56% of Christians feel that their spiritual life is entirely private
39% self-reported that they are entirely unengaged in any form of discipleship or relational fellowship
82% of Christians believe that friends should engage and challenge each other to grow in healthy ways, only 2 out of 5 are actively involved in groups to disciple one another outside of the regular Sunday morning service.
-The Barna Group
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
Acts 2:42-47 New International Version (NIV)
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship…” – Acts 2:42 (NIV)
Koinonia
a deep, spiritual connection and relational unity among people.
koinos, which means “common” or “shared
can mean fellowship, but it can also mean participating and taking an active part in a joint mission or experience AND it can mean contributing to, giving material support, gifts, or resources to help others.
We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship (koinonia) with us. And our fellowship (koinonia) is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.
1 John 1:3 (NIV)
Because of your partnership (koinonia) in the gospel from the first day until now…
Philippians 1:5 (NIV)
And do not forget to do good and to share (koinonia) with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
Hebrews 13:16 (NIV)
Koinonia depicts an interactive relationship between God and believers who are sharing new life through Christ.
God is faithful, by whom you were called into fellowship (koinonia) of his Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord.
1 Corinthians 1:9 (NIV)
We are made for Koinonia to be our lifestyle.
Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 English Standard Version (ESV)
chaber – companion or a person who is bound to you. (FELLOW)
LIFE Connecting with one another, building authentic relationships, knowing and being known, sharing life.
FAITH Engaging God’s word together, seeking God’s presence in prayer, learning and growing as disciples.
ACTION Putting what we learn into action, taking risks together, ministering to and with one another, becoming disciples who make disciples
Life, Faith, Action
Fellowship, Participation, Contribution
Koinonia
Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ?
1 Corinthians 10:16 (NIV)