Another meeting? Is that what we need? Just a suggestion.
Here’s something to think about. We know that the early believers were involved in private Bible study, enjoyed personal fellowship in each others’ homes, expressed individual worship throughout the week and prayed “without ceasing.” Yet we believe that the words of Acts 2:42 have to do with their corporate life as a body of believers—at least three out of the four!
Here is the verse: “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.” If we believe that this verse is referring to public functions of the gathered church, why do we not have a fellowship meeting? And if we did, what would it be like?
Fellowship means sharing what we have in common. There are personal challenges, victories, the Lord’s acting on our behalf (getting us a job, giving an opportunity to a family member to witness, etc.) which would be inappropriate for the Lord’s Supper (a time of remembrance of the Lord, more focused than general worship), and perhaps too time-consuming for a prayer meeting. But what an encouragement it could be for the saints to share such real-life dealings. How it would “provoke [one another] unto love and to good works” (Heb. 10:24). Could it be abused? Could some dominate? Or fabricate? Of course. But we have all heard “horizontal prayers” or borne with inappropriate ministry or worship. Handled properly, I think it could be one of the most encouraging things we do!