The importance of church community

How often do you participate in a community within your church? Do you just go to service and leave, or do you find yourself drawn to being more involved?

Our church is very large and while some fear that the personal relationships would be impacted. I believe that you can go to a church of hundreds and still be connected just like you can go to a church of twenty and be disconnected. Regardless of the size of the church you have to make an effort and follow through to connect. The church is supposed to encourage, support, motivate, and help you. However you have to step up to be a part of the community in the church. 

I have been helping in our preschool ministry for a couple of years and love it.  I meet more of the parents, get to love on the babies, and grow closer to people serving in the preschool ministry. I have taken some classes at church and become part of those communities. I feel a closer connection to not only my church through these but also to God and fellow Christians. These relationships are important so we can continue to grow as Christians and lead others to God. We as Christians are often looked at and judged by non believers based on actions of other Christians (good and bad). 

My most recent class gathered last night to watch a movie and it was honestly like a group of friends hanging out. It changes the relationships because you become more than members of the same church. You really become friends who uplift, encourage, and inspire each other. Of course the first few nights of class everyone is learning each other, but slowly a community is forming. 

If you are not a part of a Christian based community please become part of one. There are times in life that a Christian based community helps more than just a group of your friends. If you are having a test of faith, test in life, or marriage test the Christian community guides you in God's word rather than the world. Some times the world tells us things that go against God's word so we need the community there to lead us back to God.

I love my church! It encourages me to make those connections and maintain those connections. I have gained knowledge, friends, and support through these connections. The connections are a community based on God, a community of support, and a Christian community that improves my life.