The concept of forsaking the fellowship is rooted in Hebrews 10:24-25, where the writer exhorts believers, saying,
“And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.”
To forsake the fellowship means to willfully abandon gathering with other believers. It is not about occasional absence due to circumstances beyond control but refers to a deliberate rejection of the body of Christ and the communal life we are called to in Him. Fellowship is integral to spiritual growth, accountability, and living out the commands of Christ.
The term “assembling” here points to intentional gatherings, which could range from worship services to smaller communal meetings where prayer, teaching, and encouragement take place. Forsaking these is a disregard for the spiritual nourishment, encouragement, and accountability God intended for believers.
What Does Forsaking the Fellowship NOT Mean?
Forsaking the fellowship does not mean you are failing in your faith if you miss a Sunday service or need time alone with the Lord in personal devotion. Jesus Himself often withdrew for solitude to pray (Luke 5:16). There is a distinction between seasons of rest and intentional isolation from the body of Christ.
It also doesn’t mean that every gathering of believers is automatically healthy. Some leave congregations because of false teaching, unresolved abuse, or unbiblical practices. Such actions are not forsaking fellowship but may instead demonstrate obedience to God’s Word, as we are called to test all things (1 Thessalonians 5:21) and avoid false teachers (2 John 1:10).
The Point of the Church, the Ecclesia
The ecclesia, meaning “the called-out ones,” represents the assembly of believers who belong to Christ. The church is not merely a building but the collective body of Christ. As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 12:12-14,
“For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. For in fact the body is not one member but many.”
The church has several purposes outlined in Scripture:
Worshiping God Together
Jesus says in John 4:23-24 that true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth. The church gathers to magnify God collectively through worship, reflecting the unity of the Spirit.
Encouragement and Accountability
Fellowship provides believers with encouragement and accountability. As Proverbs 27:17 says,
“As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.”
God designed us to walk together, building each other up in love and truth.
Teaching and Discipleship
Acts 2:42 shows the early church devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayers. This example sets the model for how the church fosters spiritual growth.
Serving One Another and the World
Galatians 6:10 reminds us,
“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.”
The church serves as a hub for believers to use their spiritual gifts for building up the body and ministering to the lost.
Proclaiming the Gospel
Jesus commissioned His church in Matthew 28:19-20 to
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you.”
The church exists to share the good news of Jesus Christ with the world.
Why Does This Matter?
Forsaking the fellowship weakens the believer’s faith and hampers the church’s mission. Isolation leaves one vulnerable to spiritual attacks, much like a lone sheep separated from the flock becomes easy prey for wolves. Peter warns in 1 Peter 5:8,
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”
However, when we stay connected to the body, we are strengthened, encouraged, and reminded of our purpose in Christ. The church is where we bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2), spur each other to love and good works (Hebrews 10:24), and rejoice and weep together (Romans 12:15).
My Final Thoughts
Forsaking the fellowship is not merely neglecting church attendance but abandoning the life-giving community God has provided for His people. The church is more than a weekly meeting; it is the hands and feet of Jesus, a family that encourages, disciples, and worships together. Staying engaged in fellowship helps us grow in Christ, equips us to serve, and strengthens the witness of the Gospel to the world.
Let us take the charge of Hebrews 10:24-25 seriously and prioritize fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ, not as an obligation but as a vital part of our walk with God. If you’ve been distant, ask the Lord to lead you to a healthy, Bible-centered fellowship where you can grow and contribute to His kingdom.
