WHAT IS COMMUNITY?

Google defines community as a group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common. This is true in the Christian sense as well, we are a group of people that all believe that Jesus is Lord and has died for our sins. You have probably experienced community in your life through you family, friends, sports teams, or other organizations. Community is great for building friendships, and for personal growth. People in your community may push you to do better. In sports teams for example, a good community will push one another to reach their maximum potential, while also keeping each other accountable when slacking. Christian community is the same, but instead of sports, we encourage eachother in our walk with God. When someone gives their life to Jesus, they are welcomed as a child of God, and as part of the body of Christ. The body of Christ is just a fancy way of saying Gods family. Although all of us are different, we all serve the same God and are called to love one another. A Christian community is marked by the way people treat each other, and the local church should strive to model christlike attitudes. So what is christian community? Its a collective of people who love Christ, and seek to carry out his mission by loving God, and loving one another.  

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

Christian community is important for a lot of reasons. The Christian walk cannot be done alone. We need people to back us up and help us out, and God knew this. In fact, God built us for community. Here are a few reasons why community is important.

ACCOUNTABILITY

We need to keep each other accountable! If we do not have other people in our lives who will push us to be the best we can. We also need people to tell us when we aren’t living the way God intended us to live. If we don’t have people around us to guide us and affirm us in the righteous path, then we will slip into living for ourselves. We can easily become selfish and forget about Gods plan for our lives. However, when we have people in our lives that push us forward and guide us towards Jesus, it is infinitely harder for the Devil to try and turn us away from God. Find people that will hold you to a high standard and won’t let you settle for second best.

THE GREAT COMMISSION

We need community to fulfill the great commission. When people who don’t know Jesus yet look at christian communites, they should see a community that truly loves one another. People on the outside looking in should want the love that we have. This points people towards Jesus, and allows for us to share the love of God with others. Ministry is also way more fun in a group. When you get in a community of likeminded christians who want to see the world changed through the power of the gospel, there is nothing that can stop you. You get to watch as people hear about Jesus for the first time, and better yet, you get to see it with your closest friends.

PRAYER PARTNERS

The final reason I will list today is prayer. When you are in a christian community, it is like having an army of prayer warriors at your disposal. True Christian Communities are ones that will go to war in prayer for you. People who constantly pray over you and your future. It is support on another level, that only comes through the prayers of your community. It is both comforting and empowering. 

WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR IN A COMMUNITY?

Finding a christian community can be difficult. Sometimes christian community can seem hard to get into, or intimidating, but if it is a true community, you will be accepted with open arms. It may be weird at first, but I encourage you to keep investing into the christian community you meet. You’d be suprised at how fast you may feel a true connection to the people you invest in. The funny thing about christian comuntiy is that you will hang out with people that wouldnt normally be your first choice, yet it will feel as though you’ve known them for years, and will have a crazy bond that is only brought through the love of Christ. Look for a community that pushes you beyond what you think you can do. If you are in a community that accepts good enough, I encourage you to start encouraging others to go beyond the normal. Look for a community that isn’t afraid to call each other out. Having bold friends (in moderation) will help keep you accountable to the goals you have set for yourself, and will help shape you into who God is calling you to be. 

Verses for you to reflect on: 

Proverbs 27:17 - Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.

Romans 12:4-5- For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.

Tips: 

Don’t give up on finding a Christian communtiy. Don’t try and take your christian walk alone. It may be daunting to find a church community that you enjoy, but it will make your walk more enjoyable, and will grow you in different ways than you expect. 

Try pushing your friends to become better than they are now. Don’t forget that it is your job as a friend to ensure those around you are growing as well. 

EXTRA RESOURCES:

What is Christian Community?

https://www.gotquestions.org/Christian-community.html

What to look for in a Christian Community?

https://bibleinoneyear.org/en/classic/320/