The Bible says to edify one another. How often do we discuss with brethren what we have been praying about, or what we have been studying? How often do we talk about the lessons we’ve learned through trials?

Prepare

A good practice is to prepare ahead of time for fellowship. Think about what you will share with people. Plan to talk to each other for at least five minutes, covering deeper subjects, rather than surface-level topics, such as what we ate. If you are able, arrive early for services and/or be one of the last people to leave.

Share

Talk about the messages after services. Consider what Scripture says about those who converse together on spiritual topics, “Then those who feared the LORD spoke to one another, and the LORD listened and heard them; so a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the LORD and who meditate on His name” (Malachi 3:16). In addition to the messages, talk about a biblical topic you have been studying or meditating on recently.

Consider sharing some of the things you have been praying about. It can be encouraging to others when you share that you have been praying for them, and you can also ask if there is anything they would like you to pray about. Make it a point to talk to everybody in the congregation over the course of weeks and months. We don’t want anyone to fall through the cracks. Even an infant can be impacted by us. Even something as small as remembering children’s names can make a big impact.

In Dale Carnegie’s book, How to Win Friends and Influence People, he says that if one learns only one thing from his book it should be to concentrate on the other person’s point of view (pp. 74-75). Carnegie said that it is good to allow the other person to talk about themselves (p. 123) and that he tries to talk about himself less and pay attention to the speaker (p. 190), listening “intently” (p. 115).

Edify

When you do talk it’s good to avoid speaking your own words on the Sabbath, but rather speak God’s words (Isaiah 58:13). Our commanded assembly on the Sabbath is a great opportunity to improve our fellowship skills, as we seek breakthroughs in our relationships!

If you want the best and most effective fellowship possible and to impact people with what you say, use church services as an opportunity to edify each other!