Different levels of co-participation provide for different degrees of community
Before considering some practical ways that congregations might develop and express community, it is important that we understand some of the different levels of co-participation that produce different degrees of community. The most general level of co-participation found in churches is when they assemble together for worship, and they meet and greet one another. They typically discuss events of the past week, recent news events, family matters, work related issues, sports and recreational activities, or weather conditions. This level of community is very basic yet important to the social aspects of community. Unfortunately some people never get past this level of community, and therefore, never experience the degree of community God intends for His church. When assembled for worship the participants sing together and often think together on whatever the leader or speaker focuses their attention on, yet there is little if any interaction during their time of worship. They have experienced community, but still on a limited level.
Another level of community develops whenever members spend time together sharing meals, going on outings like a camping or fishing trip, going shopping together, or even watching a sporting event together. Those who participate on this level of community build deeper more intimate and abiding relationships, and although important, this level still falls far short of what God intends for the fellowship of the saints.
It is important that Christians grow in community by spending time designed for increasing intimacy based on spiritual activities or disciplines. Being a part of a small group bible study, prayer group, or working together on some project that addresses someone’s needs provides even greater opportunities for building community especially when such activities invite the participants to reflect on their relationship with God and one another, share their feelings and experiences, and examine themselves in a safe atmosphere where some level of vulnerability to the group takes place. Such groups or projects will vary regarding the level of community achieved depending on several factors such as the attitude of the group leader, the subject matter, the amount of sharing that takes place, whether the atmosphere is conducive to intimacy, and the level of vulnerability willing to be risked by those involved. Some work projects can create strong bonds of fellowship when they are conducive to the workers making genuine sacrifices, emotional investments, and becoming vulnerable to those whom they are helping.
One of the greatest levels of community is reached when Christians are able to experience one on one times together that includes mutual confession and prayer. Such experiences allow one’s self to become very vulnerable. Discussing one’s sins, failures, struggles, hurts, hang-ups, and habits in the context of prayer provides for those involved being able to experience the presence and power of the Spirit together in a special time of communion.
Each congregation and individual should assess the levels of communion that they participate in and determine where community can be enhanced by moving forward into deeper levels of co-participation.
Another level of community develops whenever members spend time together sharing meals, going on outings like a camping or fishing trip, going shopping together, or even watching a sporting event together. Those who participate on this level of community build deeper more intimate and abiding relationships, and although important, this level still falls far short of what God intends for the fellowship of the saints.
It is important that Christians grow in community by spending time designed for increasing intimacy based on spiritual activities or disciplines. Being a part of a small group bible study, prayer group, or working together on some project that addresses someone’s needs provides even greater opportunities for building community especially when such activities invite the participants to reflect on their relationship with God and one another, share their feelings and experiences, and examine themselves in a safe atmosphere where some level of vulnerability to the group takes place. Such groups or projects will vary regarding the level of community achieved depending on several factors such as the attitude of the group leader, the subject matter, the amount of sharing that takes place, whether the atmosphere is conducive to intimacy, and the level of vulnerability willing to be risked by those involved. Some work projects can create strong bonds of fellowship when they are conducive to the workers making genuine sacrifices, emotional investments, and becoming vulnerable to those whom they are helping.
One of the greatest levels of community is reached when Christians are able to experience one on one times together that includes mutual confession and prayer. Such experiences allow one’s self to become very vulnerable. Discussing one’s sins, failures, struggles, hurts, hang-ups, and habits in the context of prayer provides for those involved being able to experience the presence and power of the Spirit together in a special time of communion.
Each congregation and individual should assess the levels of communion that they participate in and determine where community can be enhanced by moving forward into deeper levels of co-participation.
Great Post! Thanks for encouranging a deeper level of Christian community.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sketching the different levels. That's helpful!
ReplyDeleteYour description of the different levels of relationships within a group are very insightful. We, as a local group of believers, are quite adapt at the first two levels. For perhaps a variety of reasons we seldom, if ever, get to the third level. If that is the greatest level of community, the question is: why are we not progressing in that direction? Why is keeping us from pursuing that kind of personal relationships? It is nice to talk about but we have to come to terms with this. It is very uncomfortable to think that we could have relationships characterized by this deeper level simply because we, or most of us, have never experienced before. To become that transparent, that vulnerable, that open is unsettling to most of us. Yet, it is to that place we must go if we are to really grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ, attaining to the full measure of the fullness of Jesus.
ReplyDeleteHow does one begin to move in this direction? Do we want to move in this direction? We must get down to the "nitty-gritty" of this if we ever expect to be this intimately involved in the community of believers. And it is at this level that the local church can make a real difference in the lives of people. Otherwise, we are just a social club like any other(??)
I think that for others in the church community to feel safe to be vulnerable and expose their sin to the light, the example must be set by the leadership. A transparent and humble leadership led by the Holy Spirit is one of God's most powerful tools.
ReplyDeleteTo confess your sins to people when you don't know what their reaction will be is scary. You ask yourself: Will they hate me for my sin? Will they pull their children to the side when I walk by? Will they remove me from my leadership position or ask me to leave?
However, when people are humble and recognize the action/thought as sin, God works a wondrous thing. I have been witness to God's mysterious working of the Holy Spirit in this situation. You know what happens, people don't hate you, THEY LOVE YOU MORE! They pray for you, they encourage you, and you give them hope. Hope that they can be forgiven as well.
Do you really beieve God? Trust Him & confess!
How can we show the world God's amazing gift of grace, if we don't show our sin and testify how God is healing us of that sin WHILE we are in his loving family and doing work in His kingdom.
We have to show the world and each other that we are NOT perfect, just forgiven.