This church has a contemporary service followed by a traditional one. It’s a church doubleheader. We’ll go to both.
Consider these four discussion questions about Church #17:
1. Their idea of contemporary is vastly different from mine, with this service being one of the more reserved ones we’ve attended.
If you state a certain type of service, what do you need to do to better deliver on your promise?
2. They provide a sign language interpreter for the hearing impaired, who sit in the first three rows. It’s a treat to watch them sing with their hands and sign interactive portions of the service.
What can your church do to help those with various limitations better engage in worship?
3. For communion, there’s no invitation for nonmembers to partake. We decide that we shouldn’t, but the usher motions us to go up.
Do people know what to expect when you serve communion? What can you do to include visitors and welcome them to participate?
4. No one mentions it, but we find coffee and donuts in the fellowship area. Next to each is a donation basket. I feel guilty for grabbing a treat without feeding the fund.
What practices in your church would seem odd or off-putting to outsiders?
Align with Other Believers to Build Ourselves Up and Serve Others
In my post about spiritual mastermind groups I talked about the benefit of aligning ourselves with other like-minded followers of Jesus to walk with on our spiritual journey. Now I’d like to look at the word cohort and apply that too. Let’s call this a Christian cohort.
What a Cohort Is
A cohort is a group or band of people. Though a secondary application refers to a single companion or associate, the more widely used understanding refers to many.
Though we could intentionally form a Christian cohort, just as we might a spiritual mastermind group, I think of most cohorts as being informal.
If we view a Christian cohort as a naturally developing assemblage of people in our church or parachurch organization, then most of us have a cohort, possibly several of them, which vary with the setting.
We can also be more intentional about forming a Christian cohort. Though this could take many forms, with varying functions, it could also approach being a spiritual mastermind group.
For our Christian cohort to be effective and reach its highest potential, however, it shouldn’t have only an internal focus, but an outward one as well.
Though there is a time to build each other up, there is also a time to go out into our community and help others. Forming a Christian cohort to serve is a great application of this concept.
What a Christian Cohort Isn’t
A secondary definition of the word cohort is with the military. This first started in the Roman Empire, where it identified a group of 300 to 600 soldiers. But a cohort can more generically refer to any group of combatants.
However, let us not apply this military understanding of cohort to our theology. We are not Christian soldiers marching off to war. God forbid! May we never have a repeat of the Crusades.
Though the idea of a battle applies to our journey with Jesus, this is a spiritual one—warring against spiritual forces of evil (Ephesians 6:12)—not a physical one fighting other people we may disagree with.
What a Cohort Shouldn’t Be
Though the idea of a Christian cohort is appealing, it also carries a huge risk. This is that our cohort could easily become a click, a Christian click. These clicks have existed in every church I’ve been part of. I suspect all churches suffer from Christian clicks.
These clicks are groups of friends, cronies if you will, who informally, yet effectively, form an inner circle within the Christian fellowship that excludes all others, essentially relegating them to a second-class status in the church.
Though I’m not aware of it, I suspect I’ve been part of these a time or two. But what I do realize—most painfully—is the many times I’ve been on the outside looking in. It’s a lonely place to be. May our Christian cohort never become a click.
Cohort Conclusion
When done rightly, a Christian cohort can produce an encouraging peer group to move us into a closer, more effective relationship with God—and each other. When done wrongly, our cohort becomes a click that serves as a barrier to Christian community.
May we embrace the positive side of Christian cohort and guard against its wrong use.
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
Get the Bible Reading Tip Sheet: “10 Tips to Turn Bible Reading from Drudgery to Delight.” Enter your info and receive the free Bible Reading Tip Sheet and be added to Peter’s email list.
“Hi, are you the DeHaans?” The usher’s question surprises me.
“Yes, we are.” I nod, a bit confused, but pleased at his acknowledgment.
“I’m Greg.” Then gesturing towards Candy, he explains, “I answered your email.”
I nod again, this time with a smile. “Thank you so much. It’s nice to meet you, Greg.” We shake hands.
Either he took time to Google my wife’s picture or they have few visitors and he assumed the new people matched the name in the email. Regardless, his extra effort honors me.
We exchange some quick pleasantries and then head into the sanctuary. With few people milling about and most sitting, we do the same.
The service leans towards formality but in a casual way. We sing hymns with organ accompaniment. Brief bits of liturgy occur throughout. There’s an upbeat song by the choir, followed by a children’s message, prayers, and a sermon.
The minister concludes the service with a blessing as he dismisses us.
We exit the sanctuary, making our way into the fellowship hall for refreshments. We pick up a beverage and snacks; then we look for a place to sit. Many of the tables are full, with the rest hosting people engaged in closed conversations.
I pick an empty table. After a few minutes a woman asks to join us. We gladly welcome her, enjoying a meaningful dialogue as we share our faith journeys.
Our conversation warms my heart. She readily understands our sojourn and is able to engage in discussing the vast variations we’ve encountered along the way.
Just as with our fellowship experience two weeks ago, one person makes the difference between us feeling welcomed and ignored.
Today marks another memorable Sunday at church, celebrating God in community.
My wife and I visited a different Christian Church every Sunday for a year. This is our story. Get your copy of 52 Churches today, available in ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook.
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
We talked about the four times Paul said to “Greet one another with a holy kiss.” In another curious reference, mentioned only once, he mentions receiving “the right hand of fellowship.”
In modern day context, this phrase seems like a euphemism for a handshake, but I doubt they did that two thousand years ago.
With a little imagination I could assume it is a sideways hug of affection using the right hand and arm, but then I have an active imagination.
Several years ago a church we attended used this phrase whenever members joined our assembly. Another use, though my wife disagrees, ties this line to the ritual passing of the fellowship pads during the church service.
Each person, member and visitor alike, was expected to enter his or her name, contact info, and any special needs. Presumably, someone reviewed and compiled all the data each week.
Yet in the Bible context given, “the right hand of fellowship” emerges as more than a greeting, recognition, or formality, but as an honor or affirmation, a spiritual one at that.
While we may not have a good understanding of what it is to extend the right hand of fellowship, I’m quite sure it wasn’t a trivial or rote experience but one of significance.
The Bible only notes two people who received it: Paul and Barnabas.
May we follow their example and then perhaps one day we might also receive the right hand of fellowship.
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
Get the Bible Reading Tip Sheet: “10 Tips to Turn Bible Reading from Drudgery to Delight.” Enter your info and receive the free Bible Reading Tip Sheet and be added to Peter’s email list.
Sunday we visit another small church. I expect a traditional, liturgical service. The sanctuary is simple, filled with color and symbolism. Several lit candles mesmerize as incense fills the air.
A worshipful instrumental piece, courtesy of a CD, plays in the background.
The music stops and the opening liturgy begins. We hear the minister but don’t see him. He enters the sanctuary and performs a series of rituals, perhaps preparing the altar for worship.
His actions produce a mystical aura, both comforting and confusing.
Ornately attired, he wears a combination of what I suspect a priest and a rabbi might wear for their respective services. The liturgy progresses and we follow along in the Book of Services: The Celtic Episcopal Church.
One member has already prepared us for the liturgy. Now, each time the service jumps to a new section in the book, she slides up behind us, whispering the page numbers. We appreciate her assistance.
To start his message, the minister looks at the congregation for the first time. He smiles, suddenly affable. The service, once solemn, now becomes casual.
The sudden switch from the formal to informal confronts me with a contrast I can’t fully grasp.
His concise message lasts only ten minutes. Then we celebrate communion and with more liturgy, conclude the service in the original reserved manner. Without any singing, the meeting ends an hour after it started.
Although most foreign to me, this tiny church and their worship intrigues me. I want to learn the meaning behind their rituals, understand the history of their practices, and discover the rhythm of their liturgy.
It’s there but will take repeated exposure for me to grasp and then to embrace it.
Though they worship God much differently than is my normal my practice, it’s no less viable and offers valuable illumination. I want to learn more.
My wife and I visited a different Christian Church every Sunday for a year. This is our story. Get your copy of 52 Churches today, available in ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook.
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
We attend a contemporary service at a Presbyterian church. Their interim minister gives a message on “Listening to God”; today is his first official day on the job.
Their former minister of twelve years left a few weeks ago and they are in a time of transition.
This interim cleric is their “in between pastor” and not a candidate to become their regular one.
His message from Matthew 13:1-17 (the parable of the sower) provides encouragement for this season in their church. He says this is not a time to coast until a replacement arrives. It must be “business as usual.”
While most “congregations are too pastor dependent,” this one is an exception, with their former leader training them to not rely on him or need him to function.
They are well prepared to make this transition. “The new pastor should find us fully engaged” when he arrives. “In the interim, we will listen to God.”
At the end of the service, they hold a brief congregational meeting to confirm the pastoral selection committee. Nonmembers may stay and observe. A team of ten, a nice cross-section of the congregation, is presented for approval.
Afterwards is a time of fellowship. We spend much of it talking with two longtime members. They confirm their former minister equipped them well for this time. They have great respect for him, as well as for their interim pastor.
They expect to be just fine.
As we make our way to the door, we meet more people, who confirm what we’ve just learned: this congregation is ready to navigate their time between ministers.
I heartily agree and pray for God’s blessing on them.
My wife and I visited a different Christian Church every Sunday for a year. This is our story. Get your copy of 52 Churches today, available in ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook.
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
Discover What the Bible and Our Experience Teach Us
In my posts, I write a lot about the importance of community, specifically meaningful spiritual community. I’ve mentioned community over one hundred fifty times. Two related words—or potentially related words—are fellowship and discipleship.
Aside from my posts about 52 Churches, I’ve written about fellowship ten times. And apart from book reviews, I’ve written about discipleship once and the related phrase make disciples, seven times.
Let’s consider community, fellowship, and discipleship.
The Bible mentions community eighty-five times and fellowship ninety-four times. But discipleship doesn’t occur at all and make disciples only appears once.
From a biblical standpoint, it seems we should focus on community and fellowship, while not worrying so much about discipleship. Interesting.
These three words can mean three
different things, or they can all intersect. To me they are one. When I talk
about spiritual community, I imply fellowship and discipleship.
Community
A community is a group of people with a shared interest. In a spiritual context, this shared interest is our common faith in Jesus. To achieve meaningful spiritual community involves walking with each other in our daily lives.
We celebrate blessings and commiserate struggles.
It’s a faith-sharing, faith-growing, faith-inspiring environment.
God created us for community, just as he exists in community, which we call the Trinity. He wants us to live in community with other followers of Jesus.
In the Bible, I get a sense that we need to pursue community over church. But if we do church right, it results in significant community.
Otherwise church attendance means little, other than checking off the “go to church” box on our to-do list.
I long to be part of a deep,
meaningful, spiritual community. That’s when I feel most alive and most
encouraged in my faith.
Fellowship
Growing up I thought fellowship was a euphemism for drinking coffee. Indeed, scheduled fellowship time at my church involved serving coffee and nothing more. The adults sat around tables, drinking coffee and laughing.
As the adults sipped their brew and shared amusing stories, us kids ran around looking for ways to entertain ourselves. Our goal was to have fun and avoid getting in trouble. Usually we succeeded.
Of course, drinking coffee at
church is a warped understanding of fellowship, though fellowship can start
with a beverage. But there’s more to fellowship than food.
Fellowship is a hospitable and egalitarian gathering of people. It implies a close connection, with the words friendship and camaraderie adding clarity. At its best, Christian fellowship is spiritual community.
Discipleship
A disciple is someone who embraces the teachings of
someone else, in our case Jesus. Disciples are active in their adherence. They
share their beliefs with others. Discipleship is the act of being a disciple. Disciples
make more disciples.
In my experience, the church talks much more about
discipleship than about community and fellowship. I wonder why.
Aside from the Bible’s singular command to “make disciples” (Matthew 28:19-20), Jesus gives a related warning to people who do this poorly (Matthew 23:15).
If we smugly think Jesus isn’t referring to us, it’s a sure sign we’re deluding ourselves and that this warning of woe applies to us.
Discipleship best occurs in community. We learn discipleship through example, not discourse. That is, taking a discipleship class falls far short of making disciples.
Instead, people catch discipleship through example, which can happen in a meaningful spiritual community.
Community, Fellowship,
and Discipleship
Community can be a trivial social exercise that
specializes in small talk. Or community can be a significant spiritual
experience that brings us closer to each other through faith and closer to God.
Fellowship can mean sitting around drinking coffee and
avoiding significant discussion. Or fellowship can be a like-minded gathering
of Jesus’s followers who get together to celebrate their common faith and
spiritual life.
Discipleship can mean sitting in a boring class that stuffs knowledge into our heads, void of action. Or discipleship can be living for Jesus and serving as an example to others.
Participating in significant spiritual community results in meaningful fellowship and actionable discipleship. This reveals why spiritual community is so important. Though some churches begin to tap into this level of community, most don’t.
For most of us if we’re going to experience meaningful Christian community, it’s something we must pursue on our own.
Our faith in our future depend on it.
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
Get the Bible Reading Tip Sheet: “10 Tips to Turn Bible Reading from Drudgery to Delight.” Enter your info and receive the free Bible Reading Tip Sheet and be added to Peter’s email list.
