Baptist Bread

And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. Acts 2:42

Sunday, March the first, We started a new tradition; or at least we are giving it a trial run. We are holding "Fellowship Sunday" the first Sunday of each month. In a smaller work, it is easier to do this.

We had our regular morning schedule with Sunday School and morning preaching service. This was then followed by a pot-luck dinner. (Or lunch, or supper; depending on what part of the country you are from.) Immediately following the dinner we had an afternoon service instead of an evening service. We finished up about 2:00 pm. It was a great time of fellowship ad a blessing to our people.

This is certainly not an original idea. We were having a monthly fellowship on the fourth Sunday night of each month. The change was well received and we had a good time. We will do it again.

What is it about Baptists and food? I can't speak of other denominations, but Baptists love to eat. One old preacher said, "Hold a prayer meeting and a few people will come. Hold an eat meeting and you'll really get a crowd." The reason we have such fellowships for the fellowship. It always seems easier to enjoy the company of others while enjoying a good meal.

I remember "Homecoming Services" at my grandfather's church when I was a boy. It was the highlight of the year. Some people would come to homecoming that wouldn't come any other time. I do not approve of this practice, but at least they came that once. I cannot say the the breaking of bread in Acts chapter 2 was a pot-luck supper. Some would argue that Paul criticized such events in 1 Corinthians 11. Obviously, I do not take this position. I think there were bigger problems in Corinth than pot-lucks.

But such meetings build a fellowship within the church. It also gives us a drawing card with bringing visitors. I mean, who doesn't like free food? It also gives us a chance to show charity to some one who does not have. We never make anyone feel obligated to bring something if they cannot.

If its all about the ministry, then we should minister. Besides, some of these Baptist ladies fry up a mean mess o' chicken. Just a thought.

Thank you for reading.