The Discipline of κοινωνία

One of the most helpful books I have read is Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life by Donald S. Whitney. It is an excellent resource, and if you haven’t read it, I highly recommend picking up a copy—it’s worth revisiting often. In the book, Whitney walks through various disciplines such as Bible intake, prayer, worship, evangelism, and stewardship, highlighting that their purpose is godliness. These are all practices we know edify us and make us more like Christ, and you are likely already cultivating many of them.

One area Whitney does not emphasize, however, is the idea of fellowship—κοινωνία. I want to encourage you to consider fellowship with other believers as a spiritual discipline we must intentionally cultivate in our lives.

In Acts 2:42, we read:

“And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers (Acts 2:42 ESV).”

Notice that Luke records the early church as being devoted not only to the apostles’ teaching, but also to the fellowship, the breaking of bread, and the prayers. If the early church was devoted to these things, we ought to be as well.

We readily recognize our need for the apostles’ teaching, which we now have in the New Testament. We even use the language of “devotions” to describe our commitment to Scripture and prayer—both clearly reflected in this verse. We also see the importance of the breaking of bread, whether in observing the Lord’s Table or sharing meals together throughout the year.

But what about the fellowship?

This idea of shared life, unity, and deep companionship is included alongside these other essential practices. Fellowship is not optional—it is something to which we are to be devoted. Let me highlight three key benefits of Christian fellowship:

1) Edification
We are built up as we gather together. When others use their spiritual gifts to serve—whether on a Sunday morning or throughout the week—we are strengthened. Even simple conversations over a meal or coffee can encourage, challenge, and help us grow. Being together is inherently edifying.

2) Accountability
Christian fellowship provides needed accountability. We need brothers and sisters who will come alongside us in our struggles—who will ask hard questions, offer encouragement, and remind us of the truth. The church is a place where we can be honest about our hearts and be met with grace. God uses one another to spur us on toward godliness.

3) Rest
Finally, fellowship offers rest. Before entering full-time ministry, I worked in construction, where I was often surrounded by people who mocked my faith and values. I remember sharing the news of my engagement to Bethany, only to be met with a disgusted “Why?” from one coworker, seeing no value in marriage. The constant crude jokes and coarse language were exhausting.

Sunday mornings became a refuge. Instead of standing out, I was among people who shared my convictions. I could simply be part of the body. That is one of the great gifts of Christian fellowship—it provides rest for weary souls. Perhaps that is something you need more of in this season.

There is much more that could be said, but I hope this brief reflection encourages you to value and intentionally pursue fellowship. We will spend eternity together—let’s not wait until then to enjoy κοινωνία.

SDG!

For the Master,
Pastor Matt Shields