From Fellowship to Relationship

The New Testament Church

Acts 2:41-47 (Amplified Bible)

"Therefore those who accepted and welcomed his message were baptized, and there were added that day about 3,000 souls. ⁴²And they steadfastly persevered, devoting themselves constantly to the instruction and fellowship of the apostles, to the breaking of bread [including the Lord's Supper] and prayers. ⁴³And a sense of awe (reverential fear) came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were performed through the apostles (the special messengers). ⁴⁴And all who believed (who adhered to and trusted in and relied on Jesus Christ) were united and [together] they had everything in common; ⁴⁵And they sold their possessions (both their land and property and their movable goods) and distributed the price among all, according as any had need. ⁴⁶And day after day they regularly assembled in the temple with united purpose, and in their homes they broke bread [including the Lord's Supper]. They partook of their food with gladness and simplicity and generous hearts,  ⁴⁷Constantly praising God and being in favor and goodwill with all the people; and the Lord kept adding [to their number] daily those who were being saved [from spiritual death]."

PRACTICAL APPROACH TO LEADERSHIP

Interpersonal Relationships are the key to leadership effectiveness. Because leader-ship is inherently relational, it is perhaps redundant to use the term relational leader-ship. There is, however, strength in the affirmation of repetition. As leaders and participants in the fellowship of the saints, we should be and expect others to be: loving, purposeful, inclusive, empowering, ethical, and functioning on one accord. Without which the corporate expression of Christ within the beloved or body of bel-ievers would be greatly compromised. The Church must move from Fellowship to Relationship; from what we have initially in common, to true and genuine commitment one to another.