Throughout my life I have enjoyed a whole range of different fellowships.

I simply love the word.

It is associated with so many other “F” words.

The foundational meaning of the word is friendship.

In many ways our family is the first fellowship, where we experience life, a sense of belonging, where we learn to serve, lift, help and strengthen one another.

A family of fellowship provides the foundation for relationships built on love, trust, mutual understanding and respect.

It has been my experience that when families prioritise faith, forgiveness, and fortitude, they create strong fellowships within their homes.

Faith can also unite people in a spiritual or religious community.

For instance, after our church meetings on Sunday, our congregation enjoyed a warm fellowship at a munch and mingle together.

Fellowship also suggests a fraternity, where a deep bond of brotherhood or sisterhood can emerge.

Recently I became a Fellow of the Association for Coaching.

It is made up of a group of followers who share a common path.

I’ve discovered, that at the very core of the association, there is a fraternity of a close-knit group of individuals who support, challenge, and uplift one another – its great!

Fellowship and fraternity go hand in hand.

Last week I was in a deep conversation with another fellow of the association discussing how to build lasting connections and shape the lives of the rising generation of new coaches.

In a strong fellowship, where we have a focus on something, everyone has a role to play, whether in service, leadership, teaching, or simply offering encouragement.

And when that fellowship is strong, it builds a sense of community and people begin to flourish.

Flourishing is more than just a state of well-being, it’s about thriving, growing, firing up our faith, and reaching our full potential.

As each member flourishes the entire fellowship benefits.

My experience of fellowships is that they are also places that provide freedom to grow.

They are the foundation of friendships, families, and faith communities, that lift, strengthen, and inspire us to become our best selves.

What fellowships are shaping your life today?