Why Fellowship Takes Work and Vulnerability

It’s been a new thing for me to host an online Bible study on Faithful Provisions, and as we close our No Other Gods books tomorrow night, I will do so knowing that this has been a great experience. Sure, it’s been difficult for all of us to carve out the time to meet each week. At times it’s been inconvenient, and it was hard to even share as we first got started and began getting to know each other as sisters in Christ. But it’s been so worth it! The author of our study, Kelly Minter, is sharing from her heart today in this guest post.

Why Fellowship Takes Work and Vulnerability
by Kelly Minter

Community. Fellowship. Body of Christ. Church. These words are often used to describe what it means to be in relationship with others who follow after Jesus. The gift of community is one of the greatest blessings God has given to the church. However, in a world where we are often governed by our iPhones, deadlines, children’s sporting schedules, what TiVo has on demand for us, or whatever meal we’re trying to get on the table, the temptation is to allow purposeful fellowship with other believers to get edged out of the picture. We’ve been lulled into the belief that as long as we love God, we’re okay. I can speak candidly because I’ve been there before. The act of small groups, Bible study, and purposeful fellowship take work and vulnerability, but the blessings are unrivaled.

Right now I’m writing this post from several thousand miles above the coastline of Florida, on my way home from a weekend of intentional fellowship with a few friends who are deeply committed to Jesus. For any of you who know me, my favorite place on planet Earth is home. But what compelled me to add two more days to an already seven-day long travel run—child’s play compared to the internationally-known speaker with whom I sat, someone who travels a mere 300 days out of the year—was the opportunity for fellowship. Plain and simple. That’s the only reason I went. (Truth be told, I’m more at home in my garden pruning my tomato plants, but that’s another story about my inner garden nerd.)

The Apostle Paul talked about the importance of mutually encouraging one another in the faith. “When we get together,” he writes in Romans 1:12, “I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours.” I can only imagine he said this because our place in the body of Christ is essential and unique to one another.

The men and women I was with this past weekend are different from me in personality, background, denomination, and nationality. This made for a wonderful experience that was inspiring and encouraging, even uncomfortable at times. Not uncomfortable in a bad way, but like how exercise can sometimes be uncomfortable. This is a good thing. This means we’re growing, stretching, and ultimately getting healthier as believers. For goodness sake, my new Greek friend made me try my first cup of Greek coffee—I added milk which I don’t think you’re supposed to do…

Anyhow, my encouragement to you is to never forsake community with other believers even when it costs you time, routine, or something like your favorite television show. Push yourself into a Bible study or prayer group with other women who are seeking after God and His life-giving ways. You will be blessed—and you might even get some caffeine out of it.

I love Bible study, and I love being encouraged by other believers. I love hearing how God moves through His Word to affect our lives. I enjoy sharing what He’s doing in my life, and I am so motivated when I hear what He is up to in the lives of others. This virtual Bible study has made it possible for many of you to get into a Bible study for the first time, and to have access to a small group that you may not have had before. I’m so thankful that Faithful Provisions could be a part of that. I’m excited to meet with everyone tomorrow night, Tuesday, August 14, as we finish up with our final discussion over weeks 7 and 8 in our Facebook chat room HERE.

:: Learn more about Kelly Minter on our Faithful Provisions Contributors page.