Together: How to Create Christian Community

Even in the middle of a busy metropolitan suburb, life can be lonely.

After rushing around in traffic all day, we withdraw into the sanctuary of our homes and spend our time surfing through social media to hide away from the chaos of our schedule, until we have little personal interaction with real people.

Or is it just me?

I’ve missed having a close circle of friends. In reality, we’ve not had that in many years. We have people we talk to at work or church. People we got to lunch with and even ones we confide in.

But real, true friends? They are few and they are just as busy as we are.

Choosing a word for the year

In praying about what word to focus on for this new year, the thought of the friendships we used to enjoy kept coming to mind. We grew up in a small neighborhood with a close circle of friends, many we still keep in touch with today. We ate together, laughed together, and grew together. If one of us had a need, the others were there to help or at least offer support. I think most of us would do the same now, even though we all live apart and have separate lives.

That togetherness we knew as children and teens is something we talk about frequently when discussing what we would like to see in the church. It’s a small glimpse into how the early church lived.

A picture of the early church

Acts 2:42, 44 – 47 paints a picture of what early church life was like. In the verses, we’re told: “They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer….And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking break from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.” (NASB)

I love the image this presents. Devoted to teaching and fellowship. Sharing meals and prayer together. Caring for one another, even if it meant giving up possessions.

Together in worship and in fellowship. Together for meals and to care for one another.

This is what I feel God has put on my heart for this new year. This year, my focus will be on “Together”. Whether that means being more intentional about my family time or in connecting with the people God has brought into my life, I’ll be seeking ways to build and strengthen my community.

What does creating a biblical community look like?

1. Prayer and Bible study.

Just like the early church in Acts, creating strong biblical connections with the people around us starts with focusing our attention on God and what He reveals in His word and through prayer. Without God as the guiding influence in all we do, we may miss important opportunities to minister to others or our focus may wander to less important things.

2. Worship together.

One of the best ways to grow a community of believers is to attend and serve in a local church. Worshipping together through Bible study, small groups, and service helps us better know the people around us and how we can work together in ministry.

3. Eat together.

Whenever possible, connect with people over a meal! There is an intimacy to a shared meal that can create a greater bond than just a casual conversation. If possible, sit around a table in someone’s home and see if a shared meal doesn’t help grow the relationship.

4. Care for one another.

As you get to know your growing community, don’t forget to take care of one another. If someone in your church has a need you can fill, fill it! You also need to be vulnerable enough to share your needs and accept help from those around you.

5. Pray for one another.

We can all use more prayer from time to time. Create a way to share your prayer concerns with one another and then pray.

6. Disciple one another.

In any group, there will be people at different stages of life and maturity. Find someone you connect with and invest in building a relationship that helps guide them through different stages of life or spiritual growth. Don’t forget to look for someone that can help guide you as well.

Live in Community

We all long to live in community. It’s how God made us and something we all crave. As you grow your community, expect to see others drawn to join you, just like in the early church.

What’s your advice?

What’s some advice you have for living in Christian community? Who is someone you can work on bringing into your community?