Conservative "Fellowship" Halls
The abuse of this word is a curious spectacle to put it mildly. Among churches of Christ there has been a tendency to use this word, which the Bible uses, in ways which the Bible does not. Even more curious is the fact that neither Webster nor Funk and Wagnalls recognize some of the uses to which our brethren have put this word.
Basically this word is translated from three Greek nouns and two verbs. They mean, "communion, sharing in common, communication, a contribution, partnership, partaker or partner" according to Vine. Today's dictionary adds "friendliness, comradeship, and friendly intercourse."
Of the Bible fellowships there are some which are not engaged in at all times; e.g., "communication" or "a contribution" wherein you send to the need of some gospel preacher or some needy saints. When the need no longer exists there would no longer be a need to continue in this particular "fellowship." Then there are those which we should always strive to maintain, e.g., "communion, sharing in common" such as is stated in I Jn. 1:3-7. There is never a time when we could be right in stopping our walk in the light, likewise there is never a time when we could be wrong to stop walking in darkness and turn to the light. It should be noted however, both those who walk in the light and those who walk in darkness, have fellowship. Not with one another, but all those who walk in the same communion as they.
Never does the Bible tell those in the light (faithful Christians) to "withdraw fellowship" from those who walk in darkness. Why??? It isn't possible for those in the light to have fellowship with those in darkness. If one is in the light, and he should choose to walk in darkness, he "withdraws fellowship" from his Lord and all those in the light. Saints are not told to "withdraw fellowship" from the sinner for the simple reason that if they are faithful saints they aren't in fellowship with those in darkness to begin with.
Why "nit pick" about this word anyway??? This "word," and the abuse thereof, has, I believe, caused many to get the wrong idea of just what Bible "fellowship" is. Because the Bible does tell us to withdraw ourselves from those who walk disorderly, II Thess. 3:6 so they might be made ashamed of their walk in darkness, II Thess. 3:14; some have concluded that fellowship means coffee and cake get togethers. Now how could they arrive at that? Simple! By withdrawing from those who walk in darkness, the Bible means to withdraw your social relationship from them, that is to say, don't eat a common meal with them, don't associate with them on a social level, II Cor. 5:9-11. So when brethren speak of "withdrawing fellowship" and then turn to their Bible to show just what "scriptural discipline" is they naturally confuse some people into thinking that "fellowship" is a common meal. And brethren, whenever people begin to think Bible "fellowship" is a common meal, they feel (and rightly so) that the church should provide the place, facilities and funds if need be, so the church can enjoy Bible fellowship. "Walla!" "Fellowship halls, church kitchens, social and recreational directors, youth ministers etc." Otherwise faithful, "conservative" brethren are frequently guilty parties in this language of Ashdod. Brethren, let's indeed "Speak where the Bible speaks" and demand a "thus saith the Lord" in all our terms. You can argue till you're blue in the face that everyone knows what you mean when you say "withdraw fellowship" but you are going to be forced to admit that at least some brethren have gotten the idea that fellowship is a good time around a table set with goodies. I wonder if you would care to venture a guess where they ever got that idea. I know it wasn't from the Bible, and I know it wasn't from Mr. Webster, where dear brother, where, did anyone ever get that idea anyway?
Finally, if you are walking in the light you have "fellowship" with Jesus and all others who so walk. If on the other hand you walk in darkness, you have fellowship with all others who so walk. There are those who know the truth (assembling with those in error) who for various reasons will not come out from error as the Lord commands in II Cor. 6:14-18, as such their fellowship is with those who walk in error. Then there are those who are associating and meeting with a faithful congregation, but whose true allegiance lies with those in error, the dictionary follows the word "fellowship" with another word that amply describes these people, "fellow travelers," those who, "sympathize with, and often further the ideals and program of an organization or group without membership in the group or participating in its activities." Such people are sowers of strife and should be "withdrawn from," or "marked and avoided" Rm. 16: 17-18. The reason for this is not because we must "withdraw fellowship" from those in sin but because they are not in "fellowship" with us to begin with. Brethren, what in the world do you mean when you report the church has withdrawn "fellowship" from some brother in error or sin? There are only two conclusions I can draw if I assume you are "speaking where the Bible speaks and remaining silent where it is silent." (1) You have stopped sending the fellow money and other physical support. (2) You are confessing you had been in darkness (along with this one from whom you withdrew) but now are in the light and by thus changing from darkness to light you have moved your fellowship and "withdrawn" it from your sinful brother. Now if you mean the former, God bless you for "withdrawing fellowship" from the one in sin. If you mean the latter, I believe you should have the courage to say, "the congregation at such and such place has been in sin but we confess our error and repudiate our former actions, all in the congregation have come out of this sin, save for brother X who chose to keep his "fellowship" with darkness." If you meant neither one of these, but mean you have withdrawn your social relationship from a brother, then please stop, Stop, STOP, using the word "fellowship" in this misleading way and contributing to the delinquency of misguided brethren who now labor under the misconception that fellowship is something to be eaten or drunk.
— 541 N. Bethune Dr., Va. Beach, Va. 23452