Koinonia

This week, Stacy and I have been away at our Foursquare Connection (our national convention)—a time we look forward to every year. It’s more than just a change of scenery or a ministry event, it’s a refreshing experience for the heart and soul. We get to reconnect with friends and pastors we’ve walked with over the years, and every time we do, I’m reminded of the deep fellowship God desires for each of us. 

Every Sunday at church, before our meet and greet time, I talk about how we were made for relationship. Relationship with God, and relationship with others. But not just surface-level connections. We were designed for Koinonia—a biblical word that speaks to more than just being friendly or having coffee together. Koinonia describes a shared life, a spiritual bond of love, mutual encouragement, and deep connection. It’s the kind of fellowship that sustains us, challenges us, and helps shape us into who God is calling us to be.

Proverbs 27:17 describes it beautifully: “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” That’s what Koinonia looks like in practice. We walk with one another, not just on easy days, but through the difficult ones too. We speak life, truth, and encouragement into each other’s hearts. And sometimes, that sharpening comes through challenge—through truth spoken in love and humility or comfort offered in the midst of pain. It’s not always easy, but it’s the way we are called to live. Because in the process, God forms us, strengthens our character, and deepens our unity.

The early church modeled this kind of fellowship powerfully. Acts 2:42 says, “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship (koinonia), to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Their shared life wasn’t seen as optional—it was central to their faith and growth. They prayed together, gave sacrificially, encouraged one another, and worshipped as one. And the result? Lives were changed, needs were met, and the presence of God was unmistakable in their midst.

In our independent culture, deep fellowship like this can feel rare or even intimidating. But we need it. We need to know others, and we need to be known. When we encourage each other and lift each other up, we help one another see our worth and purpose in Christ. We strengthen the bond of the Church, and we reflect the love of Jesus to the world around us.

So whether it’s at a ministry convention, a Bible study, a Sunday morning conversation, or a quiet moment of prayer with a friend—we need to lean into Koinonia. Don’t settle for shallow connections. Ask God to give you relationships that sharpen your faith, stir your spirit, and remind you that you’re never walking this journey alone.

Lord, we thank You for the gift of Koinonia—for the deep, life-giving relationships You designed us to have. Thank You for the people You’ve placed in our lives to walk alongside us, encourage us, and help us grow. Teach us how to love one another well, to speak life and truth, and to build one another up in Christ. Help us to be vulnerable and open, creating space for true connection and unity in and through You. May our fellowship reflect Your love and bring glory to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.