Hebraic Musing – What is Church? How important is Fellowship?
A friend shared
his Sunday’s “Church” experience in His 2,000-member Fellowship. He always sits in same section and therefore
knows the folks in that section because of the traditional “meet & greet”
time during the service. Is that what
“Church” is about? What is “Church”? What’s the purpose of “Church”? Why do we go to “Church”?
In Christian
doctrine, the “Church” is the Christian religious community as a
whole, or a body, or an organization of Christian believers. It is people assembled for a
religious purpose such as hearing the Law or fellowshipping: “Then the LORD delivered to me two tablets
of stone written with the finger of God, and on them were all the words which
the LORD had spoken to you on the mountain from the midst of the fire in the
day of the assembly.” Deuteronomy 9:10 NKJV In the
New Testament the word “Church” is used in reference to the entire body of
believing Christians throughout the world.
“I also say to you that you are Peter,
and on this rock I will build My church…” Matthew 16:18.
And what is the
purpose of a “Church”, or of “Fellowship”, especially when it is part
of the church’s name?
· Building
Community & Partnership: In the very beginning, God said, “It is not
good that man should be alone.” Genesis 2:18 NKJV Known
as koinonia, fellowship is more than socializing; it is a partnership
where believers share life together, accountable to one another. It helps members grow in their faith, offering
a sense of belonging that confirms they are not alone.
· Mutual
Encouragement and Support: Fellowship allows Christians to bear one another's burdens,
offering comfort and encouragement through both happy and difficult times. It is a means of grace that prevents
believers from feeling isolated and helps sharpen one another spiritually.
· Growing in
Faith and Truth: Regular,
intentional interaction helps Christians grow with believers learning from each
other and holding one another accountable to live in accordance
with God’s word.
· Glorifying God
Together: A major
purpose of fellowship is to unite in worship and mission, showcasing
God's love to the world through a united community. Example - “Now
when they had come and gathered the church together, they reported all
that God had done with them, and that He had opened the door of faith to the
Gentiles.” Acts 14:22
· Using Spiritual
Gifts: The
fellowship provides the environment for members to exercise their spiritual
gifts to serve each other, rather than acting independently.
In other words, the purpose of fellowship
in the church is to foster deep, accountable, purposeful, and mutually
beneficial relationships among believers, rooted in their shared union with
Christ. It serves to encourage spiritual
growth, provide support during life’s challenges, and build up the community
through shared faith, prayer and study.
It’s interesting that the word ”Church” is mentioned almost 100 times in
the NT; and “Synagogue” is mentioned over 40 times in the NT; but neither is mentioned
in the OT!?!?
A road sign entering Bella Vista reads “The Churches of Bella
Vista Welcome You”. Shouldn’t that sign
say “The Church of Bella Vista Welcomes You”?
Points
to ponder
How well does
your “Church” fulfil all the above purposes?
What’s your role?
Why do we
call our fellowship a “Church”, not recognizing the Christian
Community as a whole?
How much
“accountability” do we have in our traditional “churches”? Or in
your church?
What us the
purpose of “Church”? Why do we go to
church?
I wonder if
we could convert the whole world if all the “Churches” worked together in
unity?
“And
God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over
everything for the church,” Ephesians 1:22
Yosef a.k.a.
Joe Brusherd June 9, 2026
Author: “Hebraic
Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith”
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)” Weekly “Hebraic
Musings”
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