How can we emulate the fellowship seen in Romans 16:14 within our church? Context of Romans 16:14 “Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers with them.” • The Spirit-inspired words show Paul personally naming five believers—and the wider group “with them.” • Every name matters; every believer is acknowledged. • The greeting is not a formality but a lived expression of unity in Christ. Timeless Principles in the Verse • Personal recognition affirms each member’s worth. • Fellowship extends beyond a single circle—“and the brothers with them.” • Greeting is an action word, calling for deliberate warmth. • The instruction is public, modeling fellowship for the whole body. Practical Steps for Our Church • Learn and use names intentionally—ushers, small-group leaders, and members alike. • Create mixed-age “tables” or ministry teams so no one is left “out there” with unnamed status. • Dedicate five minutes before and after services to greet beyond your usual friends. • Highlight unsung servants (tech crew, nursery helpers, custodians) from the pulpit and in newsletters. • Encourage hosting simple, open-door meals; Scripture commends hospitality (1 Peter 4:9). • Pair newcomers with long-timers for a month of shared seating, coffee, and check-ins. • Celebrate spiritual birthdays and service milestones; public acknowledgment mirrors Paul’s pattern. • Maintain contact through the week—texts, calls, doorstep visits—so Sunday greetings flow from genuine relationship. • Incorporate testimonies during services so “the brothers with them” become known faces and stories. Additional Scriptural Encouragement • Acts 2:42: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” • Hebrews 10:24-25: “Let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds, not forsaking the assembly…” • Philippians 2:3-4: “In humility consider others more important than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” • 1 Thessalonians 5:11: “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as you are already doing.” Living It Out Together When we call one another by name, open our homes, and celebrate every member’s contribution, we mirror the Spirit-directed pattern in Romans 16:14. A church family marked by intentional greetings, shared meals, and mutual encouragement embodies the fellowship God has preserved for us in His perfect Word. |
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