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Church Fellowship Ideas in a High Tech, Low Touch World

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Holding Hands in FellowshipIn a previous post we looked at possible causes for the decline of true fellowship in the church.  Lets consider the question with which the post ended. — In light of the possible causes for its decline … like living in what has been called a high tech, low touch world, what can be done to restore true fellowship?

The Apostle Paul consistently encouraged churches to “Greet one another with a holy kiss” (Rom. 16:16; 1 Cor. 16:20; 2 Cor. 13:12; 1 Thess. 5:26).  He was literally asking them to demonstrate their fellowship through an act of affection, not simply through words.  That is hard to do on social networks, over the phone, texting, or through e-mail.

How can we foster true fellowship in a high tech, low touch world?

  1. I recently read something stating that today’s high tech generation may be starting to have difficulty relating to one another in person.  If that is so, encourage them to start by simply greeting one another.  If the “holy kiss” (sign of affection could also be a hug or handshake) pushes you too far, what about a simple welcoming gesture like saying hello, nod of the head, meeting of eyes, a smile?  … Try doing it with everyone who crosses your path.  See what a difference it makes.  And, leaders need to be setting an example in this.
  1. Teach on the one another passages in such a practical way that people see that there is no substitute for face-to-face fellowship.
  1. Don’t compete with technology.  Use it but don’t rely on it.  Encourage the use of e-mail, texting, and social media to stay in touch but help people see that it is only a stepping stone, a complimentary or supplementary means to enhance true fellowship.
  1. While people are together, make the most of that time relationally.  Make sure Sunday School teachers, small group leaders, etc. are trained to know how to strengthen relationships among group members.   Don’t expect it to happen naturally.  Though Hebrews 10:24 was written prior to communication technology, the need to plan for it to happen was encouraged back then — “And let us consider how we may spur one another on …”  How much more we need to be deliberate about this today!
  1. Encourage small groups to add a fun activity and/or outreach effort into their agenda, perhaps quarterly.  Fun activities give us opportunity to simply enjoy each other’s presence. We need to do more of that!  Outreach activities give us opportunity to work/serve with others side by side. While technology might get us connected, it will only go so far! We can’t too easily do these things through email, social media, etc.

(The last two points were based on some comments from someone following MinTools.com on Facebook.)

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4 Replies to “Church Fellowship Ideas in a High Tech, Low Touch World”

    • Wonderful! Without a high tech world, we wouldn’t be communicating like this. God does use it for good! The caution is that it does not become a substitute for true fellowship in the real world.

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