A daily walk in the light
As we read the New Testament, we can’t help but notice the monumental roll the church played in the lives of the early believers. Once the church came into being (Acts 2), the vast majority of the New Testament concerned or was directed to local churches. It was assumed that every believer would take his or her place as a vital part of the local church.
How do we describe the relationship of believers to the local church? Often, the word “membership” is used. But this is misleading, for it brings to mind the idea of being part of an organization. The New Testament never speaks of church membership. It does use the word “member” (1 Cor. 12:12-27), but in the sense of living members of the human body (like hands or feet) rather than simply casual members of a club. Instead of membership, the Bible presents fellowship as one of the four essentials of church life (Acts 2:42). Fellowship speaks of partnership, harmony, communion, being bound together (2 Cor. 6:14f). It tells us that our bond isn’t incidental or trivial, but fundamental and crucial.
But this brings us to another point of confusion. For when we speak of church fellowship, what often comes to mind is the idea of reception policy—the process by which new believers (either newly saved or newly moved to the area) are officially recognized as being a part of the assembly. However, when the Bible speaks of church fellowship, it is usually speaking of something quite different. Let us lay aside (for the moment) the question of official reception and ask instead: Am I participating in the church fellowship that the Bible speaks of? Am I practically in fellowship, for that is certainly the sense in which the word is characteristically used in the New Testament. This is not an insignificant question, for there are many believers who are officially “in fellowship” who have been—in all practical terms—out of fellowship with their brothers and sisters in Christ for decades. Surely the Lord isn’t fooled. He doesn’t view them as “in fellowship” simply because their name is on a list.
Our responsibility to be in fellowship with the local assembly does not end when we are officially welcomed. Rather, it entails our daily walk. It is not a one-time event, but a duty that we are to be continually devoting ourselves to (Acts 2:42). As such, allow me to mention two factors that can prevent us from sharing in the practical fellowship of the church. Our attitude can keep us out of fellowship. If I view the assembly as “me” and “them,” or if I harbour bitterness towards the other Christians, or if I have a critical spirit, or if I am merely tolerating the assembly, considering it the best of several bad options, then I am not in fellowship. Do I love the assembly, even though it is comprised of sinners (like me)? Our behaviour can keep us out of fellowship. If I am uncommitted to meetings, or if I am half-hearted in service, or if I have no burden for the other believers during the week, then I am not in fellowship. Am I devoted to the assembly, both during and outside of meetings?
There is always a tendency to officialize, and thereby stifle, the Christian life. Thinking of church membership instead of fellowship is one way we do that. But thinking of fellowship as a one-time event, rather than the daily occupation of each believer, is another. Let us each honestly evaluate our attitude and behaviour and then ask ourselves: Am I in fellowship?