Thinking about fellowship
October 4, 2007 – 1:25 pmThere’s an observation I’ve been making since I was 13, and you already know it.
People want to feel like they are a part of something. Not only that, the “greater” it is, the more people want to be a part of it. Better cause? Nicer people? More exclusive? Count me in, right? Or maybe it’s a different combination you want in on.
Just think about it. People are always seeking something to feel a part of. Hitler, communism, conformists, sports teams, country clubs, religion, music bands, race, family, marriage, and even teams or guilds in video games, they are all things that have great fellowship.
I think we sometimes forget that we have to build fellowship even though, when left to its own device, fellowship will naturally develop on its own. Sometimes I think that if it will naturally develop anyways we should just leave it to organically grow itself. But then I remember in all the times I have been in a small group, the member of a band, or part of a team that someone is always left out. And it’s usually not just one person.
That’s why it’s so important to build fellowship. It’s to make sure there is a system in place, even if it’s not formal, for when new people enter so they feel welcome. It’s to make sure that people can be vulnerable but understand how vulnerable it’s OK to be and still feel safe. It’s to make sure everyone feels they are a part of your company or team or small group. If you take the time to build fellowship, everyone will be stronger for it and they’ll be telling all their friends about it. I know because I’ve seen it happen and I see the opposite happen to for when people want to become a part of something and are let down.
I think the hardest thing about fellowship is that it starts with vulnerability. Which means sometimes you have to take the first step.
