Community

As a Google search defines it, community is, “a group of people living in the same place…” or “a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes.” I like these definitions.

We just had the instillation service for our new Pastoral Couple. While she is not technically designated as a co-pastor, as he acknowledged, he would not be where he is without her. They are a dyadic community. When interviewing for the pastorate, he made it clear that they would be relocating geographically to truly be present shepherds of the flock, showing they put a priority on congregational community. Today, they spoke of reaching out to the larger city community.

As an introvert growing up and still one that can quite easily sit in the corner unless I’m called upon to be doing something, this concept of togetherness can seem a bit illusory and enigmatic. However, I am experiencing faith community as an adult in a very new and much needed way.

This didn’t come after a lot of toil and trying this fellowship or that, but as a direct result of a simple prayer that my child’s spiritual needs would be met and that He would show me where to go. Now, we have forming friendships and supports, texts, calls and times of sharing meals and life stories. We have elder and younger, from this place and that with all different heritages, unifying as the Body of Christ, praying for and bearing one another’s burdens, which fulfills the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2).

I thank God for hearing and answering just the right way, at just the right time. I also thank our new community that is clearly based on Christ alone. A firmer foundation for community, one cannot find (II Corinthians 9:15 & Psalm 118:22).

“Not neglecting our own congregational meetings, as some have made a practice of doing, but, rather, encouraging each other. And let us do this all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:25 CJB