Marks of Our Fellowship
What We Covenant to Become Together
Drawn from Acts 2:38–47. Each one is a commitment we make to one another and to the Lord.
1
A Committed Fellowship
This is quite a strong word — it can also be interpreted as “they persevered.” Their relationship to the Fellowship was not one of “take it or leave it,” but of a deep sense of commitment and of belonging to one another. It was a two-way commitment: by the individual believer to the others, and by the Fellowship as a whole to the individual. So too with membership today (v. 42, “sharing together”). Loving, caring fellowship is crucial for the success of any church. We are looking, therefore, for a commitment from you in the following ways: by being actively involved in at least one Activity Group; by seeking to maintain love and fellowship with all other members — it is your responsibility to put things right in the event of disagreement, even if you feel you are the grieved party; and by taking a prayerful interest in the spiritual development of the Fellowship.
2
A Learning Fellowship
“The apostles’ teaching” (v. 42). We see here a commitment to study the Scriptures and to learn more about the Christian faith. We are therefore looking for you to be committed to regular personal study of God’s Word, and to take every opportunity to join with us each Sunday and in midweek programmes. The riches of Christ are inexhaustible — we should ever be looking to learn more from God’s Word.
3
A Welcoming Fellowship
“They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts” (v. 46). Hospitality and practical expressions of care and welcome are encouraged from all members — especially toward those worshipping with us for the first time.
4
A Praying Fellowship
“And to prayer” (v. 42). Those first Christians knew that they could not meet the challenges ahead in their own strength. The church was born in prayer (Acts 1:14). We ask you to commit to spending time each day in private prayer, and to sharing with others in opportunities for corporate prayer and intercession at least once a month.
5
A Worshipping Fellowship
“Every day they continued to meet in the temple” (v. 46) — praise was a regular part of their lives. We are looking for you to be committed to joining together with the Christian Family regularly each Sunday, unless unavoidably prevented, that we may worship God together in spirit and in truth (John 4:23–24).
6
A Fellowship Where Things Happen
“Signs and wonders done among them” (v. 43). If we expect great things from God, we must attempt great things for Him — and things happen. God gives spiritual gifts to all His people. We expect you to be committed to discovering your gifts and being available for God to use you in His service. There are many ways to serve in the ongoing work of the Church; not all are spectacular, but always you will need the empowering and help of His Spirit.
7
An Attractive Fellowship
“Enjoying the favour of all the people” (v. 47). There was a winsomeness about them that attracted others; they stood out as different and their lives did not contradict what they believed. “Everyone was filled with awe” (v. 43) — conviction of sin on hearing the Gospel was no momentary panic. They lived realising they couldn’t go back to old ways. We expect a commitment from you to live, by God’s grace, a consistent lifestyle endeavouring to please God in all things — so that no one will have justifiable cause to call any of us hypocrites.
8
A Witnessing Fellowship
“And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved” (v. 47). We are looking for you to be committed to being a witness by your lifestyle and to “always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have” (1 Peter 3:15). You must also play your part in the evangelisation of the world by personal invitation, hospitality, and visitation — introducing others to Christ and to the Fellowship.
9
A Giving Fellowship
“Everything in common, selling their possessions” (vv. 44–45). There was an intense sense of responsibility for one another. We are looking for commitment in terms of your financial giving as much as your time or service. Scripture teaches us to give regularly and in proportion to income, setting aside your tithe for the Lord’s work (Malachi 3:8–11; 1 Corinthians 16:1–3). We would also encourage you to seriously consider covenanting your giving. Tithe Cards are available with the Ushers. Remember: no one is expected to give from what they do not have, but rather in proportion to what they do have.
10
An Obedient Fellowship
“Breaking of bread” (v. 42). Jesus gave two significant commands. The first was to go and make disciples, baptising them and teaching them to obey all He commanded (Matthew 28:19–20). The second was to share together in a simple meal, which we refer to as the Lord’s Supper. Jesus said, “Do this in remembrance of Me.” We are looking for you to be committed to following Jesus’ command and regularly sharing with us in the Lord’s Supper.
11
A Disciplined Fellowship
Love was the seal of all they did, and this included discipline for the purpose of building up the people of God. Such discipline was exercised not harshly, but in love — through admonishment, exhortation, reproof, rebuke, and correction. Our concern is that every member should be presented mature in Christ, and at times this will involve such loving discipline. We are looking for you to be ready to accept such discipline in the spirit of love in which it is given. (Colossians 1:28; Matthew 18:15–20; Acts 5:1–11; 1 Corinthians 5; 2 Timothy 3:16–17).
