In many schools across the United States administrators and teachers are implementing the Responsive Classroom approach. In a Responsive Classroom, a teacher sets up a time for the class to meet together in the day, normally in the morning for what is called “Morning Meeting.”

In Morning Meetings, the teacher and students get to spend time together building class continuity. First they greet one another, have a time for sharing, do a group activity and then end with news and announcements. The meeting is also used for things such as setting up classroom routines, modeling appropriate behaviors and discussing changes in the classroom. If there ever was a need to address problems within the class, there was an appointed time that could be used to discuss logical consequences and practice problem solving strategies. This special time for Morning Meeting had to be set aside in the school day, but it was time well spent!

An appointed time

Morning Meeting emphasizes the importance of fellowship in a classroom environment, which has a direct effect on student success socially, emotionally and academically. But did you know that God has given us a means such as this to help us become a more cohesive group of Christians?

In the Bible, God commanded that His people meet every week for a holy convocation or assembly called the Sabbath (Exodus 20:10). Fellowship on the Sabbath gives us the opportunity to grow in our understanding of God’s laws, how to implement those laws in our daily life, and gives us a time to build relationships with our Church family on a weekly basis. Sabbaths and Holy Days are our meetings where God’s ministers remind us of our purpose and God’s plan for mankind. Promoting solidarity and providing a chance to praise God and give thanks in unity, these holy times set God’s people apart (Exodus 31:13).

Promote harmony with action

In Greek, fellowship is koinónia. Strongs defines it as contribution, participation or sharing. The meaning implies there is action when we fellowship; action which includes using our talents and spiritual gifts such as service, faith and hospitality. Remember, our gifts are not in conflict with one another but rather are complementary.

God’s people are told not to forsake assembling together but to rather exhort one another and consider one another to stir up love and good works (Hebrews 10:25). When we ask someone how their week was or what we can pray about for them, or perhaps even open up about our own burdens, we are bringing the Body together and helping mend what needs repairing (Ephesians 4:16).

When we have open, honest communication on a regular basis in which we speak the truth in love, we will have an unparalleled relationship with one another--as David said, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity” (Psalms 133:1-3).

Paul writes in Acts 2:42 to continue “steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” Fellowshipping will help us better understand one another as well as God’s Word and will edify the Body so that the Bride is ready for Christ when He returns. So use that special time that is set aside each week to fellowship. Invite someone over for a meal. Seek to encourage one another. Spend quality time with the brethren and you will be a Christian who understands the value of the Sabbath, a time for fellowship.