IN FELLOWSHIP
rmy one
’s IN FELLOWSHIP {leader manual } all one body
SUPPORTING RESOURCES Book: Called to be God’s People. IN DISCUSSION Take time to discuss the following, remembering to include reference to the suggested Scripture and how it relates to the topic (see page 04 of the In Fellowship book): 1. Shared meals played an important part in the life of the Early Church. Consider the part shared meals play within the life of your corps. Luke 24:30; Acts 2:46, 47; Acts 20:7 2. What does Jesus’ participation in shared meals tell us about him? Matthew 9:10-13; Mark 14:1-9; Luke 10:38-42; John 6:10-13 3. How important is it to meet and share fellowship with other Christians? Hebrews 10:25 4. How can we make our corps meals and social gatherings more inclusive and welcoming? Luke 14:12-23 Activity Ideas •• Look again at the suggestions for fellowship meals made by the International Spiritual Life Commission (see page 03 of the In Fellowship book). Have you shared any such meals in the corps? Which do you think would be the most helpful for your corps? •• When sharing meals with others, conversation can often be very superficial or trivial. In consultation with your corps officer, plan a fellowship meal that is more directed. For example, have people sit in groups of not more than six. Perhaps you could even assign places so that people are not sitting just with their special friends. Then, at a certain point in the meal, ask each in fellowship
MAKING A MEAL OF IT one rmy
IN FELLOWSHIP
MAKING A MEAL OF IT
person at the table to share with the others something of their story – how they came to the Army or how they were saved. At another point, ask each person to share something about the challenges they are facing now. Or ask them to share a favourite Bible verse and say why it is a favourite. Everyone could join in singing a song which has to do with fellowship. At the end of the meal, each person should pray a blessing on the person on their left. 01 •• Discuss ideas for making meals in the home more of a time for remembering what Jesus has done for us – perhaps there could be a special emphasis once a week. This could also be a time when the family prays together. •• Think about those in the corps who live alone. How could they be given the opportunity to share a meal with others? IN PRAYER Pray for guidance to arrange social gatherings that will draw more people into your welcoming fellowship. Father God, thank you for the blessings of our corps fellowship. Help us to be truly welcoming to all. Show us ways in which we can draw more people into our corps family. SESSION OUTCOMES •• Recognising that meals are more than simply eating. •• Understanding that meals can be a time of rich Christian fellowship and mutual encouragement. •• Recognising the need to plan for fellowship in the corps.
– making a meal of it one
rmy leader’s manual
IN FELLOWSHIP
FACES OF FELLOWSHIP SUPPORTING RESOURCES Books: Called to be God’s People. Love – Right at the Heart. Servants Together. When Justice is the Measure.
SUPPORTING RESOURCES Books: Love – Right at the Heart. Called to be God’s People. DVD: ‘Call to our Life Together’, Called to be God’s People.
IN DISCUSSION Take time to discuss the following (see page 07 of the In Fellowship book): 1. In what ways does your corps reflect the ‘glorious harmony’ of rainbow colours? 02 Ephesians 3:14-19; Philippians 2:4; 1 Corinthians 12:12-20 2. ‘A fellowship should not only be open to newcomers, but also actively seek them.’ In what ways does your corps do this? Luke 15:1-7; Mark 2:13-17 3. Should Christian fellowships be distinguishable from other groups? If so, in what ways? Matthew 5:46-48; John 13:34, 35; Philippians 2:1-5 4. What is the difference between the ‘letter of the law’ and the ‘spirit of the law’? Suggest examples. Galatians 3:1-5; 5:14; 5:22, 23 Activity Ideas •• Read the extract from ‘Call to our life together’ in Called to be God’s People (see text on page 07). •• Read the passage from Called to be God’s People, p 63 (see text on page 07). •• Read the passage from When Justice is the Measure, p 4 (see text on page 07). Give time for members of the group to respond. Also think about your own country; are there groups of people who are excluded – outsiders? Think in fellowship
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LOVING OBLIGATIONS
about your corps; are there outsiders – people who are tolerated but not really welcomed? •• Read the extract from page 28 of Love – Right at the Heart (see text on page 08). Imagine that the bandmaster sees one of the bandsmen drinking from a can of beer in the street. Discuss the possible ways – both helpful and unhelpful – the bandmaster might deal with this. You could introduce role play to show the different ways. IN PRAYER Pray for harmony within your fellowship, asking God to reveal any hindrances that exist to making it all God desires it to be. God, our Father, we acknowledge before you that our fellowship is not as good as it could be. Please show us where we are falling short, and help us to be ready to change so that we are truly united in Christ. SESSION OUTCOMES •• Understanding that true fellowship unites all Christians, whatever their differences. •• Understanding that a corps fellowship should be welcoming to all and seeking to bring others in. •• Recognising that each individual has a part to play in bringing about true fellowship.
rmy leader’s manual
IN DISCUSSION Take time to discuss the following (see page 09 of the In Fellowship book): 1. In what ways can being a part of a fellowship help us express our individuality? How well do we help this occur? Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-13 2. Discuss the essential place of fidelity and faithfulness in all relationships. Exodus 20:14; Ezekiel 18:9; 1 Corinthians 4:2; 1 Corinthians 6:18-20; 1 Corinthians 7:2, 3 3. What – if any – are the differences between ‘duty’ and ‘loving obligations’? Why are they important? Luke 17:10; Romans 15:26, 27; Genesis 4:9; 2 Timothy 4:5 4. How easy is it to overlook our personal obligations to the fellowship? What are they? 1 John 3:17, 18; 1 John 4:7; Philippians 4:8, 9; 1 Corinthians 10:24 Activity Ideas •• The reference to ‘fidelity and faithfulness in relationships’ applies most obviously to the marriage relationship. Discuss the pressures on the marriage relationship in your society. How can your corps strengthen and encourage married couples? •• In some cultures Christian marriage, or indeed any kind of marriage, is no longer seen as essential or important. in fellowship
Discuss how you would answer someone who asked why we have a marriage ceremony in The Salvation Army. •• ‘Without them (fidelity and faithfulness) deceit, lying, betrayal and destruction of trust take over, causing chaos in many lives, including the innocent.’ Think of some situations other than marriage where this could happen.
LOVING OBLIGATIONS one rmy
FACES OF FELLOWSHIP one rmy
IN FELLOWSHIP
IN PRAYER Pray for faithfulness and integrity in all your relationships. Ask God to show you how your individual contribution can be used to enrich the fellowship. Father God, you have called us to love and serve one another. We recognise that we often find this difficult and sometimes fail. Please forgive us, fill us with your love, and help us to love others as you have loved us. SESSION OUTCOMES •• Understanding the importance of healthy and wholesome relationships. •• Recognising that each individual has a responsibility to the whole. •• Understanding that duty and love are both part of the Christian way of life.
– loving obligations one
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IN FELLOWSHIP
TOGETHER IN WORSHIP SUPPORTING RESOURCES Book: Servants Together. DVD: ‘Call to Worship’, Called to be God’s People.
IN DISCUSSION Take time to discuss the following (see page 11 of the In Fellowship book): 04 1. What are the main reasons for holding public worship? Psalm 42:1-5; Psalm 95:6, 7; Psalm 122:1; Psalm 103:1-5; 2 Corinthians 3:17, 18 2. In what ways can worship be made helpful to all who attend? What kind of things might be unhelpful? Ephesians 3:7-9; 1 Corinthians 1:1015; 1 Corinthians 2:1-5; 1 Corinthians 11:17, 18 3. What are the essential ingredients of public worship? What really matters? John 4:23, 24 4. ‘True worship is when the way we live each day confirms the worship we share together.’ Discuss. Hebrews 12:1, 2 Activity Ideas •• Read the passage from Servants Together, pp 7, 8 (see text on page 08). •• Usually the corps officer plans and leads worship. Discuss how each member of the congregation can contribute. Widen your thinking to what happens before and after the meeting. •• Perhaps the group could plan and lead a Sunday worship meeting, making in fellowship
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sure that the ‘essential ingredients’ as discussed in question 3 above, are included. •• View the ‘Call to Worship’ chapter of the Called to be God’s People DVD. IN PRAYER Pray that God will show you how shared worship in your fellowship can be: •• Honouring to God; •• Inclusive in its approach; •• Moments when you give God time to speak to you. Dear Lord, thank you that we are able to meet together for worship. Thank you for each member of our fellowship. We pray that you will help us to honour you in our worship. May all who come have a sense of belonging. Help us to be ready to listen for your voice speaking to us. SESSION OUTCOMES •• Recognising the importance and purposes of public worship. •• Recognising that worship can take many forms. •• Understanding that worship involves the whole of life.
rmy leader’s manual
SUPPORTING RESOURCES Books: The Salvation Army in the Body of Christ. Servants Together. Who are these Salvationists? IN DISCUSSION Take time to discuss the following (see page 13 of the In Fellowship book): 1. Discuss William Booth’s insistence that the Army should not criticise other churches. Why do you think he took this stance? Mark 9:38-41; Ephesians 4:1-6; Ephesians 2:19-22; Philippians 1:15-18; 1 Peter 2:17 2. What can The Salvation Army learn from other churches? Philippians 3:15, 16; 2 Thessalonians 2:13, 14 3. In what ways can the Army help other churches? What gifts does it bring to the Body of Christ? Philippians 3;15, 16; 1 Peter 2:10; 2 Timothy 4:2-5 4. How ‘all-embracing’ is your fellowship to people who are ‘different’? Hebrews 13:15, 16; James 2:1-7; 1 Corinthians 16:10, 11 Activity Ideas •• Read the passage from The Salvation Army in the Body of Christ: an Ecclesiological Statement, p 4 (see text on page 08). •• Read the extract from Servants Together, pp 11, 12 (see text on page 09). •• Read the passage from Who are These Salvationists?, p 12 (see text on page 09). •• If your corps already has links with a neighbouring church, discuss ways in which those links could be strengthened. If not, could you initiate a link, perhaps by inviting members in fellowship
of the other church to a social or musical evening? If there is no other church nearby, do some research into another denomination that is strongly represented in your country, and explore the beliefs you have in common. •• Look at the website of International Headquarters – www.salvationarmy. org – and find some ways in which the international Army works with other churches.
GOD’S PEOPLE – EVERYWHERE one rmy
TOGETHER IN WORSHIP one rmy
IN FELLOWSHIP
GOD’S PEOPLE - EVERYWHERE
IN PRAYER Pray that God will give you a fresh understanding of the vastness of his Church and the importance of each person playing a supportive and unifying part. Dear Lord, we thank you for the variety and diversity of people who belong to the Church universal. Help us to appreciate that those who belong to other churches are brothers and sisters in Christ, and may we welcome them as such. SESSION OUTCOMES •• Recognising that The Salvation Army does not criticise other churches. •• Understanding that Christians of all denominations are part of one body – the Body of Christ, through his Spirit. •• Understanding that the basis for belonging to the Church universal is acknowledging Jesus as Lord.
– god’s people – everywhere one
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REFERENCED RESOURCES one rmy
one rmy ‘Call to our life together’ p 59 in Called to be God’s People. We call Salvationists worldwide to rejoice in their unique fellowship; to be open to support, guidance, nurture, affirmation and challenge from each other as members together of the body of Christ; and to participate actively and regularly in the life, membership and mission of a particular corps.
REFERENCED RESOURCES FOR THIS UNIT This unit relates in part to doctrines 2, 3, 9 and 11
DVD Called to be God’s People – ‘Call to Worship’ and ‘Call to our Life Together’, Salvation Books, IHQ
We affirm the unique fellowship of Salvationists worldwide. Our unity in the Holy Spirit is characterised by our shared vision, mission and joyful service. In our life together we share responsibility for one another’s spiritual well-being. The vitality of our spiritual life is also enhanced by our accountability to one another, and when we practise the discipline of accountability our spiritual vision becomes objective, our decisions more balanced, and we gain the wisdom of the fellowship and the means to clarify and test our own thinking. Such spiritual direction may be provided effectively through a group or by an individual. Mutual accountability also provides the opportunity to confess failure or sin and receive the assurance of forgiveness and hope in Christ.
WEBSITES www.salvationarmy.org/onearmy www.salvationarmyspirituallife.org
‘Call to our life together’ p 63 in Called to be God’s People.
BOOKS Called to be God’s People, ‘Call to our life together’, p 59-64, ‘Fellowship Meals’, p 41, Salvation Books, IHQ 06 When Justice is the Measure, ‘Showing Compassion Toward Social Outsiders’ p 4, Triumph Publishing, Canada and Bermuda One Army, Introduction, pp 14, 15, IHQ Love – Right at the Heart, ‘Love and Regulations’, pp 28-31, Salvation Books, IHQ Servants Together, pp 7, 8 and 11-20, Salvation Books, IHQ One Army, In Christ, p 2 The Salvation Army in the Body of Christ: an Ecclesiological Statement, pp 3, 4 and 12, 13, Salvation Books, IHQ Who are these Salvationists?, p 12, Crest Books, USA
@TSAOneArmy What resources would you add? Let us know by emailing OneArmy@salvationarmy.org or visit www.salvationarmy.org/ onearmy/resources
referenced resources
one rmy leader’s manual
When Jesus prayed for all believers, he lifted fellowship and ‘oneness’ to a new level. ‘I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you’ (John 17:20, 21). Such closeness, such unity, such oneness is an ongoing challenge to Christians everywhere. It is an incredible privilege – but not for the exclusive few. It has been made possible for a purpose. Jesus
continued: ‘May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me…I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me’ (v 22, 23). The fellowship Jesus has in mind is allembracing. His arms stretch round the world. So should ours, beginning at home. ‘Showing Compassion Toward Social Outsiders’ p 4 from When Justice is the Measure. Compassion is motivated by empathy. It generates behaviour that sees life from the other person’s point of view. True compassion generates responses that open doors for outsiders to become insiders. The social-outcast scale has numerous levels. Obviously, some experiences of exclusion are more painful and more destructive than others. Childhood memories can still generate deep feelings in adulthood. Being rejected by your circle of friends, coping with a learning disability, failing a grade at school or always being the last person chosen to make up a sports team can leave emotional scars. Cultural rejection can be as simple as being born a girl or dealing with the stigma of testing positive for HIV-AIDS. On the religious front, women can be restricted from leadership roles or isolated in separate sections for worship. In some circles, being divorced or living as a lone parent can lead to relational alienation. Doors are often closed in the faces of people having a particular sexual leader’s manual
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orientation or indulging in certain lifestyle behaviours. On the outcast scale, the treatment from other people can be more difficult to cope with than carrying the emotional weight of being physically disfigured or mentally challenged. ‘Love and Regulations’ p 28 from Love – Right at the Heart. One of the dangers for Salvationists is the possibility of giving any regulation such unwarranted importance that the reason for its existence is overlooked. Jesus pointed this out when he told complaining 08 Pharisees that ‘…“The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath”’ (Mark 2:27). A correct balance is needed. When keeping regulations becomes more important than keeping people, some fresh examination needs to take place. Sometimes, of course, the difficulty lies in the harshness or unnecessary rigidity with which the regulation is administered. This is when we all need to be reminded that ‘to love’ is without question the greatest ‘regulation’. Regulations exist to help people live and work in harmony. They are not to be used principally to exercise power. They are meant to help Salvationists be ‘inclusive’ in their fellowship, not ‘exclusive’ in their attitudes. CHAPTER 1 ‘Worship’ – pp 7, 8 in Servants Together. The biblical words for worship are, at their roots, words for service. This implies a deep connection between Christian worship and service. They are essentially one. leader’s manual
an international teaching resource
The most common Hebrew words for worship have ‘ebed’, which means servant, as their root…In the New Testament the two words used for worship are ‘latreia’, which means service and worship (see Romans 12:1), and ‘leitourgia’, which was used in everyday language as service to the community or state, usually without pay (see Hebrews 10:11).
spiritual relationship one with the other, which begins and continues regardless of externals, according to the prayer of Jesus that those who are his may be one (John 17:23). These words of Jesus ask for a oneness as is found in the oneness of Father, Son and Holy Spirit. This oneness is spiritual, not organizational.
Our life as an act of worship directs us towards true discipleship.
CHAPTER 2 ‘Community’ – pp 11, 12 in Servants Together.
In Isaiah 58:6, 7 we are given directions for this life: ‘Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter – when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?’ Jesus told the story of the good Samaritan to illustrate that love for God demands unconditional love for our neighbours (Luke 10:25-37).
We are called into community. The Christian community is not just any fellowship. It is a specific sort of fellowship, a communion with Christ.
The true disciple does not separate worship from compassionate service, nor fail to see the holy in the everyday. ‘The Body of Christ on Earth’ – p 4 in The Salvation Army in the Body of Christ: an Ecclesiological Statement We do not believe that an adequate definition of the Body of Christ on earth, the Church universal, can be confined in terms of ecclesiastical structure, but must rather be stated in terms of a spiritual relationship of grace that must find expression in all ecclesiastical structures. Members of the Body are those who are incorporate in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 1:1) and therefore reconciled to God through his Son. All such are in a
The New Testament uses the word ‘koinonia’, a fellowship that comes into being when we have a share in something, when we are involved in or initiated into something, not when we simply gather around something. This something shared is actually someone, Jesus Christ. ‘Koinonia’ comes into being when we are initiated into Christ. We die to ourselves and are raised into Christ (Romans 6:4). When we live in Christ, we live a life that feeds upon Christ, a life that draws its nutriment and vitality from Christ….
of our being and transformed into Christlikeness. The fellowship is built on a sure foundation, the living Word. But it is not a static fellowship. While its calling remains the same, it develops and adjusts itself as circumstances change and as it is touched by the world and by people. ‘The Theological Approach’ – p 12 in Who are These Salvationists? We are truly one with all other believers. All who acknowledge Jesus as Lord are seen as brothers and sisters in Christ by Salvationists all around the world. We can find true fellowship with any such person. Our oneness, our solidarity in 09 Christ, stems not from belonging to the same formal structure or to the same denomination, but from our common faith in Jesus as Lord and as our Redeeming Saviour. This is the one true Church of which Frederick Coutts wrote. It is the “body of Christ.” Salvationists are part of this body by reason of their personal faith and trust in Jesus. This body is one body, even though its unity is not always made visible. In this sense the Army is one with all other true churches and Christian believers.
We are called into this communion. The first letter to John describes this calling: ‘That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched … We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ’ (1 John 1:1, 3). This communion is an event of grace as our lives are touched in the very depths leader’s manual
an international teaching resource