Should we Live Out Independently as Born-Again Christians, or as a Community?
Today's socio-economic trends are gravitating towards a more individualistic way of life. It may feel like the best route in the short run, but after some time of being alone you realize the need for community.
The need of a community can not be overstated. A community is a great platform to share the good and sad times, grow together and build each other in faith.
The apostles learned this secret early and enjoyed the fruits of being together. This is what we are told about their fellowship:
42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. (Acts 2:42-47 NIV)
In the same way, we are encouraged in Hebrews 10:24-25 to spur one another towards love. Instead of living separately, we would do better to stick together.
Jesus himself promises to join the fellowship of believers in Mathew 18:20. This underlines the importance of fellowship and community.
The question you might be asking is, should I be in a community, simply because I need to be? The simple answer is, do you share the same values?
Before you commit yourself to a certain group, or hack together a group, it is important to identify the core values that bring you together. This ensures that you are reading from the samepage and playing towards a common goal.
You might consider drafting a clear mission and vision statement, which will further unify and inspire you. Most people, though, lack such a statement and still do great.
The idea is to make sure you are going in the same direction.
This calls for intentional connection, which creates deep, meaningful ties within the group. It further promotes intimacy and a sense of belonging, where every member deeply feels and cares for the other's needs.
It would help make others feel valued and respected, if we accept them just as christ accepted us. This is what is called "Biblical hospitality". Be hospitable towards each other, and the love of God will thrive amongst you.
As we embrace each other, it's imperative we remember to serve one another in humility. To quote the words of Christ, "let the master be the slave".
When every member of the community is equal, everyone feels at ease. Nobody feels belittled, or even the itch to rise to a position of power within the group.
Where possible, it is best not to have a hierarchy of leadership or power; just friends meeting with a common goal. But where a form of leadership is needed, the leaders should be careful to consider the needs and weaknesses of the others.
Remember: before you are a leader, you are a member with the same aspirations.
One of the aspirations of christian groups is worship. When people worship together they feel more invigorated, more uplifted, and more connected.
It is therefore important to incorporate such practices into your routine, if they are not the core reason why you are together. This spiritual disciplines helps the members grow individually and collectively. Exploring creative forms of worship can engage different members and enhance the communal experience.
A faith-filled tribe is not a far-fetched idea: it is an entity with far reaching effects. The results of a faith club start from a personal level, and extend to the world at large. From intimacy with members and with God, to heightened emotional discipline to better interpersonal skills, the importance can't be overstated.
Building a faith-filled tribe is an ongoing journey. By remaining committed to our communities and continually seeking ways to deepen our faith and strengthen our bonds, we can create vibrant, transformative communities that reflect the love, grace, and truth of Jesus Christ.
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