The word fellowship is described by Merriam-Webster’s as a noun. A thing. It is defined as 1: the condition of friendly relationship existing among persons: COMRADESHIP. 2: a community of interest or feeling, and 3: a group with similar interests. While I can agree with this assessment of the word, I also feel that it is very limited in it’s understanding of the true meaning of the word. It fails to convey the fact that ‘fellowship’ is also a verb. An action.

‘Fellowship’ is too important a word in the vocabulary of the saints to be misunderstood. This is due in part to the fact that much is lost in the translation of the Greek word ‘Koinonia’ into the English language. “Fellowship is the best the English language could do to explain a very complex concept.

‘Fellowship’ is the very essence of the Christian life. It is shown as manifesting on two levels. Vertical fellowship is with the Father, and horizontal fellowship is with one another. Easton’s describes it this way.

(1.) Fellowship with God, consisting in the knowledge of his will (Job 22:21; John 17:3); agreement with his designs (Amos 3:2); mutual affection (Rom. 8: 38, 39); enjoyment of his presence (Ps. 4:6); conformity to his image (1 John 2:6; 1:6); and participation of his felicity (1 John 1:3, 4; Eph. 3:14-21).

(2.) Fellowship of saints with one another, in duties (Rom. 12:5; 1 Cor. 12:1; 1 Thess. 5:17, 18); in Ordinances (Heb. 10:25; Acts 2:46); in grace, love, joy, etc. (Mal. 3:16; 2 Cor. 8:4); mutual interest, spiritual and temporal (Rom. 12:4, 13; Heb. 13:16); in sufferings (Rom. 15:1, 2; Gal. 6:1, 2; Rom. 12:15; and in glory (Rev. 7:9).

Fellowship is so much more than what it has been reduced to by the modern Church. Fellowship is certainly more than an occasion to eat. Fellowship should never be entered into strictly for the purpose of raising money. If these become the aim of our fellowship we have missed the mark by a wide margin. The result is the loss of power that we ought to possess as the Church of Jesus Christ.

Real fellowship happens on both levels, simultaneously. The result of true fellowship is always a divine release of power that produces salvation, deliverance, and healings. I am reminded of a song that goes:

I love to sing and pray, rejoicing everyday.
I love the blessings when the showers on us fall.
I love the fellowship within the narrow way,
But I love Jesus best of all!

That is why I feel that Councils are such a wonderful opportunity for us to experience the works of our God in new and exciting ways. That to me is what fellowship is all about. ...In Him is no darkness at all.

Because of Calvary!

Bishop Jonathan B. Franklin