Gavin Jarvis
Community is a word that is both important and in danger of being used to the point of losing its weight. I’ve been thinking a lot over the last month about the Christian church as a community, especially since the teachings of Christianity describe the church (all Christians in the world) as the community of God: That wherever Christians meet together, there is worship, relationships are built, the people are engaged in service and in mission, and everyone who seeks God can belong.
When this is done poorly or when that community’s trust is broken it is at best a shame, and at worst a tragedy. The stories of those who were hurt by someone or by leaders in a church don’t only exist on the news but on your street and maybe in your home. While some of this is to be expected because hurting people are drawn to church and “hurt people, hurt people,” it doesn’t make it sting any less.
Yet with each passing year, I find myself drawn to the power of community among Christians, because even when it’s not perfect there is a deep beauty, and in these humble places of community the person and work of Jesus Christ is seen. This occurs as the broken are embraced, outsiders finds a home, meals are shared, needs are met, and each person is known and knows others. “Christian,” after all, means “like Christ,” and Jesus told us that the world would know that we are Christians by our love for one another (John 13:35).
And so, I want to meet you where you are at and ask you — are you curious about Christianity, looking to restart a faith in God, or wanting to grow in faith? My invitation to you would be to not just “visit a church” but experience the community of those that worship and follow Jesus.
A Sunday worship gathering is a weekly time of worship, It’s beautiful! And a great place to start and stay, and make a rhythm. It’s also like the entryway or doorway into the community of God. That community happens as relationships are formed, meals are eaten together, and people get to encourage each other and pray for each other in real life. They study the Bible together and ask questions, share doubts and struggles, and are welcome at the table not because of nationality, hobby, affinity or proximity, but are united because they are learning about Jesus together.
How do you find this? Many churches share what these smaller groups look like and you can sign up for them, or you can ask if there is anyone that is known by that church to open their homes.
And it might feel strange or that it shouldn’t work. But 2,000 years of Christian community doesn’t occur by accident, but because there is a God that holds it together, and breaks down any wall of hostility between people through the work of his son.
Gavin Jarvis is lead pastor at Living Stones Church.