I recently attended a church for 5 months.   I have written a review of my experience.  This review is extended to ALL churches, because I believe they all have a degree of what I will share here. 

I heard sound preaching of the Word of God, and met good and kind people; however, what I came for, I did not find, and that was biblical fellowship.   I believe it was not because of anything else but this reason:  a misunderstanding of what Fellowship is and how it is intrinsic to being connected to the Vine.  If we are not connected to the Vine, we will practice a superficial, shallow fellowship that is more related to socializing.

The fellowship I experienced was shallow.  It depended on Sunday, men’s meetings, women’s meetings and all other extra events where you had to Go to church to enjoy it.   

Biblical fellowship requires us to BE the church.  Only when this takes place can we fulfill the command Jesus gave us to LOVE ONE ANOTHER.  In this proper order, we practice ‘one-anothering’ easily in the Lord’s guidance and wisdom. As we practice this, we prove we are the Lord’s disciples.

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35

I cannot say that this kind of fellowship is not taking place at all in this church.  What I am saying is my experience. And I did not just sit back waiting for ‘it’ to happen, I put myself out there on many occasions in various ways.  The point is, this kind of fellowship is not reserved just for those who are involved in the doings of the church or reserved just for leadership.  It is the commandment Jesus gave us without exception. So that even the least of these will be given a drink of water, clothed or bathed in Christ’s name when they are in need.    

I was in need.  I came looking for a cup of refreshing cold water, searching for a connection with individuals beyond socializing, so that we may partake of Christ in fellowship. Instead, I left after 5 months of trying, parched.   

“Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’ Matt 25:37-40