Recently, on the same day, I had two separate conversations with believers, each unknown to the other. They were from two different assemblies, from two different cities, from two different countries. Yet they observed the same problem in their home assembly. It was, in their view, an apparently careless way in which believers were received into fellowship. Let’s consult the New Testament to see what the early church did.
1. The early church understood that the Lord was adding to their numbers. Luke makes this observation in Acts 2:47. Later Paul would advise the Corinthians that “God giveth the increase” (1 Cor. 3:6-7). This takes enormous pressure off us if we think our responsibility is to add numbers. Our duty, according to Paul in 1 Corinthians 3, is to plant and water.
2. Joining a local fellowship was intended to be long-term and in harmony. Luke uses the word to join or cleave (Acts 5:13; 17:34) describing new believers joining the local church. W. E. Vine tells us that word means “to join fast together, to glue, cement.” In the context of the references cited above, Vine goes on to say this means “in the sense of becoming associated with a person so as to company with him, or be on his side.”
3. Fellowship in the local church was considered a privilege and carried associated responsibilities. In Acts 5, Luke gives the account of judgment on Ananias and Sapphira. He observes in Acts 5:13 that many did not join the believers because of the standards that were set. The local church was not a religious movement to be joined for the time it was popular. Nor was it merely a social gathering where no demands would be made of us. It was understood that while the privileges are enormous, so are the responsibilities. Acts 5 further demonstrates that individuals were either in fellowship or not in fellowship. There was no half-hearted association with the local church. They were either “in or out.”
4. When believers were received into fellowship it was based both on their life and their light. In 1 John 1:2-3, John tells us our fellowship is based on life. In other words, we cannot have fellowship with an unbeliever. Fellowship means to be sharing in common. If there is no life, there is no fellowship. But John goes on to say that our fellowship is based on our walking in the light (1 Jn. 1:6-7). This means that if a believer knows a certain truth, but chooses not to walk in accordance with it, then we cannot have fellowship. Paul balances this truth in Romans 14:1 where he exhorts the Romans to receive believers even though they may be weak. A believer may come to us untaught and display their lack of knowledge in spiritual things. But they are not to be excluded from fellowship based on their immaturity. It is what they have done with the light they have that counts.
5. New prospects for our assembly should be examined. When believers come to our assembly, elders should arrange a time to interview them, inquiring about their spiritual condition and intentions regarding the assembly. It is vital that the shepherds not only determine the care needed for the believers new to the assembly, but also consider the care of the believers already in the fellowship. Jude gives a solemn warning in verse 4, “For there are certain men crept in unawares.”
Previously Jude exhorts in verse 3, “that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” In our day there are many who would like to invade a local church with a hidden agenda, carrying error in doctrine and practice with an intent to impose it on an unsuspecting fellowship. If believers unknown to the local saints are subject to a courteous, but intelligent interview by the elders, much good can be done for all.
6. There should be a communication to the assembly when new believers are added. God does things in an orderly way, and so should we. When the elders have determined that the Lord has sent new believers to the assembly, it should be communicated to the other believers. This lets everyone know where they stand. It communicates that these believers can be invited to share assembly duties. It gives the new believers a sense of belonging and acceptance, and will give them confidence to exercise their gift and take responsibility. If there is no clear communication, those not in fellowship could end up being asked to take responsibilities by well-meaning saints.
When receiving into fellowship, let’s do it right!