This week marked the 5th year anniversary of our
community group meeting for the first time. Our community group is comprised of
10 adults and 13 kids from Faith Church. We try and meet every other week
together to discuss our faith in Jesus, our trails of life, pray together, and
in general intentionally live life together for Christ.
This past weekend we went on a retreat to a lake house in
Northern Indiana (sadly one of the families couldn’t make it) and had just an
absolutely great time. I’m the only fisherman in the group, so I got up earlier
both mornings and went out on the lake to catch some bass, which though it
means I’m really tired at night (also angry one night after fishing for 30
minutes because I lost a HUGE ONE, but I don’t want to talk about it). We all
then had breakfast together, with kids spread between two tables and adults
just sitting around on couches or standing and discussing the day. Then
throughout the day we would boat together, tubing and skiing (and attempting to
ski), wrangling lunch and supper, disciplining and playing with the kids, then
finally getting all the kids in bed. The adults then stayed up late, playing
games, discussing life, heaven, and Jesus,
and answering questions like what brought our group together, and
finally when everyone is so tired their blurring their words going to bed (Which
isn’t late as you think, because all those kids can really wear someone out!).
Living Life Together is what we call our group and that is
what we really try to do, because we truly believe that in order for us to grow
in Christ and we must also grow together. I hear far too often from Christians
that they don’t need to be in church, that they can love God on their own,
because after all it is a personal relationship. That is contrary to what
scripture says and also practically just not good. My family and my walk with
Christ have been strengthened from living in community with fellow believers. He
has used them to encourage us during trials, help us move & watch our kids,
sharpen our beliefs, and fill our lives with laughter. Our kids get their lives
invested in by other adults and they get to see how those adults also live and
follow after Christ. In return, we get to encourage, help, and invest right
back into the other families’ lives as well.
This post started out as a “let me tell you about my
weekend” post, but I guess I’ll end it as a challenge and encouragement to
those Christians reading this. Get involved in a local group of believers!
Don’t just walk in the door Sunday morning at 11am and rush out as soon as the
sermon is over at noon. Be intentional, find where you can fit in, and live in
community with other believers. Yes we are not perfect and yes there are just
as many hypocrites in the church as there are at the local country club, but we
aren’t called to live our lives on our own!
If you won't take my word for it, here are some verses to read and consider:
Hebrews 10:25 - Don't forsake meeting together.
Romans 12:5 - We are one body.
1 Corinthians 12:12-27 - We're all one body and have a purpose.
Ephesians 5 - Reminds us that Christ is the head of the Church.
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