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IN FELLOWSHIP

AN INTERNATIONAL TEACHING RESOURCE

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IN FELLOWSHIP

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IN FELLOWSHIP all one body

MAKING A MEAL OF IT one rmy

one rmy Fellowship Meals When the International Spiritual Life Commission published its calls to the Army world, it suggested 12 ways in which fellowship meals could be used to bring people closer together1. They are printed on this page. Why not make the most of these and other suggestions – perhaps using a meal for one of your One Army study groups?

THROUGHOUT recorded history, the sharing of meals has been at the heart of family and community life. Meeting to eat has been the natural thing to do and has taken many forms in all kinds of cultures.

Coming together for meals has also been an integral part of religious life and the Bible gives many instances where this has happened through the ages.

Meeting to eat gives opportunity for people to talk, to catch up with each other’s news.

It helps us get to know one another and understand each other better. It provides a place where much is learned and shared, and it helps us grow together.

From its earliest days the Church has expressed its fellowship through meals. The shared common meal was quickly embraced as a way of helping Christians gain a sense of group identity and of belonging to one another. They also used the meal for worship and as a means of confirming their faith (Acts 2:46). It can be the same today.

The Gospels show that Jesus used meals for more than simply eating. Soon after he called Matthew, he went to his house for dinner and got to know more ‘tax collectors and sinners’ (Matthew 9:10-13). He didn’t allow criticism from the ‘righteous’ Pharisees to deter him from meeting unpopular people. As we have noted previously (see In Calling – The Call to Sinners), he had a one-to-one with Zacchaeus – another disreputable person – by inviting himself to dine in his home. The transformation in Zacchaeus’s life was remarkable.

He accepted an invitation to a traditional meal in the home of Simon the Leper, where his compassion and ethics were both questioned by other guests – so he used it as an opportunity to give corrective teaching (Mark 14:1-9). He shared meals in the home

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in FELLOWSHIP MAKING A MEAL OF IT

RECOGNISING that every meal may be hallowed, whether in the home or with a congregation, there are strategic occasions when the planning of a fellowship meal may especially enrich corporate spiritual life.

Such occasions could include the following: In preparation for and during the Easter period.

At the beginning of a mission or spiritual campaign.

of friends (Luke 10:38-42), though perhaps his best known meal is what has come to be known as the ‘Last Supper’ (Luke 22:7-20). It was during this meal with his disciples that Jesus shared deep truths and lessons about himself and his mission. He even invited the disciples for breakfast after his resurrection (John 21:12).

A few years after this, the writer to the Hebrews is found urging Christians not to give up meeting together, but to use time together for mutual encouragement (Hebrews 10:25). Today, in an increasingly busy world, similar fears are expressed about family meals becoming less common – and not only in Western countries.

At a corps celebration such as an anniversary, a New Year’s Eve watchnight service, or the opening of a new building.

At a soldiers’ meeting.

For the pastoral care council (census board) or corps council, particularly when important decisions need to be made.

For the launching of an annual appeal when the significance of work/service being undertaken in Christ’s name could be emphasised.

Harvest thanksgiving.

Between meetings when a meal is required and members of the congregation are unable to travel home to eat because of distance.

When there has been a breakdown in relationships and healing is sought by reflecting on Christ’s great act of reconciliation through the cross.

Whenever it is thought that such a gathering would strengthen the spiritual life and wider fellowship of the corps or centre.

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Small group meetings, especially house groups, midweek meetings or (for example) at the conclusion of a recruits’ preparation for soldiership course.

Corps camps, fellowship weekends or retreats.

Two features of the common fellowship meal in the early New Testament Church were the scope for spontaneity and the element of charity, with the poor being included. These elements are also worth noting.

Discussion Points

Of course, fellowship is about more than meals, but the principle of meeting together – and with the specific aim of remembering the Lord giving his life for us (Luke 22:19) – is a means of grace that can enrich and unite all fellowships.

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MAKING A MEAL OF IT one rmy

in fellowship notes

in FELLOWSHIP MAKING A MEAL OF IT 05 In Discussion 1. Shared meals played an important part in the life of the Early Church. Consider the part shared meals play within the life of your corps.

Luke 24:30; Acts 2:46, 47; Acts 20:7 2. What does Jesus’ participation in shared meals tells us about him?

Matthew 9:10-13; Mark 14:1-9; Luke 10:38-42; John 6:10-13 3. How important is it to meet and share fellowship with other Christians?

Hebrews 10:25 4. How can we make our corps meals and social gatherings more inclusive and welcoming?

Luke 14:12-23 In Prayer Pray for guidance to arrange social gatherings that will draw more people into your welcoming fellowship.

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FACES OF FELLOWSHIP one rmy

one rmy they are not used severely and without compassion3. The Bible illustrates how some people all too easily force the ‘letter of the law’ rather than its spirit. Fortunately the Bible also has guidance on how to administer discipline when it is necessary.

Whenever possible, it advocates not condemnation (John 3:17), but restoration (Galatians 6:1-5).

NEAR the end of her life, when Commissioner Catherine Bramwell-Booth was interviewed on BBC Television, she suggested that to always think in ‘black and white’ terms could be a mistake. Such thinking was frequently confrontational.

Instead, she now thought in terms of colours of the rainbow, with everybody adding their particular colour in glorious harmony.

We have already acknowledged that Salvation Army fellowship is like no other2.

It has many faces. The uniform is its most obvious distinguishing mark, and gives a united picture, but its rank and command structure, its global organisation and its adherence to international Orders and Regulations, mark it out as unique, even within the many expressions of the Christian Church.

Yet essentially its fellowship has the same foundation as any other part of the Body of Christ. With the apostle Paul and Christians throughout all generations, the Army affirms that God has called it into fellowship with him (1 Corinthians 1:9).

The New Testament speaks of our fellowship with the Father (1 John 1:3), with the Son (Philippians 3:10), the Spirit (Philippians 2:1) and, significantly, with one another (1 John 1:7). All this speaks of a unity that crosses all boundaries, including those between this and the next world (Romans 8:38, 39). Christian fellowship has influence and impact far beyond the evidence of any temporal framework.

This being so, whatever structure the Army uses must be in harmony with the fellowship that is rooted in its all-embracing, compassionate God (Philippians 2:2). If it uses a command structure, it is vital that all within it first take their commands from Christ himself – that his will captivates and motivates them. Any ‘command’ from

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within the structure must reflect the two great commands as highlighted by Jesus – love God totally and wholeheartedly, and others as equally as you love yourself (Mark 12:29-31).

Those given authority by rank or position have sacred responsibility not to abuse the trust placed in them. This applies as much to a bandmaster as to a corps officer, a centre manager, a divisional or territorial commander, or anyone representing The Salvation Army (and, therefore, Jesus) in any given situation.

As the Army was born to introduce people to Jesus its fellowship must guard against self-sufficiency and complacency. It should not only be open to newcomers, but also actively seek them. The parable of the wedding banquet makes it clear that the

Lord wants his servants to invite ‘anyone you find’ (Matthew 22:9). Army fellowships must always look for ways of being inclusive rather than using rules to be exclusive. To do the latter is to misunderstand their function.

The blessings of sharing the same faith, purpose, hope, salvation and Lord (Ephesians 4:4-6), create a harmony and sense of unity that makes Christian fellowship an incredible yet undeserved privilege4. It is for each of us to ensure that the part we play enriches it and encourages others to want to be part of it too.

In Discussion 1. In what ways does your corps reflect the ‘glorious harmony’ of rainbow colours?

Ephesians 3:14-19; Philippians 2:4; 1 Corinthians 12:12-20 2. ‘A fellowship should not only be open to newcomers, but actively seek them.’

In what ways does your corps do this?

Luke 15:1-7; Mark 2:13-17 3. Should Christian fellowships be distinguishable from other groups? If so, in what ways?

Matthew 5:46-48; John 13:34, 35; Philippians 2:1-5 4. What is the difference between the ‘letter of the law’ and the ‘spirit of the law’?

Suggest examples.

Galatians 3:1-5; 5:14; 5:22, 23

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In Prayer Pray for harmony within your fellowship, asking God to reveal any hindrances that exist to making it all God desires it to be.

Orders and Regulations have existed from the early days of the Army to act as a safeguard against any abuse of power. It is important that they exist – and important they are applied. Yet it is also essential that

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LOVING OBLIGATIONS one rmy

others what you would have them do to you’ (Matthew 7:12), puts all rules into context. It is a standard for which we should all aim.

Belonging to a fellowship calls for a sense of responsibility, and not only from those who lead it. It helps when everyone thinks about the consequences of their actions on others. We should naturally want the best for everyone and pray for each other’s highest good. All this adds meaning and purpose to our belonging.

WE HAVE previously highlighted how relationships are at the heart of everything we are and do5. They give specific meaning to our daily living. Being part of a fellowship adds to our identity and provides a setting in which we can express our individuality – usually within a group that exists for the good of everyone. It can be fulfilling and enriching.

It can also be a setting in which – without rules and guidelines – things go dramatically wrong.

Correspondence among Early Church leaders – recorded in the New Testament – shows that it quickly became necessary to decide on appropriate codes of conduct and behaviour (1 Corinthians 5:1, 2). Without them, the fellowship was already losing the very qualities that marked it out as Christian (2 Corinthians 12:20, 21). Not surprisingly, the same issues exist today.

By their very nature, Christian fellowships have people who are attractive in character, others who are in need, and some who are looking for companionship. Without careful adherence to boundaries in human relationships, much hurt and damage can be caused because of inappropriate closeness. Although cultures have differing

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Duty has been part of the Army ever since it was first organised in the late 1800s. It has shown itself in mutual responsibility, recognising that to play our fair and reliable part within the fellowship can be of practical

blessing for the good of all. Unfortunately, it is possible to over-emphasise the need for duty, forgetting to make allowances according to situation and circumstances.

Service can quickly become legalistic and burdensome – and lose its joy – when duty becomes more important than the spirit in which it is given.

The Jewish faith addresses these matters by using the word chesed. It means ‘loving obligations’. It acknowledges mutual responsibility and a sense of duty to one another, but incorporates the word ‘love’ as it does so. Fellowship has its loving obligations6. They are many and varied. They are for us each to fulfil – and enjoy.

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values on what may be appropriate practice, the Christian principles of fidelity and faithfulness apply the world over. Without them deceit, lying, betrayal and destruction of trust take over, causing chaos in many lives, including the innocent.

The Army’s Orders and Regulations exist to promote Christian values and integrity.

They speak of accountability, promoting high standards, also giving guidance and helping to minimise damage. Updating and revising them for an Army working in more countries and cultures than ever is essential.

It is also a daunting task, but the broad principles of obedience to God’s commands, and promoting truth and grace within the fellowship, will always be their objective.

The teaching of Jesus, ‘in everything, do to

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In Discussion 1. In what ways can being a part of a fellowship help us express our individuality?

How well do we help this occur?

Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-13 2. Discuss the essential place of fidelity and faithfulness in all relationships.

Exodus 20:14; Ezekiel 18:9; 1 Corinthians 4:2; 1 Corinthians 6:18-20; 1 Corinthians 7:2, 3 3. What – if any – are the differences between ‘duty’ and ‘loving obligations’? Why are they important?

Luke 17:10; Romans 15:26, 27; Genesis 4:9; 2 Timothy 4:5 4. How easy is it to overlook our personal obligations to the fellowship?

What are they?

1 John 3:17, 18; 1 John 4:7; Philippians 4:8, 9; 1 Corinthians 10:24 In Prayer Pray for faithfulness and integrity in all your relationships. Ask God to show you how your individual contribution can be used to enrich the fellowship.

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TOGETHER IN WORSHIP one rmy

of the leader. Sensitivity is required – and consideration of other’s needs.

AT THE centre of any Christian fellowship is public worship – time spent together worshipping God, in whose name and for whose sake the fellowship exists. This is not an optional activity. It is the heart of it all. It is where the community presents itself before God, seeking and confirming his presence and strength in their life and witness. Shared worship unites the fellowship in its reason for existing – and in purpose and intention. And these can best be confirmed by looking to God and seeing in him the qualities he waits to give us.

Being together – young, old, rich, poor, friend or newcomer – helps strengthen community. Congregational singing draws people together with each person using the same words of shared songs. The same applies to shared prayer, such as when petitions are brought before God on behalf of others. Worship highlights the fact that we all have the same status before our Father – sinners who would be lost without his grace. Our worship is of God – not of the preacher or someone with many gifts.

Everyone stands in need of the same saving grace.

There are many forms of worship in the Church universal. There is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way to worship. One form should

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not be rated better than another. What matters, said Jesus, is that our worship is sincere. He taught that we should worship the Father ‘in spirit and in truth’ (John 4:23, 24). It is our attitude – what takes place in the depths of our heart – that matters, not the method of worship we use.

God is not limited to speaking to individuals in one or two set ways. He is able to communicate with each of us in ways that best suit our needs and understanding – so it helps when corporate worship recognises this. It can be distressing when meeting leaders imagine (or insist) that their personal approach is always best. It can also be divisive. We are a glorious mixture of personalities. Some enjoy worship with great energy and exuberance, others find moments of quiet reflection more beneficial.

Some people enjoy both. Others are helped by strong leadership of the singing, while some prefer not to be dominated by the style

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Cultures have varied approaches to worship too. There are also cultures within cultures – such as children’s, youth, men and women.

In some countries it is expected that men and women will not sit together. Such an arrangement is made to avoid distraction.

Leaving shoes, keys or possessions at the door of the prayer hall is a custom that helps many avoid distraction when spending time with God. In an ever-busy age, dominated by electronic communication, such an approach can be invaluable.

Most important of all is to remember that we worship God by the way we live, not by the things we say. What we say and pray are important – but mean nothing unless our lives confirm our words. The biblical words for worship are, at their roots, words that speak of service7. Paul encouraged the Roman Christians to ‘offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God’ (Romans 12:1). This, he said, was our ‘spiritual act of worship’.

True worship is when the way we live each day confirms the worship we share together.

And it is this, says Paul, that truly pleases God (Romans 12:2).

In Discussion 1. What are the main reasons for holding public worship?

Psalm 42:1-5; Psalm 95:6, 7; Psalm 122:1; Psalm 103:1-5; 2 Corinthians 3:17, 18 2. In what ways can worship be made helpful to all who attend? What kind of things might be unhelpful?

Ephesians 3:7-9; 1 Corinthians 1:10-15; 1 Corinthians 2:1-5; 1 Corinthians 11:17, 18 3. What are the essential ingredients of public worship? What really matters?

John 4:23, 24 4. ‘True worship is when the way we live each day confirms the worship we share together.’ Discuss.

Hebrews 12:1, 2

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In Prayer Pray that God will show you how shared worship in your fellowship can be: • Honouring to God; • Inclusive in its approach; • Moments when you give God time to speak to you.

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GOD’S PEOPLE – EVERYWHERE

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small, accepted or persecuted, wealthy or poor, into which her members have been gathered in the past or in the present’10. It is not defined by ecclesiastical structure, forms of worship or specific rituals11. The Church is people who have welcomed Christ into their lives and are united by his Spirit.

Today, the Army takes its place as an expression of the Church within the Body of Christ, using its participation in ecumenical bodies, campaigns and activities to confirm its belief in a global fellowship that enriches,

THE Salvation Army’s oft-stated aim to be all-embracing includes relationships with other churches. From the Army’s beginnings William Booth made it clear that it was not its business to criticise the practices of Christians who may see and do things differently. In believing the Army’s role was God-given, he also saw the value of what others were doing. His approach is continued today.

In the booklet, The Salvation Army in the Body of Christ, we read: ‘We do not believe it is our task to comment negatively upon, or to undermine, the traditions of other denominations…We seek to be careful not to belittle the doctrines or practices of any other Christian group.8’ The booklet goes further, affirming: ‘We believe that it is God’s will that harmonious relations are built up and sustained, by divine grace, between Christians everywhere and between all Christian denominations including their local congregations.9’ The Army is not only all-embracing in its attitude, but it also positively seeks cooperation with other members of the Body of Christ and believes we can each learn from and support one another.

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in fellowship god’s people – everywhere

There were times when William Booth had to cope with fierce criticism from some churches and their leaders. Nevertheless, he insisted on promoting positive relationships.

Although today the Army is warmly welcomed and supported by denominations round the world, situations sometimes arise when criticism of our beliefs and practices occur. It could be because of lack of information or even mixed motives, but it is important for us not to be distracted from our calling to do and be what God has ordained. It is the same for all churches.

unites and strengthens the Church universal.

Such fellowship has its roots in the Greek word koinonia, which speaks of things shared – a communion of grace, in Christ12.

General Shaw Clifton summed things up this way: ‘All who acknowledge Jesus as Lord are seen as brothers and sisters in Christ by Salvationists all around the world.13 ’ That’s true fellowship.

God bless his people – everywhere.

In Discussion 1. Discuss William Booth’s insistence that the Army should not criticise other churches. Why do you think he took this stance?

Mark 9:38-41; Ephesians 4:1-6; Ephesians 2:19-22; Philippians 1:15-18; 1 Peter 2:17 2. What can The Salvation Army learn from other churches?

Philippians 3:15, 16; 2 Thessalonians 2:13, 14 3. In what ways can the Army help other churches? What gifts does it bring to the Body of Christ?

Philippians 3:15, 16; 1 Peter 2:10; 2 Timothy 4:2-5 4. How ‘all-embracing’ is your fellowship to people who are ‘different’?

Hebrews 13:15, 16; James 2:1-7; 1 Corinthians 16:10, 11

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In Prayer Pray that God will give you a fresh understanding of the vastness of his Church and the importance of each person playing a supportive and unifying part.

Through the centuries there has been debate and controversy over what makes a church a church. The answer depends – of course – on how a church is defined and whose definition is taken. The Army believes that ‘the Church universal is the whole of the worshipping, witnessing Christian community throughout the centuries, comprised of whatever groupings, large or

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the united states of america

rob and amy reardon, salvation army officers, write about fellowship in their home country IN RECENT years in the United States of America (USA) people have become more interested in community life. Perhaps as a backlash to the isolation that can come with social media, people are finding more and more reasons to bond together and spend time in each other’s company. People often say that they are ‘doing life together’.

This has resulted in new and diverse fellowship practices within most churches, including The Salvation Army. Movie discussion groups, for example, are popular. Many American Christians find themes in popular movies that reflect Christian theology or secular philosophy. It is valuable to get together and discuss these things and as movies are an important part of American culture, this type of fellowship can be very attractive to newcomers as well as to faithful soldiers.

RELATING AT A DEEPER LEVEL Book clubs are another fellowship opportunity that Americans enjoy. Groups of men or women, or both, read the same book within a timespan and convene to discuss it. As with movies, much can be found that edifies the soul. Or, equally important, sometimes literature helps readers understand the longings and needs of those who do not know Christ. When corps members meet to discuss these things, they sometimes find themselves relating at a deeper level than they do at a Sunday meeting.

Community gardens are sweeping across the USA and churches are one of the most common places where these are found. Salvation Army corps and other Army facilities have eagerly jumped on board, opening space on their land for families to grow their own vegetables. Americans are looking for ways to eat better and save money, and this has led to many families meeting one another and sharing experiences through gardening.

BENEFICIAL BOTH FOR DISCIPLESHIP AND MENTORING Another popular and comfortable opportunity that is often taken is getting together for coffee. It is not unusual for two or more people to regularly schedule coffee time with each other. These occasions are found to be beneficial, both for discipleship and mentoring relationships as well as casual friendships. Many Salvation Army locations are beginning to capitalise on this activity by including areas in or around the corps building that are conducive to facilitating a relaxed atmosphere for coffee fellowship.

Much of what Americans do for fellowship is meant to include the whole family. (These events are not to the exclusion of single people, but as part of the corps body are an important part of the fun.) Corps have found that while ‘mom’s night out’ or men’s fellowship activities are valuable and have their place, family time is highly prized. A corps picnic, for example, is a typical event that includes all ages. For some corps, the annual softball game at the corps picnic is one of the year’s highlights. For others, it’s a three-legged race or a pie-eating contest.

Memories are made and people become part of the story of each other’s lives.

SEE FELLOW SOLDIERS IN A NEW LIGHT Many corps also have retreats. These are weekend getaways – usually at a divisional camp – for the whole corps family, featuring testimony times, Bible study, sports, games and plenty of time for fellowship. There is time to properly listen to each other and to laugh together. Such weekends provide opportunities to see fellow soldiers in a new light and strengthen the Christian love that corps members have for one another.

At the end of summer, almost every division in the USA has an annual ‘family camp’, or ‘pilgrimage’, where families from across

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the division spend a weekend in fellowship and worship. Extensive planning goes into these events, making sure that there are both learning and leisure times for every age group. Many families are lodged in cabins, but others prefer to pitch a tent under the stars.

All of these activities provide a sense of camaraderie as they edify, encourage, train and equip. American Salvationists find that these experiences are key in helping us ‘do life together’.

CULTURE IN CONTEXT 1. Do you recognise ‘the isolation that can come with social media’ as a challenge in your culture? Are there any other cultural issues which might make people feel isolated? What can be done to combat this?

2. In your culture, are there any corps activities that take place away from the corps hall? What is the value of such activities? What might work where you are? the book

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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES one rmy

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What resources would you add?

Let us know by emailing OneArmy@salvationarmy.org or visit www.salvationarmy.org/ onearmy/resources

The introductory discussion points, Bible readings and prayers help put the series into the context of each life and individual understanding. The Leader’s Manual has further suggestions as to how these opportunities for growth may be developed.

@TSAOneArmy This unit relates in part to doctrines 2, 3, 9 and 11

referenced resources for This unit

recommended resources for The Series books for the Series The Holy Bible The Salvation Army Handbook of Doctrine, Salvation Books, IHQ The Salvation Army in the Body of Christ: An Ecclesiological Statement, Salvation Books, IHQ The Salvation Army Year Book, Salvation Books, IHQ The Song Book of The Salvation Army, IHQ Called to be God’s People – based on the Calls of the International Spiritual Life Commission, Salvation Books, IHQ Samuel Logan Brengle: Heart for God, edited by Peter Farthing, Australia Eastern Territory Holiness Unwrapped, Salvation Books, IHQ and Australia Eastern Territory The Life and Ministry of William Booth, Roger J. Green, Abingdon Press, Nashville, TN, USA Who are These Salvationists? An Analysis for the 21st Century, Shaw Clifton, Crest Books, The Salvation Army, Alexandria, VA, USA Some of these books are available in a number of languages. dvds for the Series Called to be God’s People – based on the Calls of the International Spiritual Life Commission, Salvation Books, IHQ Holiness Unwrapped, Australia Eastern Territory Our People – The remarkable story of William and Catherine Booth and The Salvation Army, Australia Eastern Territory Boundless Salvation, four-part series by John Cleary, Australia Southern Territory

additional resources

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books for this unit Some of these resources are shared on the One Army website.

Called to be God’s People, ‘Fellowship Meals’, p 41, Salvation Books, IHQ Called to be God’s People, ‘Call to our Life Together’, pp 59-64 and One Army, Introduction, pp 14, 15 3 Love – Right at the Heart, ‘Love and Regulations’, p 28, Salvation Books, IHQ 4 Servants Together, pp 12-17, Salvation Books, IHQ 5 One Army, In Christ, p 2, IHQ 6 Love – Right at the Heart, ‘Love and Regulations’, pp 29-31 7 Servants Together, pp 7, 8 8 The Salvation Army in the Body of Christ: an Ecclesiological Statement, p 13, Salvation Books, IHQ 9 Ibid, p 12 10 Ibid, pp 3, 4 11 Ibid, p 3 12 Servants Together, Chapter 2, ‘Community’, pp 11-20 13 Who are these Salvationists?, p 12, Crest Books, USA. 1 2

DVD You will find the following DVD chapters particularly relevant to this unit’s emphasis on fellowship: Called to be God’s People – ‘Call to Worship’ and ‘Call to our Life Together’

additional resources

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in FELLOWSHIP

Note to youth leaders This material can be delivered in a single session. However, by using the additional resources listed at the end, or those recommended on the website, it can be extended over more sessions.

We haven’t included suggested timings because much will depend on the age, understanding and size of each group.

For some of the activities in the series, advanced preparation and materials are required.

See also the Leader’s Manual for other ideas that could be adapted.

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infellowshipnotes

discussion starter

infellowship makingAmealofit THROUGHOUT recorded history, the sharing of meals has been at the heart of family and community life. In the Bible there are many instances of people talking, learning and growing together whilst sharing food. The word used in the New Testament to describe this way of Christians meeting together is ‘fellowship’ – it is the principle of being with one another, sharing deep truths together and remembering the Lord Jesus giving his life for us (see page 02 of the main book).

Split yourselves into groups of twoto-four people. For a few minutes discuss together in your groups what it would look like if you could host your perfect dinner party with guests from any time in history: where would it be, who would you invite, what food would you eat and what would you hope to talk about? Give each group two minutes or so to present back their plan.

Now take a vote on which meal you would most like to attend! in fellowship

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Spend a moment discussing one or two of these questions together: How is sharing a meal with others more than simply eating?

What does the word fellowship mean to you? Why do you think the New Testament writers feel it is important for the Church?

What examples can you remember of Jesus sharing meals during his ministry? What happened and what was significant about them? (If you need help, take a look at some helpful examples on page 02 of the main book.)

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materials NEEDED NOTE PAD AND PEN

infellowship facesoffellowship FELLOWSHIP within The Salvation Army has the same foundation as any other part of the Christian Church throughout the generations. Above all, the Army wants its members to be in harmony with God and with one another, leading to a unity that crosses boundaries and welcomes others in.

Each of us must play our part in enriching the fellowship of the corps, centre and community in which we find ourselves (see page 06 of the main book).

Take a look at the following Bible passages and decide what you would consider to be the true marks of Christian fellowship: John 13:34, 35; Ephesians 3:14-19; Philippians 2:1-5; 1 John chapter 1.

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Write down key words and phrases on a piece of paper.

Using the words you’ve written down, compose a few lines of a lyric to fit a simple tune that you all know. Try singing it together, adding as many harmonies as you can, to illustrate fellowship!

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activity

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materials NEEDED NOTE PAD AND PEN

inFELLOWSHIP LOVINGOBLIGATIONS IN ORDER to keep harmony and unity within a Christian group there is still a need to have rules and guidelines. Without them it is possible for inappropriate behaviour to take root and relationships to be damaged.

The phrase ‘loving obligations’ acknowledges that everyone has a responsibility to consider their actions and lovingly work for the good of others (see page 08 of the main book).

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other gently Correct one an Do not gossip t Put others firs Listen more than you sp eak

Take a look at some guidelines for Be honest Christian fellowship in the words Share everything scattered around the page. What do you think is the most important? Write them down in order of importance, with 1 being other Pray for one an the most important and 10 the least. Try to explain your choice by giving examples from your own experience. Are there any more Confess you r sins to on that you think should be added, or some e another removed?

you when they hurt rs he ot e iv rg Fo

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CREATIVE WORSHIP

AND PRAYER

infellowshipnotes

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inFELLOWSHIP TOGETHERINWORSHIP AT THE centre of any Christian fellowship is public worship – time spent together worshipping God, in whose name and for whose sake the fellowship exists. Shared worship unites the fellowship, sharpens the vision and purpose of the group and reminds each person that they are to live each moment, every day as worshipping God (see page 10 of the main book).

With the group sitting in a circle, pass each picture to the person sitting to the right. Ask each person to write on the paper one thing that they see of God in that person – for example, are you kind, loving, good at something or passionate about an issue?

Now pass the paper to the right again and keep going until each paper comes back to the person it represents.

Ensure that everyone has a piece of paper and a pen, and take a moment for each person to draw an outline figure of themselves.

Take a moment for each person to read what the other group members have written. In order to recognise that worship involves celebrating the good that God is doing in each of us, take turns to read out loud two or three of the words that are on your paper.

Finish with a time of open prayer, giving thanks and praise to God for the fellowship we have with him and one another.

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as a symbol of universal Christian fellowship Create a ‘chain’ of prayers. Give each person in the group two or three small strips of paper and ask them to write down on each the name of a country or Christian group that you are aware of in a different place. Now link the strips of paper together into a circular chain and have everyone stand together, holding the completed chain. Take time to lift the chain above your heads and pray that God will unite Christian believers with one another in fellowship and prayer.

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AS A part of the worldwide Christian Church, The Salvation Army recognises the need to build fellowship with all people who have welcomed Christ into their lives. This places us within a global and united Church universal (see page 12 of the main book).

Spend some time praying for Christians near and far by sharing in this prayer exercise.

Start with a brief discussion of what you know about other churches in your neighbourhood, town or city. What values do you share with them and what does united Christian fellowship look like in your area? Then consider churches in other parts of the world and the different challenges that Christians face. For example,

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in some countries the number of Christians is reducing, in others the Church is growing despite opposition and, in others, church gatherings are not allowed at all and believers have to meet in secret.

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HOMEWORK Set yourself a task to be completed by the time your group meets again. Ask everyone to join in so that when you next meet you can all talk about it and find out how you got on.

Decide on one of these two ideas: 1. Prepare and host a ‘fellowship meal’ for all those in your group, with each member inviting one guest. Plan when this could happen and what resources and help you will need to make it happen. Consider what elements beyond the food you would like to include. Take a look at page 03 of the main In Fellowship book which suggests 12 ways in which fellowship meals could be used to bring people closer together.

2. How much do you know about Salvation Army Orders and Regulations? These guidelines exist to promote truth and grace within fellowship. Do some research by speaking with your youth leaders, corps officers and adult members of your corps about why we need them. Usually, territories have them published in various forms and information can be found online.

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have you looked at ... the ‘In Culture’ feature on page 14 of the main book?

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FURTHER BIBLE STUDY MATERIAL Take a look at these three instances in the New Testament of Jesus participating in shared meals. Read through the text slowly and try to imagine yourself as a guest at the meal. Try to use all your senses: what sounds and smells would there be? What would the food taste like? Then consider how you would feel listening to what Jesus says and watching the way he behaves. What can you learn about fellowship from Jesus’ example?

Consider what changes you may need to make in your life to become more like Jesus.

Matthew 14:13-21; Luke 10:38-42; John chapter 21.

recommended resources for The series books The Bible The Salvation Army Year Book, Salvation Books, IHQ What and Why We Believe, Harry Dean, Salvation Books, IHQ From Generation to Generation, Robert and Janet Street, Salvation Books, IHQ The Life and Ministry of William Booth, Roger Green, Abingdon Press Never the Same Again, Shaw Clifton, Crest Books The Common People’s Gospel, Gunpei Yamamuro, Salvation Books, IHQ Holiness Unwrapped, Salvation Books, IHQ, Australia Eastern Territory Born Again In The Spirit, Kapela Ntoya, Salvation Books, IHQ

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DVD Our People – The Remarkable Story of William and Catherine Booth and The Salvation Army, Australia Eastern Territory

@TSAOneArmy Check with your own territorial or command headquarters for youth resources to add to this list.

What resources would you add?

Let us know by emailing OneArmy@salvationarmy.org or visit www.salvationarmy.org/ onearmy/resources Don’t forget that more ideas are in the Leader’s Manual.

Some books are available in different languages. Please ask.

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