By Kelly Carr

There was a room in my home church where I loved to go when I was a kid—because fun things were always going on inside. In that room we’d have special youth group nights, playing games, watching a Bible movie, eating popcorn. In the summer we’d have VBS activities in the room, making crafts and eating snacks. But the best times in that room were the potluck meals my parents’ Sunday school class would have after worship service. We kids would be thrilled to graze, eating all kinds of foods with plenty of desserts to try. Then while the adults lingered over their meals and chatted, all of the kids would play hide and seek throughout the building.

You likely know the room I’m talking about—your church probably also has a fellowship hall. With all the events involving food held in my home church’s fellowship hall, it’s no wonder that when I think of fellowship, I prefer when it involves eating!

Of course fellowship goes deeper, but spending time together over a meal does allow for good fellowship opportunity. I’ve also had chances to fellowship while watching a baseball game, taking a walk, or having coffee with friends. (Wait, that last one kind of still involves food!)

The point of fellowship is that it goes beyond surface level—deeper conversation takes place. It is about building relationships, encouraging each other, checking in on our spiritual journeys, and holding one other accountable. We’re spurring one another on toward love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24). No matter the setting where this occurs, the content of the conversations is key and the building of camaraderie in Christ is the goal.

God calls us to fellowship—to enjoy one another. Now that’s a command I’m ready to practice anytime. (Who’s ready to potluck?)