February 4, 2016

Koinonia is the Greek word that means “fellowship, sharing in common, communion.” The word Koinonia occurs 20 times in the Bible. The first occurrence of Koinonia is Acts 2:42, “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” It is a primary understanding in the Christian Church that fellowship should be a key aspect of our life together. When we say that we are followers of Jesus, then we must make it a priority to come together in love, faith, and encouragement. That is the essence of Koinonia.

Philippians 2:1-2 declares, “If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.” If Koinonia is to mean fellowship, and being in agreement with one another, even being united in purpose, then we need to strive to serve others and alongside each other. Our Koinonia with each other is based on our common Koinonia with Jesus Christ.

When I joined a local Lutheran church, my wife and I were placed into a “Koinonia” group. It was a group of couples who were all in a similar place in our lives. And the purpose of the group was to be in fellowship with one another. Whether you have recognized it or not, most likely you already have such a group. And if you don’t then form one. Find some people to form a Koinonia group where you can break bread together, be united in purpose, and strive to serve others.

Pastor Dave