LIMITS OF FELLOWSHIP IN CHURCH GROWTH

Burt Groves

The above topic along with “What Communion Hath Light With Darkness?” and “The New Testament Church” have been assigned to me for lectures to be conducted in the next few months. While gospel preachers frequently touch on these themes the practices of many congregations demand more attention to be given to these subjects than some of us have given in the past. How liberal can a church become before she should no longer be recognized as a church of Christ? Further, when a church begins drifting from sound doctrine, how long can a member continue in fellowship and be faithful to the Lord? Under what conditions can members of denominations be received in the church?

Meaning of Fellowship

Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon explains koinonia in part as fellowship, association, community, communion, and joint participation. The most important fellowship exists between God and his children. “That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ”(I John 1:3). Some claimed fellowship with God which did not exist. “This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin” (I John 1:5-7). It follows, as I John 1:3 tacitly declares, when there is fellowship with God through walking in the light or obeying the truth, there is fellowship with other Christians.

Christian fellowship begins at conversion. One becomes a child of God when he is baptized into Christ (Galatians 3:26-27; I Corinthians 12:13). All members are one in Christ (Galatians 3:28). Together members of the spiritual body of Christ share the divine mature (II Peter 1:4), all spiritual blessings (Ephesians 1:3), the same mission (I Timothy 3:15) and the same destiny (Eph. 5:25-27).

Honoring Christ as the spiritual head of the church results in unity where peace prevails (Ephesians 4:3). All members of the church must work and pray for true unity because there is only one body which is the church (Ephesians 1:22-23, 4:4).

Sin Breaks Fellowship

When one disobeys God he loses this precious fellowship. Sin kills (Romans 6:23). Those who walk in darkness have no fellowship in light. “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them” (Ephesians 5:11). One who abandons God is abandoned by God, and this abandonment must be recognized when known by God’s children.

God Requires Discipline

While seldom practiced God commands the church to withdraw from the immoral. “...Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person” (I Corinthians 5:13). A careful reading of the whole chapter reveals that social gatherings which encourage the wicked brother to continue in his evil way displease God. Likewise, one who refuses to obey commands given by God (divine traditions) must not be fellowshiped. “Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the traditions which he received of us” (II Thessalonians 3:6). This action should always be taken in hopes of restoring the fallen. “And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother” (II Thessalonians 3:14-15).

Consistent with the above, teachers of error must be marked and avoided (Romans 16:17-18). The church which permits teachers of error to preach in the assembly disobeys God and makes peace with God an impossibility (Colossians 3:15). “Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partake of his evil deeds”(II John 9-11). Let it be understood that the doctrine of Christ includes more than the teaching that Jesus is the Christ; it means what Jesus taught. Remember, he promised that the Holy Spirit would lead his apostles into all truth (John 16:13). One who rejects any teaching of the New Testament rejects the doctrine of Christ and must not be greeted so as to encourage his pernicious practice.

Applications

Yes, this is the difficult part. Should a preacher be rejected if he speaks to a denominational assembly? Yes, if he encourages that church to continue in doctrinal error. However, if he preaches the truth candidly and lovingly urges conformity to the gospel, he should be commended for his action. Should a Christian continue fellowship with a congregation where error is being preached or practiced? No! Once he is convinced that he cannot influence the leadership to return to the way of Christ, he should become involved in a true church of Christ. Please give prayerful consideration to the following conclusions:

1. Members of denominational bodies must complete their obedience to God to be forgiven and enjoy fellowship in Christ’s church.

2. Preachers of error must not be permitted to address the church. Some elders have unwisely invited such to speak but not on subjects about which they are known to teach error. This violates the command to mark and avoid (Romans 16:17-18).

3. Only teachers who are sound in the faith should be permitted to teach in the Bible school. Dedicated Christians appreciate elders who question their faith and morals before approving them to teach.

4. Worship assemblies must conform to the commands and examples of the New Testament church. Women must not lead assemblies where men are present. Dramatic productions must not take the place of preaching. The Lord’s supper must be a part of every Sunday worship and never on other days. Singing only is the music God authorized in the church. Worship of God must be patterned after the orderly New Testament practice rather than the emotionalism of modern “Pentecostals” or the entertaining assemblies featured by media churches (John 4:23-24; I Corinthians 14:40).

5. The conditions of salvation must be honored in teaching and practice. God’s grace is fully compatible with man’s obedience. Baptism must be for the remission of sins. Baptism because Christ commanded it must also be so that the penitent may be saved (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38).

6. God’s principles for the family must be honored. Those who divorce except for fornication do not have the right to marry others (Matthew 19:9). Those in adulterous relationships cannot be accepted as faithful Christians.