Seek Faith Connections to Form Spiritual Affinity
God lives in community, as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This is why he created us to be in community, just like him. This means living in relationship with him and living in relationship with others. That’s why we must embraced Christian community.
Why We Need Christian Community
As iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17), we sharpen each other. Through our faith connection, we support one another.
When in a group of like-minded believers, we offer encouragement whenever possible and gentle correction when needed. We celebrate with those who celebrate and mourn with those who mourn (Romans 12:15).
When our brother or sister in Christ falls into a ditch, we help them get out (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10). And when we fall, they are there for us.
There is much truth in the saying that a rope with three strands remains strong (Ecclesiastes 4:12). It can withstand much more together then when separate.
Church
Our local churches should be a place for Christian community. There we worship with other believers and form connections with them. We serve together at church and work together to reach our neighbors.
When we gather each week, we form a faith bond that remains strong. When we share a meal with our friends at church—consider a potluck—we form Christian community and bolster our spiritual connections.
Though we come together to seek God and worship him, we make meaningful connections with other followers of Jesus when we gather.
Not All Churches
Yet not all churches provide much in the way of Christian community. Though their services rightly focus on God, they do little before or after to facilitate spiritual connection.
In the same way, not all who go to church do so for the Christian community. Their faith is private, and they share it with no one. It’s a secret.
As a result, people breeze in at the last minute—or even late. And they head for the exits as soon as the service ends—sometimes even as it winds down.
This is no way to make connections. This is no way to foster community with other believers.
A Faith Community
If we can’t find meaningful Christian community in our church, then we need to seek a significant faith community elsewhere. This could be through our church, such as a small group or service project.
Or it may be in working with a parachurch organization, were people gather for a common cause. As you work together you serve your neighbors, honor God, and form meaningful bonds. It’s a beautiful thing.
If you can’t find such a group, maybe you need to start your own. Begin with two or three gathered together (Matthew 18:20).
Seek Christian Community
Whether we find our faith connections at church or not, we do need them. Don’t go through life alone. Find other followers of Jesus and travel together with them.
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.
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