Searching for Truth

Developing community is sometimes messy. Eugene Peterson writes: Community is intricate and complex. Living in community as a people of God is inherently messy. A congregation consists of many people of various moods, ideas, needs, experiences, gifts and injuries, desires and disappointments, blessing and losses, intelligence and stupidity, living in proximity and in respect for one another, and believingly in worship of God. It is not easy and it is not simple. Not every situation can be anticipated. This is why it is so critical to learn to love. If we are serious about loving God, then we must love people, especially those who are our brothers and sisters in Christ. Love sincerely desires and acts to promote the best spiritual interests of the other person. We must devote ourselves to each other. Paul explained that this was Jesus’ attitude toward others, and that we should emulate it (Philippians 2:1-4). To love one another is simply ...

Developing community is not simple or easy. It takes first of all, the grace of God. We should ask God continuously and fervently for help and wisdom from above that we might grow into what He wants us to be as a church. Community is a terrific challenge in our culture. Some churches almost become a group of anonymous worshipers. The pervading selfishness, preoccupations with the urgent, chaotic lifestyles, and increasing detachment of intimate relationships in our society destroys community in the body of Christ. One of the most important aspects of community is growing in our relationship with Christ through knowing and being known by others within the body. Nearly everyone seems to have an inherent need to know and be known. The body of Christ supplies the environment for transparency, honesty, and intimacy. In Christ, we should be able to share our deepest needs, struggles, concerns, problems, joys, victories, and dreams. We need to learn to pour out ourselves to one another, ...

Community or fellowship is further enhanced by working together for a common purpose or goal. In the New Testament, such fellowship was sometimes expressed through financial contributions to brethren in need, or enabling preachers to tell the good news of Jesus. Working together necessarily creates community. When churches have projects, works, or ministries that allow them to work side by side in spreading the love of Jesus to others, they are building community. A church might participate in the Angel Food Ministry program or volunteer at local food banks or soup kitchens to help feed the hungry in their community. Habitat for Humanity allows churches to help in building houses for those who can’t afford them. There are a number of ways of getting involved to help the elderly, whether it is singing in nursing homes, participating in Meals on Wheels, or just finding odd jobs to help the elderly who still live at home. The Celebrate Recovery program is another way to reach out to those...