'They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.' Acts 2:42
Teaching
Why is teaching important?
The disciples spent 3 years with Jesus, being taught by him daily.
He taught in the temple courts, people's homes, in the market place, practically anywhere.
He used different techniques; preaching, story-telling, debating and answered questions.
As a fellowship, teaching is a key element in our growth as disciples.
We therefore follow the example set by Jesus and his disciples, providing teaching in a variety of styles, venues and times.
Our hope is to meet the learning needs of everyone in our fellowship, regardless of age or background.
Breaking of Bread
Why is communion important to us?
Whilst enjoying a meal with his disciples, Jesus broke bread and shared wine, asking them to remember him whenever they came together for a meal.
Communion is more than just eating a small piece of bread and taking a sip of wine as part of a ceremony during a service.
It is about sharing together what Jesus did on the cross and what he continues to do in our lives.
We value coming together, sharing our Jesus stories whilst eating and drinking together.
This may be over a meal in a home group or as a whole fellowship.
It could be during a picnic; with coffee and cake or indeed with bread and wine during one or our Sunday gatherings.
The key aspect is sharing what Jesus has done, is doing and will do.
Fellowship
Why is fellowship important?
In the New Testament we read that Jesus and the disciples fellowship together regularly.
For us it is an important part of our growth as disciples.
It is a way of being encouraged and supported, of building relationships and basically becoming family.
Jesus called his followers brothers and sisters, and as such we should not be estranged from one another, coming together only for the purpose of the meeting.
We want to delight in meeting together; to share the ups and downs of our lives; to get to know each other better; to learn to trust and rely on one another with a hope of loving one another, in the way Jesus commanded us to do.
Fellowship doesn't just happen. It takes time, commitment and intentionality.
When true fellowship takes place, then we can be a light to show other who Jesus is.
Prayer
Why is prayer important?
Following the examples given in the New Testament we take time out as individuals, in twos and threes, and as larger groups to spend time with God.
Through prayer we build our relationship with God, to seek his will for us as individuals and as a fellowship.
Whenever we come together, whatever the purpose, prayer is a natural part of that time, moving under the guidance of the Holy Spirit to see miracles happen and lives changed.