October 8, 2015

Fellowship and Food

Peanut butter and jelly. Peter and Paul. Kardashians and reality TV. Some things just go together.

And so it is for fellowship and food. For many churches (and frankly, most social gatherings), food and fellowship are natural companions. And even as someone who has struggled with weight, I think this is (mostly) fine. Food is a lubricant of sorts, giving people something to do, something to talk about as a way to start building relationships. Instead of weather talk, the conversation might turn to the BBQ. This BBQ is amazing. Oh, you like BBQ? You should try Eli’s. And the conversation is off and running.   

This isn’t shallow. It’s a start. Sure, we can tsk, tsk, and ask why people aren’t using their fellowship time to talk about the joy of the resurrection or take an exegetical moment with transfiguration. But most relationships don’t start that way. They start casually, with people sorting and finding common ground. Then they can move into deep and abiding conversations, exploring God’s Word together.   

Several years ago, I was involved in a dinner party program at our church. People signed up to participate in Dinners for Eight, and the organizers carefully assigned groups. The idea was to have people socialize with those they might not know yet or spend time in other circles. It was designed to incorporate young and old, new and longtime members, couples, singles, widows. The dinners rotated among the household involved, and everyone brought a side dish or dessert to lessen the burden on the host.

Fifteen years later, I can still remember some of the great conversations (and my first and only taste of grape pie. Delicious!). More importantly, those dinners played a role in the transformation of the congregation. This opportunity for food and fellowship moved members from seeing church as a Sunday-only experience to a place of relationship and community. Some things should always go together.  

Don't miss a blog post! Subscribe via email or RSS, using the grey box on the upper right.