I think one of the greatest gifts you can give another human being is simply a place to belong.
We need that place.
That place will…
guide us,
care for us,
confront us,
shape us,
console us.
As long as you have breath you will search for a place to belong.
As long as you can take one more step you’ve been designed to move towards this powerful, life altering, place.
What role does community play in your life these days?
agreed
I’ve been a part of small groups for years – and they are what you make them. Some are a glorified Sunday school class while others become family. God has blessed me with a Men’s group that I can really sink my teeth into. Being in a place where Men can be Men without fear of being judged or beaten up. This community is a calling for us to be the Men that God has called us to be…and that may require hard conversations and accountability…but it is done in love. And we all know that we will be better men because of it.
It’s being able to experience Psalm 68:6, which says “God sets the lonely in families.” Nearly two years ago my husband consciously and intentionally destroyed our marriage and family. During the divorce that has been dragging on since then, my blood family has fallen away. If not for the community God has built up in the past two years, my three boys and I would be without any support network whatsoever. Community is everything for us.
Good question.
My knee-jerk response is that it plays a huge part in my life right now. You know, that I love being with my Life Together Group (small group) & all the other group based times during the week.
But the truth is, lately I’ve felt like these times a bit of a burden. Don’t get me wrong, I love being a part of my Life Together Group, but there are just some times when I want to unleash the introvert in me & just be alone. It’s funny though how God has a tendency to put what I think I want aside to show me what I actually need.
All-in-all, community is playing a bigger part in my life right now than I always expect it to.
Missing community!!!! Trying to find our new place.
Keep searching. I know it’s a lot of work but keep after it!!
Man, it’s everything right now. We are in the midst of so many changes that they are really helping us keep our heads above water.
I agree with you. I’ve been going to church all my life, it seems, but right now don’t have a place to belong. I love going to church and participating in small groups, Alpha etc. Was brought up in a strict religious environment ( killjoy) and so I have some challenges that I am working out with God right now. It’s a fearful place to be for me, but I know it’s for a season. Not blaming the church or any person, just thankful for so many small things…….I really miss it!
Praying for you Judy.
Just wrote about this. My favorite times in church is when church happens outside the church building, wherever two or more are gathered in His name.
This is great!
Community is a huge part of my life. My community supports me, encourages me, challenges me (in a good way), and helps me become the best version of myself. The very least I can do is help provide that for someone else.
You’re so right. Being in a place where you feel welcomed, accepted and can grow is vital.
It’s everything…I’ve discovered there is a difference in having friends and having community. Community is just…there…through everything. I don’t think I’ve ever felt as safe, or have laughed as hard as I have with my groups. And I love how they start to intermingle and become life. So awesome.
Good distinction Morgan.
Ah yes, the NEED to belong. As humans, next to needing a Savior and needing food and water, it is possibly the strongest need we have. The need to feel part of something, to feel useful and like we have something to contribute. It’s a need that, unfortunately, goes unmet (and is sometimes even discouraged) in many churches today. A ministry that cannot, or will not find ways to make people feel like they belong or ALLOW them to belong (Yes, that happens too!) is destined for failure. With that in mind, my community (small) group has been a HUGE blessing in my life lately. Actually, a much larger part than I ever thought it would. These people have become almost more than family to me, a place I can be totally transparent, knowing I will not be judged, laughed at or condemned, but loved and made to feel like I belong, like I matter and that I do have something to contribute. I thank God for them.
Honestly, I was a long time member of a community that I feel now, has pushed me aside. I felt betrayed, ignored, rejected and only wanted when there was a job to be done.
So that’s done some damage to my willingness to join another community.
However, I have found a small group of women to study the Bible with and I’m clinging to that right now.
So, my community is not a family or a place of belonging for me right now. But I have found a place where I feel accepted. I would love a small group of people who become close friends and even family to do life with; I’m afraid that’s out of my grasp right now.
Constantly praying for God’s direction.
Sorry to hear that Jen. I know that’s difficult.
Community is huge for me and for the church. Creating that community isn’t easy, at least real community.
I love the community we have in our small group and our larger church context. My wife and I are trying to build that community with our neighbors… slowly but surely. Life would not be as enjoyable without the relationships we have formed in these places.
so true pete…and i love how you have made this a huge priority in your life and church…the power of belonging is undeniable…the power of acceptance is transforming…it moves all of us closer to the heart of Jesus…
so true pete…and i love how you have made this a huge priority in your life and church…the power of belonging is undeniable…the power of acceptance is transforming…it moves all of us closer to the heart of Jesus…
I am huge believer in the power of community. I often wonder how people without community cope and have the strength to deal with the issues of life.
Belonging matters. Where I live brings that into sharp focus: there are complex rules for people who come here so that newcomers can’t buy houses until they’ve been here for ten or twelve years, and the job market is heavily regulated too.
Which leads me to reflect: how you let people belong is crucial. Are you going to let anyone who wants belong, or are you going to put up a this-far-but-no-further fence until they sign the pledge card?