Thoughts on Community

Community is a pretty common buzzword these days. You may remember it by such words as fellowship, body life or pot luck. But what is real biblical community and how does it translate into today? We live in an increasingly segmented society. I could stay in my home and only leave to buy the supplies I can’t get on ebay and to feed. To survive we really don’t need other people.

The Gospel calls us to a different kind of life; a life where we are one crucial piece in a greater whole. Some are pastors, teachers, church planters and some are singers, builders, encouragers, cooks but when it all comes down to it we are all ministers in some form or another. The question is not should I get involved the question is where is my place?

This different kind of life is lived with others, not against them. Unity within the Body of Christ is so highlighted in the New Testament one might think it is a pillar of the faith. Christ said we will be known by the love we have for other Christians. Are we still hearing this or are we to busy critiquing the sermon to hear the message? I am convinced that Love is the center of community. It is not bowling every Tuesday or even worshiping on Thursday evening or Sunday morning. I can “do life” with someone 24/7 and never be in community with them. Love for others, whatever the context, is the seed of community.

Biblical community is always looking to Christ and pointing others there too. As a body we are pointing back to the source of this love which is Christ. Our new kind of life does not spring up from our own effort and neither does unity. Does a body survive without a head? Can a fellowship stand without a goal? Lord of the Rings would be a right silly book if an elf, a wizard, 2 men, 4 hobbits and 1 dwarf got together and played cribbage. The body of Christ needs a bigger goal that just being together. I think the great commission is a pretty good one to start with :-)

I know this list is not complete but I do not intend it to be. What else would you add? How else could we foster unity in the Body? Are you sick of the word community?

Talk amongst yourselves