A few weeks ago, both campuses and all services gathered at the Green Pond Campus for our Fall Kick-off Sunday and BBQ. It was great – over 600 people in attendance and we all felt part of something bigger – God’s gospel work in Northern NJ. It was our church community all together, in one place, at one time.
Community. It’s a buzz word, I know. How do you cultivate good community? Sometimes we feel that we are doing it well, other times not so much. Eve
n if we were to attempt to define community it would be difficult. Is it just common interests? Fun? Hanging out? Or deeper things like vulnerability, transparency and accountability? The answer is probably YES to all of those things and more.
But when we talk about church community it must be based on what the church is based on, and it’s foundation is Jesus Christ. Then and only then will “supernatural” community develop, by the Holy Spirit. Why would people from radically different backgrounds and walks of life spend time together in community? Because of Jesus. The gospel is what brings us all together. It is what should be of first importance in all things.
Therefore, the best way to develop community is to continually dwell on the gospel and let that penetrate all aspects of our church relationships and ministries. The reality is that we cannot create community, only the Holy Spirit can do that through the power of the gospel.
We see this in the formation of the early church in Acts 2 –
“And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:44–47 ESV)
We see the early church community was formed by those who believed in the gospel, were humble, cherished worshiping and being together and what happened? The Lord added to their number MORE disciples.
Ultimately, like all things, church community exists for God’s glory. As we strive to be in community together, and the Spirit does it’s work, more disciples are made and matured!
