In the Hazak Fellowship model, every individual is expected to be an active participant, not just a bystander. The success and effectiveness of the group and its mission hinge on each member taking personal responsibility for their spiritual life and for the well-being of the community. This active participation is what makes the Hazak Fellowship a true community rather than just a place to attend a meeting.
The Responsibilities of an Individual Member
Every member is a vital “stone” in the spiritual building of the Hazak Fellowship. Their responsibilities fall into two main categories: personal spiritual discipline and active community engagement.
1. Personal Spiritual Disciplines
These are the foundational habits that allow a member to grow and be an effective part of the group.
- Reading the Bible: A Hazak member is responsible for their own spiritual nourishment. They are expected to regularly read and meditate on the Bible. This is the source of the “apostles’ teaching” that they discuss and apply in their group meetings.
- Pros: This personal study deepens their relationship with God, provides them with spiritual guidance, and equips them to share their faith with others. It also ensures that the group’s discussions are based on the Word, not personal opinions.
- Cons: It can be challenging to maintain consistency, especially for those who are new to the practice. It requires self-discipline and can feel overwhelming without guidance.
- Praying: An individual member is expected to maintain a personal prayer life. This includes praying for their own needs, for other members, and for the mission of the group.
- Pros: Prayer strengthens their connection to God and provides the spiritual power necessary for growth. It also allows them to actively support their fellow members, even when not physically together.
- Cons: Like Bible reading, prayer can be difficult to maintain consistently. It can be hard to stay focused, and some may feel like their prayers are ineffective.
2. Active Community Engagement
These responsibilities are about putting faith into action within the group and the wider community.
- Fellowship: This goes beyond attending meetings. Members are responsible for actively building relationships with others in their HFG and Fire Team. This means being open, vulnerable, and a trustworthy confidant.
- Pros: Deep fellowship builds a strong support system where members can “bear one another’s burdens” as encouraged in Galatians 6:2. It creates a sense of belonging and family, which is a powerful witness.
- Cons: It requires a significant investment of time and emotional energy. It can be challenging for introverted individuals or those with busy schedules. It also carries the risk of being hurt or misunderstood in close relationships.
- Living the Sermon on the Mount: This is the practical outworking of their faith. Members are expected to live a life that reflects Jesus’s teachings on love, humility, and forgiveness. This is a visible testimony to the transforming power of God.
- Pros: A life lived according to these principles is an authentic and powerful witness to others, as it naturally “shines a light” on God’s grace and love (Matthew 5:16). It also brings personal peace and a clear conscience.
- Cons: It’s difficult and counter-cultural. Living selflessly and forgiving others is a constant challenge that goes against human nature.
- Sharing Resources: As per 2 Corinthians 8:15, members are responsible for sharing their resources so that no one in the fellowship is in need. This is a radical and often challenging aspect of the model.
- Pros: This practice ensures that the basic needs of every member are met, strengthening the unity and trust within the group. It is a powerful example of God’s provision.
- Cons: It requires a great deal of trust and can be financially and personally challenging. It goes against the worldly impulse to accumulate and protect personal wealth.
- Bearing Burdens (Supplications): During meetings, members actively pray for one another, especially during the “hot seat” segment. This is a commitment to not just listen to a need but to take action through prayer.
- Pros: This provides immediate and powerful spiritual support to those in need. It deepens the empathy and compassion of the group, reinforcing the reality of a shared spiritual journey.
- Cons: It can be emotionally taxing to consistently hear and pray for the deep struggles of others.
The Pros and Cons of an Active-Only Model
The Hazak Fellowship’s emphasis on active participation has both significant benefits and potential drawbacks.
Pros:
- Authentic Faith: It cultivates a genuine, lived-out faith rather than a passive, intellectual one.
- Strong Community: It builds a resilient and deeply connected community that is able to withstand challenges.
- Greater Impact: A group of active participants can accomplish far more in service and outreach than a group of passive attendees.
- Personal Growth: It pushes individuals out of their comfort zones, leading to significant personal and spiritual growth.
Cons:
- High Barrier to Entry: The level of commitment required may be intimidating to some, potentially making it difficult to attract new members who are not ready for such an intense level of involvement.
- Burnout: The high level of responsibility and constant engagement can lead to spiritual fatigue or burnout if not balanced with personal rest and spiritual nourishment.
- Conflict: Close, active relationships can also be a source of conflict. The group must be intentional about forgiveness and reconciliation to maintain unity.
- Exclusivity: If not carefully managed, the close-knit nature of the group could appear cliquish or exclusive to outsiders, hindering its outreach efforts.
Ultimately, the Hazak Fellowship model is a high-risk, high-reward approach to Christian community. It demands everything from its members, but in return, it promises a life of deep purpose, authentic relationships, and a powerful impact on the world.