Ask for the Holy Spirit to guide your words and actions throughout the evening.

Remind Him that these events are meant to be uplifting and encouraging, where everyone feels welcome to worship together. Thank Him for bringing all of the people together, and ask Him to guide your conversations.Īs you pray, thank God for your fellowship gatherings. So why not get started right now? Pick a spot in your house where you can be alone, and spend a few minutes praying for your fellowship gathering.Īsk God to help you overcome any feelings of anxiety or stress, and to bless the gathering with His presence. By taking some time to pray for your event, you can create an atmosphere of unity and peace that will be a blessing for everyone who attends it. But from real Christians, of whatever denomination, I earnestly desire not to be distinguished at all.… Dost thou love and fear God? It is enough! I give thee the right hand of fellowship.Are you anxious about your upcoming fellowship gathering? You’re not alone! Whether it’s your first time or your hundredth time hosting a get-together, the pressure can be intense.īut don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with these tips for prayerful preparation. “I … refuse to be distinguished from other men by any but the common principles of Christianity.… I renounce and detest all other marks of distinction. John Wesley’s oft-quoted declaration is valuable for our reflection. Such conviction comes only when we have mutual respect and humility to serve together with those from a different denomination. It will help one to tide over personal insecurities and understand the changing world around us. Although it is essential to remain in the denominational convictions in their understanding of Scripture, one also needs to explore ways to partner with similar groups and networks. Healthy denominations serve the cause of Christ, and collaboratively make headway for the good news of the gospel. On the other hand, too much focus on the ‘spirit of denomination’ leads to an unwarranted form of Christianity in the public space.ĭenominations must maintain their distinctiveness while stressing their commitment to the gospel. But an over-focus on the denominational structure may lead to lack of lustre and vitality. Structures within denominations help give direction, information, connection and coherence to the foundational matters of faith. Denominations help to connect Scripture and tradition, and have been milestones in the history of Christianity. However, denominations are essential, and are a place of belonging-they are our heritage, and distinctively shape our beliefs and behaviour. The younger generation is more trans-denominational because they feel that traditional churches don’t have much to offer and they rather prefer smaller cross fellowships and groups. Today, we have an increasing number of people whose Christian distinctiveness is shaped by their involvement with a network or a special-purpose group or parachurch group than by a particular denomination. Adding to the woe, at least for a short term, networks are replacing denominations for many people-maybe the most significant change in this century. Some of these have become detached from their heritage, and even more so from Scripture. Many denominations have lost their way in terms of theological and ethical commitments for some time. What is particularly noticeable is that denominational loyalties are on the decline. With the emergence of house churches and the cyber church, people’s faith activity is no longer guided by parameters such as respect for church leaders, reverence for God, a desire to strive for personal holiness, sensitivity to theological heresy, or appreciation of one’s tradition. Nearly every aspect of people’s lifestyle is undergoing transition with the ‘new normal’ the faith of the church is no exception.

Christians joining hands in fellowship