Recently, I had attended the fellowship at a local church. That night, however, wasn’t just any fellowship session; instead it featured a workshop about “What is Fellowship?” In it, a church elder surnamed Chan, discussed to us the importance of fellowship especially to college students. During the speech, he emphasized the three F’s of fellowship: function, foundation and fruit. He was able to articulately explain and even market the significance of the fellowship in the Christian church.

First, he asked “Why do you all participate in fellowship?” By being interactive with the audience, he was able to sway away from the stereotypical church workshop and lectures, with over an hour of one-way verbal communication. By adding our participation to the speech with the use of the overhead projector, he created a group-oriented feel, focusing on learning through discussion and participation. In response to his question, many participants responded with the usual, “to eat, to have fun, to spend more time with God and his teachings.” Soon, Elder Chan developed a long list on the transparency, which was displayed using the overhead projector. The long list evolved into what he called the function of the fellowship.

In support of his purpose, he also mentioned numerous verses from the Bible, including from chapter one from the First Epistle of John. “That which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ (I John 1:3)” and continuing until “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.” (I John 1:7). By using the Bible to support his views, Elder Chan was able to be more persuasive in his talk, as even if one does not choose to believe his words, one would be more swayed to trust the words of the Bible.

Next, he compared it to secular applications as well. There are many entities that have groups that are like fellowships, from companies with board of directors to associations who meet together and talk, as well as support groups of all sorts for different purposes. All of these function as a extension of oneself, as a way to join with others to achieve a common goal.

The common goal in terms of fellowship is reinforced by the foundation of fellowship, another characteristic of fellowship. According to Elder Chan, the fellowship’s foundation is represented by the teachings of God. As stated above, there are many verses from the Bible that highlight the importance of fellowship, from Ephesians to I John. Even long ago, the fellowship existed as ones mean to further relate with God.

Lastly, Elder Chan emphasized the fruit of fellowship. The fruit represents one’s reward for participating in fellowships. He continued his interaction with us by asking us what we think the fruit is. “What kinds of fruit do you see here at the fellowship? Apples? Oranges?” The participants in the room laughed. The fruits of fellowship were simply a combination of the effects of the function and the foundation. Many functions were designed and tweaked to meet the needs of the members. He also mentioned numerous practical advantages to fellowships such as the ability to allow its members (especially the younger and more vulnerable) to avoid participating in improper events and gatherings or illegal activities. He also mentioned the significant degree of gratification involved when talking about his experience of his fellowship in Tacoma, Washington over 30 years ago becoming a significant church today.

Overall, Elder Chan did a wonderful job in presenting to us “What is fellowship?” He simplified it in three categories: Function, the Foundation and the Fruit. For the most part, I found his speech very inspirational and encouraging participating in fellowships more often to further relate with God. His articulate and interactive way of presentation was helpful, using media and verbal interaction with good tone of voice. One thing that he lacked was providing handouts. If a handout that summarized his presentation was provided, then I would have taken in more from his workshop.