This week’s podcast, The Blessing and Purpose of Community, is our fifth podcast in our fall series titled, Thriving in God’s Abundance. Today, we discuss the benefits of being a part of a Christian community as a believer, and how it is essential for living an abundant life.
In the Bible, we see examples of community starting with the Father who modeled community in creation. God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit came together to create in Genesis. Later, another example is given through Jesus’ relationship with the disciples. Furthermore, in the book of Acts, the first church illustrates how we should live in community with one another.
We know this, but do we know why? What are the benefits of living in a Christian community as a believer? Join me in the Living Room today as we discuss this topic.
In addition to today’s podcast, here are some ideas of the many Christian communities available to believers today.
Ideas for Christian Community:
- Smaller churches. I grew up in a small church, and there are some left out there. You must ensure they’re legit in their teaching and not small because they’ve gone off the rails. There are many benefits to being a member of smaller congregation in that you know everyone, more family atmosphere, you know the pastor well, there’s more transparency, and the members surround a congregant that’s hurting or needs help.
- Small groups or Sunday Schools at larger churches: In our larger church, we get the community through small groups who either meet at church or in member’s homes. Some may even rotate locations. This is a small group of believers who meet regularly to eat together, do Bible studies together, and experience life together.
- Christian groups that focus on a craft. Some examples of this would be Art ministry in a church or Word Weavers International for writers, Dorcas: Healing Hands International (sewing ministry).
- Moms’ groups: MOMCo
- Bible Studies: Couples, Bible Study Fellowship International for Men or Women.
- Neighborhood Christian groups.
- Christian Supper Clubs
- Christian Sports Teams
- Christian Book Clubs
- Christian Fitness Groups; Biking club, Hikers, Etc. Example: F3 Nation
- Worship Team
- Charity Organizations
Where Would You Fit in a Christian Community?:
- Do you enjoy studying the word of God with others in a discussion style format? Find a Bible study
- Do you paint or sew? Would you love to be a part of a critique group? Find an Art Ministry.
- Are you a writer? Join Word Weavers International.
- Do you sing or play an instrument? Join a worship team.
- Do you enjoy hosting dinners in your home? Supper Club
- Do you love to read and discuss books? Book Club
- Do you enjoy working out with others? Fitness Group
- Are you feeling lonely as a stay- at -home mom and wish you could talk to other Moms regarding babies and toddlers? MOPS International
- Do you want to share ideas with other Moms focused on education, social media, peers etc.? Moms Next
- Do you enjoy fellowship with other believers? Small Groups or Sunday School.
- Do you play a sport like Softball? Join a church league
- Do you live in a close-knit community of believers? Try starting a neighborhood small group.
- Do you enjoy serving your community? Find a charity organization to serve alongside other believers or start a serving club.
Where Do You Need Support?:
- Have you recently gone through a divorce? Consider joining Divorce Care
- Have you recently lost a loved one? There’s Grief Share groups for that.
- Have you recently overcome addiction? Look into a Celebrate Recovery group.
These are just some of the many support style groups you can find.
This is something God’s put on my own heart. As a Christian painter and writer, I often work isolated and desire Christian collaboration with those who understand the struggles of the craft. I hope that if you feel isolated and alone as a follower of Christ, you will consider finding your community.
Come into The Living Room and join me as we discuss the blessings and purpose of community.
Tammy Carter Adams is the host of The Hallelujah House podcast. Tammy resides in Central Florida with her husband Jay and their four children ages 26 to 10. When she’s not creating content, Tammy enjoys writing, painting, and spending time with family and friends.
Photo credit: Istock: gpantstudio/528474206
Please note: This blog post appears unedited by our resident editor Barby Molnar.
