There is a debate about the reason why Gen Z (Born between 1997 and 2012 are more depressed than other previous generations. Christian Bonnier, a young man on his social media, stated that they lack the third place. They lack social space or social gatherings besides the home and workplace. The youngsters should leave their homes and be part of social life. (Times of India, 22 February 2025) Humans are social beings who need friendship and companionship. The local church and other weekly gatherings help a person to have a robust social life. It is essential for the local church to have fellowships for men, women, youth, teenagers, and cell groups to provide this third space for all believers.
Neglect not: The Bible teaches not to neglect the weekly fellowship of saints. (Hebrews 10:25) There are two dynamics in action in such gatherings: Receiving and Giving.
Receive: Humility is always essential to receive. In fellowships, we have the privilege and opportunity to receive from two sources. First, the saints of God gather to receive the blessings from God. The blessing could be in the form of renewal, fresh understanding of the Scripture, sharpening of vision, encouragement, affirmation, rebuke, and warning. Second, each believer has an opportunity to be ministered to by fellow believers, brothers, and sisters in the Lord. The devotion, testimonies, words of inspiration, model, care, love, and sharing build up the believers.
Give: The gathering of saints is also to give generously. This also has two dimensions. First, the saints gather to worship, praise, and offer sacrifices of thanksgiving. Also, they honor the Lord with their first fruits, meaning the best of their incomes, which includes tithes. (Proverbs 3:9) Giving to the poor saints and also for mission work is also a duty of a believer. Second, the people of God care and share.
United efforts: The local church is the representation of the Body of Christ in the local context. Believers plan and execute evangelism in the locality to extend the Kingdom of God.
Do I neglect the weekly gatherings?