Fellowship Groups
We need each other. In person. Books and conferences have their place; our association adds value to our churches because our pastors are committed to walking together with each other through the difficulties of pastoring. “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 ESV)!
In other words, we are family, and family sticks together. God has given us each other as a gift. We devote ourselves to the ministry of paraklésis, which means “to call to one’s side; to summon, encourage, admonish, entreat” (1 Timothy 4:13). As a band of brothers we pray for each other, and hold each others’ arms up when the other is weary.
Do you remember the story in Exodus 17 of God’s people engaging in battle against their enemies? Exodus 17:11 reads, "So it came about when Moses held his hand up, that Israel prevailed, and when he let his hand down, Amalek prevailed." Moses led them well, but he got tired and his arms began to droop. Joshua and Hur rallied to his side and held his arms up, leading the Israelites to victory. Moses willingly accepted their help, and Joshua and Hur happily offered. This story illustrates how God has given us each other as a means of grace.
Togetherness is God’s plan for the church: not only does each individual church work together as a local body, but God intends for churches to work with churches and for pastors to support pastors. This is why we facilitate connection among church leaders by organizing regional fellowship groups.
Our regional fellowship groups are convened by pastors in the four quadrants of the greater Dayton area (dividing lines are Interstate 75 and St Rt 35). Send one of our quad conveners an email to find out where to join us in our next event!
Northwest
Scott Snyder
ssnyder@butlercommunity.church
Southwest
Jon Young
pj@daytonave.org
Northeast
Southeast
Jon Young
pj@daytonave.org