Building the Community of Church 

Authentic community's impact on the spiritual and emotional development of Christ's followers is profoundly deep and remarkable. This environment is the impetus for help, healing and hope for those seeking to grow as disciples, and it is the place where true soul renovation can occur while in the company of other like-minded believers. This communal aspect is evident in the unconditional love and sacrificial care that each member offers to others, and it is the soil in which true disciples of Christ can develop and lasting transformation can ensue. It is the church living in a life-giving community.

Oxford dictionary lists one definition of community as “a group of people living together and practicing common ownership.”1 This characterization speaks well to the importance of like-mindedness when living as a community of believers. Scripture addresses this dynamic when it states, “Can two people walk together without agreeing on the direction?” (Amos 3:3, NLT) and “How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!” (Psalm 133:1, NLT). These verses and many others validate the necessity for a shared purpose, vision and goals to be present when journeying together in Christ. It is an essential component — a common unity — vital to forming a community.

As Christians, the church as a community has a shared three-fold mission:

Worshiping God
Discipling believers
Sharing the gospel with the world.

These are the key components of the Great Commission as presented by Jesus and, by their very nature, can only be fulfilled in the company of others (Matt. 28:18-20). In fact, God did not call us to silos of isolated effort but rather to the community for maximum impact. Jesus promised that two or more gathered as his followers would assure his presence (Matt. 18:20) and become a sacred community that is committed and connected to each other and to God; this is the ultimate expression of the church as a community.

The calling of God on the individual believer and the church as a community is one of impact. In fact, the Bible refers to followers of Christ as salt and light (Matt. 5:13-16), who influence others and provide pathways to wholeness and holiness by showing and sharing the unconditional love of God and commitment to his ways.

Jesus said this love would be a key component of his church and the attractional pull of others toward faith in God; love is the ultimate meter of true discipleship and the clear marker Jesus pointed to when he stated, “By this, all people will know that you are my disciples,” (John 13:35, ESV). The church as a community proclaims the goodness of God and provides clear directions toward living a life of fulfilment and connection. As a clear reminder, it is a restorative agent that reclaims the image of God in his crowning creation- humanity.

We become our best selves in the presence of others, and when we accept ourselves and each other, we encounter God’s love and heal. In this cohort of connections, we are informed, reformed and equipped to walk out purpose and destiny, individually and communally. This engagement empowers and enables individuals to participate in meaningful service to others and intentional kingdom contribution.

It is in this place of connection that future generations receive education, life in Christ is modelled, future leaders emerge, and the supernatural presence of God is ignited. The church as a community provides something both profound and powerful.

To summarize, we can’t love God until we love and learn to be with one another. Only then will we truly understand that the cure to loneliness is the love that comes with community and companionship.

In this relationship, we can inspire, encourage, strengthen and help one another. It is the place where identity is forged and purpose engaged. It impacts every part of our existence and enables the blessing of God to be released (Psalm 133:1-3).