Dear Hope Family,
I hope that you are enjoying our summer study of the book of Philippians as much as I am. One of the most endearing and convicting aspects of the book thus far has been the relationship Paul and the Philippians enjoy together. It goes deeper than sentimentality and transcends utility and convenience.
In fact, the specific word Paul uses repeatedly for their partnership in ministry is koinonia – sometimes translated as “fellowship”. At times the American evangelical church has reduced “fellowship” and koinonia to a cup of coffee in one hand, a doughnut in the other, and small talk in between. While never less than that type of gloriously ordinary connection, the partnership in the Gospel, for which Paul commends this church, is also a richer and more substantial web of relationships and life together – one that can support and further the counter-cultural ministry of the Gospel of Christ. Certainly that is the type of fellowship we aim to forge at Hope and are constantly asking the Lord to cultivate in us.
This weekend (Friday evening and Saturday morning) we are hosting our Discovering Hope gathering. Yes, it is a new members class. Yes, it is an introduction to Hope Church and how the eternal truths of the Gospel come to unique expression in our community. But it is also much more than a useful, convenient, and nice gathering. It is an invitation to fellowship, partnership in the Gospel, and koinonia.
Discovering Hope is consistently one of the most hopeful and encouraging endeavors of ministry for me. So many worthwhile questions flood in: Why is God drawing these specific people together? Why do we all need to remember and reconnect with the fundamentals of Christian faith? What is God up to at Hope? How can we grow in affection, life together, and joyful partnership for Christ’s Kingdom?
Would you join me in praying for the weekend? Would you join me in dreaming about how we can partner together and deepen in fellowship to colonize earth with the life of heaven? Would you rejoice with me that God is adding to our community? Would you make room for more folks who can and will become partners in the gospel and partakers of the grace of Christ?
Peace of the Risen Savior,
David