
If you would like to join a group please email Pastor Caleb Davis @ cdavis@hffbc.org or call 603-926-3724.