We Apostolics have a penchant for conferences, seminars and retreats. The number of events have skyrocketed in the past decade, and all of them offer much needed help and spiritual motivation. One may argue whether or not we have too much going on, but at least there seems to be something for everyone. Yet, not everybody goes. Some are not convinced they need to attend at all.
We call the person who mostly stays by himself a loner, an isolationist, even a recluse. “Why doesn’t he get more involved?” we ask each other. Speculations about a lone duck abounds. We think he doesn’t like us, or he thinks he is better than us. He might think he isn’t wanted. Maybe he’s been hurt in the past. Perhaps it’s the lack of time, unfortunate scheduling, no money, or personal problems. Withdrawal never just happens. There’s got to be a reason.
Fellowship, however, is absolutely vital to one’s ministry and spiritual walk, both for the ordained ministry and laity alike. In a local church, as soon as a person begins missing services, he immediately compounds the problem that caused him to miss in the first place. It’s like prescribing fasting for someone dying of starvation! It’s exactly what he doesn’t need. The same holds true for the larger fellowship between churches in a district, and on the national level. Without it, we soon lose the glue that holds us together.
Something happens in the dynamic of personal interaction and fellowship that cannot be replaced by books, tapes, the media or one’s own thoughts. Proverbs 27:17 says, “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” Consider these reasons why the lone duck needs to join the flock:
The need to belong. All of us must be part of something bigger than ourselves, and the success of the larger group always goes back to the individuals who comprise it. We must care. We must be committed. We must show enthusiastic support. The cost of belonging cannot be waived.
The need to know. We need to know the names and faces of our fellow laborers. We need to know what’s going on, who’s doing what, what’s new, what’s changed and what’s staying the same. This is not gossip or small talk. It is responsible membership. Staying current and informed draws us in. Staying aloof and detached makes us feel like an outsider. Anyone who feels like an outsider long enough may eventually become one.
The need to learn. Is there a better idea? Is someone doing something in a better, more efficient way? Do we need course correction? Do we need to be aware of dangers, false doctrines or potential problems? Participation exposes us to a wide range of things that directly effects our lives and churches. Isolation makes us vulnerable to misinformation, disinformation, and our own unchallenged assumptions.
The need to grow. Without growth, we stagnate. Conferences, camps and seminars act to stimulate ministers, saints and churches to new levels of spiritual victory. We receive inspiration to try new ventures, encouragement to stay in the battle, and affirmation that others care and are pulling for us.
Scientists say that when the flock of ducks or geese fly, they cut through the wind and make flight easier for their companions. They receive a lift from each other. The lone duck has no such help. Life is tough and no one seems to care. For lone ducks, the solution is to get back in the flock. The effort will lead to certain and abundant rewards.