Communicating With Our Church: Part 4

The last post within our Communicating With Our Church series is to look at Our Results.

1 John 1:7 states that “..if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another…”

Every bit of communication within the church should promote and encourage fellowship with each other. That’s the result we’re looking for.

If fellowship is being achieved in every church meeting, every small group, every worship service, that’s a sign that we as individuals are striving to walk in the light.

On the Flip Side

A lack of fellowship within the church is a sign that somehow, somewhere, something went wrong. The communication was rejected or broke down on some level.

And when communication breaks down, relationships are strained and fellowship does not take place. And out of those two or more parties involved, someone has to take responsibility.

How Are the Results?

This is where we need to mention words like maturity, honesty and integrity.

If I’m not in fellowship with one of my brothers or sisters in Christ, I need to be mature enough to honestly look at the results. And then have the integrity to make things right. But sometimes honesty is difficult.

For example, if everywhere I go, fellowship with other Believers is a challenge, I’m the common denominator. As hard as it may be, I need to go back to the start and ask myself,

“Jeremy, have you been walking in the light?”

It may be hard to admit, but if I don’t like a lot of people in the church or if I struggle with a lot of people in the church, the results point to me being the problem.

A Word On Conflict

There are times when we notice someone who is lacking maturity, honesty, integrity, or perhaps, they’re struggling in some way. Their words or behaviour is breaking down the communication and relationships within the church.

According to Scripture, we need to embrace a tough conversation and maybe even a conflict for the benefit of that person and/or the benefit of the church. (All of this is outlined in Matthew chapter 18 by the way.)

Though these conversations are extremely difficult, I want to make sure that we understand, that embracing these conversations is part of our decision to walk in the light as He is in the light.

Sometimes, to walk as Jesus did, we have to love each other enough to challenge each other’s words and behaviour, to bring back fellowship with one another.

Am I In the Light?

I’m sure you’re noticing an underlying theme found throughout this post-series, that effective communication within our church starts with us.

Before we speak with each other in a meeting, a small group, a worship service, online or face-to-face, we should ask ourselves, “Am I in the light?” This will always help us begin the conversation with Christ.

John 8:12

“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’”

May we walk in His light this week.

Can I Get Your Feedback?

The result of good communication in the church should be fellowship. How have you seen communication produce fellowship in your church?

Please comment below or share your answer on Facebook or Twitter.