Pastor Joey: The term we see translated “fellowship”, actually comes from three distinct nouns, and one verb. The First noun, koinonia, which is also translated communion, and communication. Its basic meaning is “sharing in common”. The second noun is moteche, meaning partnership. The third noun koinonos, denotes a partner, or partaker. The verb, koinoneo, means to have fellowship or communication with. Sunkoinoneo means the same. Basically, to fellowship, means to have in common, or have partnership in something. Here are a couple of verses that might better help us to understand.

• 1 John 1: 6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

If we continually walk contrary to the light of Christ, then how can we claim to have fellowship with Him, or be a partaker of new life from Him?

Pastor John: Phi 2:1 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, 2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

Christian fellowship must be based on the Lord. We fellowship in the Spirit. We celebrate the Lord and what He has done for us. We encourage one another and provoke one another to love and to good works. This is what fellowship is about. We seek one mind together and that is the mind of Christ. The only place that we find that is in scripture so the Word is our focus and where we stand.

Do you believe it’s possible to have true Christ-centered fellowship, with those whom you differ, doctrinally?

Pastor Audey: In spite of popular opinion today, the scripture clearly teaches that the believer’s fellowship must be based upon doctrine. It is the Truth which binds our hearts together in love and by which all true fellowship must draw its strength and comfort. Paul declares in Ephesians chapter 4 and verse14-16, in reference to “the unity of the faith”, that we must “speak the truth in love” in order that “we may grow up into Him in all things, which is the head, even Christ”. “Speaking the truth in love”, is essential for our “not being tossed to and fro and being carried about with every wind of doctrine by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive” (Eph 4:14). “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” (Amos 3:3). The ultimate purpose, or benefit for such “Christ-Centered fellowship”, is to “encourage one another in the Faith (Faith meaning that ONE faith which was once given unto the saints); secondly, to “Provoke one another in love and good works (Love for and from the truth Eph 4, good works stemming from a true and lively faith James), and to “exhort one another daily, while it is called today; lest any of us be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin” (Heb 3:13). None of these “Benefits or blessings” can be achieved nor enjoyed where our fellowship with other professing believers is not centered around the doctrines of our holy Christian faith. To simply seek “fellowship” for sensual and fleshly reasons, while ignoring the doctrines (Scripture, not creeds) of our most holy Christian faith, is to produce an “unhealthy and even sinful” relationship. Such “Unhealthy Fellowships” has proven over the years to actually “weaken the churches testimony in this world” and “opened the door for many dangerous and heretical teachings to creep in amongst her” (Jude 4; Gal 2:4; 2 Pet 2:1-2 etc). This teaching is not very “Welcome” amongst many professing believers today, who feel that “Doctrine merely divides” and therefore where a doctrine divides, let us ignore it for peace sake. Yet, the truth should never be sacrificed for merely peace sake, for “true peace” can only be obtained in “the truth”. It is common to hear amongst many believers today that we should “ignore fundamental doctrines” if we cant agree on them. I feel this is sinful ignorance and weakens the “Divine purpose and true blessings” of scriptural unity and fellowship. Christ centered fellowship, is a fellowship which centers not only around, or through Christ Himself, but also upon those divine truths surrounding His Person, Work and Salvation. Where can there be a “Christ-Centered Fellowship” where the truths concerning His Person, Work and Salvation are ignored or compromised? What “benefit” can we actually think of receiving, when we fellowship simply for “fellowship” sake, while neglecting or ignoring those divine truths for which He suffered and died to accomplish in our behalf? Is this not what Christ meant when He said, “Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you” (Matt 7:6). If it is the “truth that makes us free” (John 8:32) shall we bring ourselves into “Bondage of ignorance and error”, only for peace sake? And if by “the truth we are sanctified” (John 17:17-19), shall we not be defiling ourselves by a union which is not based on truth? And if the “Church of the living God is the pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Tim 3:15), then shall we attempt to build a “Christ-Centered fellowship” upon falsehood, error and lies?

Yet, there is also a warning here to be heard. For we must beware of “barring the door” against those who are simply ignorant or unlearned in such scriptural truths. For we must never allow ourselves to be filled with a spirit of pride or arrogance concerning those things which God has so graciously revealed unto us, as though we had earned them. “For who maketh us to differ from another? And what do we have that we did not receive? Now if we received it, why do we glory as if we have not received it?” (1 Cor 4:7) This wisdom is not from above, which is first pure, then peaceable, gentle and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy…but earthly, sensual, devilish” (James 3: 13-18).
We must never forget that though we must love in the “Truth”, it is “Love” by which such truth is to be carried and proclaimed. Truth proclaimed without love, is the “letter of the law” which killeth. Our goal in all we say and do regarding any scriptural truth, should never be selfish, nor simply to defend our position, but by the grace of God, to “establish the Truth”. We are creatures of extreme and must always struggle against going to far left or right, but must humbly pray that we might, by God’s grace, maintain a divine “Balance”. Our goal must echo that of Scripture, namely, “repentance to the acknowledging of the truth” (2 Tim 2:25)


Pastor Joey: I think it’s important to say that we have fellowship, or something in common, with every genuine believer in the world. Now, I think it’s also important to point out that in Acts 2 the people continued in fellowship with the Apostles in doctrine. While I have regeneration in common with all believers, I definitely do not have doctrine in common with all believers.

Pastor John: Eph 5:8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: Eph 5:9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) Eph 5:10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. Eph 5:11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
In part we can fellowship with many people, but there is a special and unique fellowship that takes place between brethren that are standing for what is acceptable unto the Lord. For instance I can fellowship with another southern Baptist on many things like; eternal security and creation. But, there are some topics that I would not be able to share with many of them and grow in with them like; specific atonement. So I am willing to talk with a brother who differs with me but to share the truth in love is all the fellowship that I will have with a brother on those topics.

You hold to the 5 points of TULIP, and the five solas. Can you have real Christian fellowship with those who do not hold to these distinct teachings?

Pastor Audey: This is a question which I wish to carefully answer. For again, I believe that we must maintain here a divine balance. I strongly believe in the doctrines of grace, for I believe them to be scriptural. And yet, I would be very cautious about stating that I would only fellowship with those who hold strictly to these truths. Let me explain myself, in light of my previous answer. I would never sacrifice these truths for peace sake, yet I am constrained by scripture and conscience to examine each situation separately. For there are many believers who have not yet come to see, nor to understand, the doctrines of Grace (it was solely by God’s grace that He has opened my eyes), yet who are “open” to them. True believers who, (like myself many years ago), have never been taught these blessed truths from Scripture. Often times, I fear we “defeat our own purpose” in our attempts to proclaim and defend these precious truths by our not being patient nor meek enough with those who have never been taught these glorious truths from Scripture. Again, the reason or motivation for my fellowshipping with those who are “open” to these glorious truths must be my love for Christ, His truths and His people. For when such divine truths have truly been “engrafted” into my heart and affections, then it will create in me not only a love for the truth itself, but a love to see that same blessed truth heartedly and affectionately received by others. If our desire is truly to see such blessed truths received and cherished by others, as they are by ourselves, then meekness and patience shall direct our hearts, minds and speech. And like the Apostle Paul, we would be willing to be “accursed from Christ” for others sake. It’s not merely “Defending the truth” which the true believer desires, it is much more the “Receiving of that truth”, which he longs and desires above all things. Biblical defense of the Scripture is not merely “negative” as in only “Defense”, but, in our defense of the truth, we long to see the will enlightened, the heart transformed and error and falsehood exposed. This is the Scriptural goal of “Defending the Truth”.
Concerning those who adamantly despise and hate these truths, true fellowship could never be established, as long as such enmity exists; for again, true fellowship can only be accomplished and maintained upon a mutual love, respect and adoration for the truths of God: And where two parties are at such great differences, true unity and fellowship cannot be established, something that both parties would mutually agree upon. I refuse to allow myself to be led into a fruitless and futile debate with those who adamantly despise such truths. To “Make or create” a debate, merely to be “Debating”, I believe is very unbecoming of those who profess to truly know to the truth.

Pastor Joey: With something as vital as how God saves the sinner, it is hard to say you can have things in common with those who attribute salvation to the labors of their own hands. Often times the term “fellowship” is used by modern Christians to ask, “well, can you fellowship together with those who differ in soteriology?” When asking, they usually mean, “can you gather together and worship in a local assembly that teaches a works based salvation?” My answer is no. There are several reasons, one being that I wouldn’t subject my children to the notion that anything other than grace provides regeneration. I’ve also found that even in messages on divorce, the Christians attitude in the work place, etc., that one’s soteriological views are imposed into those teachings. How God saves the sinner is the fundamental question to be answered by every local visible assembly, and it’s vitally important to have that in common. With that said, I need to insert that I have a multitude of friends whom I enjoy relationships with, which differ in doctrine. I couldn’t worship in Spirit and in TRUTH in their assemblies, but I definitely have common ground or fellowship in the fact that we have called on the name of the Lord for salvation.

Pastor John: Heb 5:13 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. 4 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

Yes, but only in part as I stated above. I am careful in this though. Some would take this idea of fellowship to extreme limits that are harmful. The idea that I can fellowship with a roman catholic is absurd. The idea that I can fellowship with a Mormon is absurd. I can talk with them and share with them and be kind to them and point them to the scriptures and pray for them, but real Christian fellowship is only going to be available with Christians. I do not today nor have I ever believed that people who do not understand God’s grace or sovereign grace are all lost. I was saved as can be and did not understand those things. Those things are MEAT not milk. God grows us in our knowledge and understanding. I am still growing today. For those who are not willing to listen or want to subvert the truth I do not feel bad in not fellowshipping when that non-sense is happening.

Do you find that your position on this limits you in any way?


Pastor Audey: Nope. In all honesty, it grants me more liberty to be “always ready to give an answer to every man that asketh me a reason of the hope that is in me, with meekness and fear” (1 Pet 3:15). It also enables me to be reminded that if it wasn’t for the “Grace of God”, I would have never come to know these truths myself. By maintaining a humble spirit about the “knowledge and wisdom” God has given us, helps us to be able to help those, who at first might appear to be enemies of such truths, yet in reality, they are simply ignorant, like we were, of these glorious truths.

Pastor Joey: Limited? No, definitely not.

Pastor John: Amo 3:3 Can two walk together, except they be agreed? Yes, but I think that we ought to be limited. I think that many have crossed the bounds of scriptural fellowship into areas where they tolerate things that are against the scripture. Now where I draw that line and where others draw that line I am sure will differ. I draw the line at works based salvation and the ability to loose salvation. If someone credits God with their salvation I can have fellowship with them even if only in part.

Some have suggested that we ought not to break fellowship over non-salvific issues. Do you agree with this, and if yes, can you give an example of what non-salvific issues might be?

Pastor Audey: Well, again, one must be careful with ones wording. “Non-Salvific” issues can be vital and fundamental truths, even though they are “Non-salvific”. For example, I am a Baptist, and I believe firmly in “Believers Baptism”. I see no scripture evidence for baptizing babies. This is a “Non-Salvific” issue, yet one which I firmly believe to be important. Does that mean I cannot, or will not fellowship with Paedo-Baptist? Of course not! Yet, our fellowship will have certain limitations to it, for we differ greatly on this point. This one issue leads to other issues, such as “Church membership”, what is truly a “Covenant”, “Paedo-sacrament”, and other issues which are for me fundamental. Therefore, I can fellowship, yet it will be limited to those fundamental truths which we agree on, making a strong “Fellowship” impossible. In this case, these differences should be avoided when they only lead to a heated and carnal debate, which is not glorifying to God, nor edifying to the body. “The wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God” ( James 1:20). I do not believe we should totally forget or ignore them. These are fundamental truths, though not salvific, and should be discussed, yet in a biblical and Christian manner. If that is not possible, then such a discussion should unfortunately be avoided, but never ignored for peace sake. I’m a Baptist, and I believe wholeheartedly what the scriptures teach concerning believers Baptism to be fundamental, and therefore to be silent merely for peace sake, would be an attempt to silence my conscience and my convictions, of which I will not, I cannot, I must not do.
In regards to this whole issue of “Christ-Centered Fellowship”, we must not allow our own opinions to determine what, or how such a fellowship should be conducted, but solely Scripture alone. We live in a day and age where many deceivers and heresies have filtered in amongst the ranks of God’s church, creating much confusion and heartache. Our fellowship must be founded upon the truth, not mans, but God’s. And this fellowship can only be strengthened and preserved as it thrives and nourishes on the truth of God. To deny error to enter into the church through the front door, yet open it to the back door of fellowship, is only to delay the inevitable, namely, the corruption of the truth. It’s “the Little foxes” that “spoil the vine and ruin the tender grapes” (SOS 2:15)

Pastor Joey: Well, again, with fellowship meaning to have things in common, you can’t break what’s already broken. Again, while I have friends that might hold to the Sovereign Grace of God as I do, but the differences in baptism, the church, the Lord’s supper, administration, church polity, etc., would be differences big enough for me not to join them in their local assembly. While I can communicate with them, have things in common with them, and be very close friends with them, I couldn’t compromise what I see as sound Biblical doctrine. I think it was John MacArthur who said “love without truth is sentimental hypocrisy”, and I agree with that. We’re constantly being told in this seeker friendly, emergent church time we live in, that sound doctrine is no longer important, and nothing could be farther from the truth. For instance, I see nothing but believers baptism in the scripture, in the New Testament church. For one who holds to infant sprinkling, I see that as a false teaching. The same with the Lord’s Supper, or any other various doctrines. I’m of the opinion that if I see Baptist doctrine as truth, I’m going to hold to that truth. If I thought something else was scriptural, I’d leave the Baptist church today, and join it tomorrow. If we compromise one truth, how long till we compromise it all?

Pastor John: I do not “break fellowship” with folks on all topics. Many do not believe that Jonah died in the belly of the fish. I do (please do not send cards and letters I know that I am a kook…). I REALLY do not care if others believe that. I don’t break fellowship with people over that, but I do not have fellowship with very many on that issue. I can even discuss that topic but I have no fellowship on that topic with people that don’t believe that. I honestly believe that there is a difference between people needing to grow and people being false teachers. How do we tell the difference? The scripture and the Spirit are the only answer to that. Stick to the scripture and follow the Spirit. I personally needed time, mercy and grace to understand grace and the sovereignty of God. God sent a wonderful man (brother Fred Johnson my old pastor) who loved me and fellowshipped with me over MANY things, and took time to teach me from the Word. This man did not base his love for me on my understanding of those topics. He just kept pointing me to the scripture. God used this to grow me and help me understand more. I pray that God helps me be like that for others. I SURELY believe that fellowship can only be true fellowship if we are in agreement with the truth, yet I also believe that we MUST love one another and encourage and admonish each other to the truth if we do not understand. Without BOTH of those being true we would not be like Christ. Christ NEVER compromises, but He loves me. He has mercy and pity on me when I do not understand, and He helps me grow and learn.

SOLI DEO GLORIA!