By Laura K. Springer, M.Div., Th.M.
I like Baptist red punch. It was a staple at the potlucks I attended as I child. For me, church fellowship is often pictured with cups of red punch. Maybe it's the same for you. But fellowship is not potlucks and Baptist red punch. It is more than something we do or attend. Fellowship is something we are.
The church is the fellowship of holy ones. She is the community of the children of the Father, of siblings who participate in one another's lives and partner in the Father's work. She is the community of those made holy by the blood of Jesus and called to be holy by this same Jesus.
The church is a community of siblings who depend on the one holy God for life. We live our lives as an offering of respect for our life giving and holy Father (1 Pet 1:17-19). He is the Judge who is to be feared. He is the Savior who gave the blood of his precious Son to give us life and holiness.
The church is a community of siblings who share responsibility as individuals and as community for our holy life together. We commit ourselves to personal holiness and from that commitment flows our daily choice to love. “Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart” (1 Peter 1:22 ESV). Love for one another continues the commitment by encouraging holiness (1 Peter 4:8; 4:9, 10; 5:5, 14).
So, what about Baptist red punch and potlucks? They give us an opportunity to get to know one another and enjoy one another’s company. And this is a good thing. But such opportunities can be so much more. Potlucks and patio time and small groups and worship service are all gatherings where we can practice being the fellowship and begin to love one another toward holiness.
To learn more about the New Testament images of the church see Minear, P. S. (2004). Images of the church in the New Testament. Louisville, Ky: Westminster John Knox Press.
