Whilst thinking of my reflections, it occurred to me, quite suddenly, that I had always been through Care Group (CG) in CF not knowing the clear and concise reason of why I attended it. It was for learning from God’s Word- yes, but we can also learn from God’s Word through one-on-one Bible Studies with a single person. It was also for fellowship- the oft used reason for a CG; yes, but if fellowship meant just hanging out, chatting, eating; then you could also do so with your non-CG friends in school and outside school, right?The reason for why I attended CG was rather muddled and unclear to me. So, I was rather interested upon finding out about the Care Group Workshop (CGW). After repeated announcements that CGW was not just meant for Care Groups Leaders (CGLs), I decided to attend CGW, hoping that my reason for attending CG could be further defined and clarified.
I learnt that Christian fellowship in CG is God-centred. It is not food-centred or ‘chatting-centred’. The heart of it is a common relationship to God. It is only in Christ and centeredness on Christ that our relationship with a brother or sister-in-Christ will grow deeper- and this is where the meals or chatting follow as a result of this deepening relationship with Christ.
With this fellowship with one another in Christ, we can then reach out to our campus effectively and united in spirit, knowing that we are ‘outreaching’ for Christ- being effective salt and light on campus.
So, Christian fellowship is all about Christ, not about self. Its ultimate purpose is in outreach on campus for the glory of God.
This is a snippet of what I learnt from this one day of CGW. The bunch of CF members getting together was, quite aptly, a time of fellowship too; for we did have a great time learning from God’s Word and also had fun in the process. After spending half the day in the Students Activities Centre, we proceeded to Steven’s (a staff worker’s) house for the second half CGW. We had fun through board games, chatting and (of course) snacking.
Though I did not stay for the entire CGW, the one-day spent gave me a refreshing take and reason for CG in CF, was time wisely spent learning from God’s Word, and was a fun time of interaction. An enriching experience for the mind and soul!