Organizing: Build Community
People are not looking for a friendly church, they are looking for friends. That common search we all experience is a hunger for community. We want to belong. We want to have a sense of significance because we belong. I think being made in God’s image includes this need for community. Our Triune God exists in perfect community, the very community I think we long for. We are being godly toward one another when we develop, maintain, and offer community to one another. Community is at the heart of what it means to be church together. The “called-out ones” (the church) reflect God (for good or for bad) in the quality of community we offer to one another. As a Bible study leader, what are some things you can do to develop that community?
1. Change your language. Replace “class roll” with “ministry list.” Replace “my class” with “our group.” Consistently using such language will slowly rub off on others.
2. Use nametags. Many groups resist nametags but groups committed to community will take intentional steps to learn each other and provide ways for newcomers to learn each other.
3. Share the load. Invite group members to carry responsibilities for the group. Group members can plan ministry events and fellowship times, care for group members experiencing crises, and develop communication strategies.
4. Pray. Pray. And pray some more for each member and potential member of the group. God desires our participation in His community even more than we do.
5. Make it a point to regularly contact every member and potential member of your group. Calls, texts, e-mails, visits, and meals provide contact points. Set yourself a weekly contact goal so that you contact everyone at least once a month or more.
6. Plan face-to-face time for group members. The Bible study hour is fine, but community will not grow significantly among people who sit quietly in a room together for forty-five minutes a week. The group needs to party often and let the parties have a purpose.
Scripture:
And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 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 2:42-47 ESV
Prayer:
Ask God to deepen the community in your group and open that same sense of community to newcomers.
Dig Deeper:
Consider reading Chapter 1: “Small Groups Impact Communities” in Connecting in Communities: Understanding the Dynamics of Small Groups by Eddie Mosley (NAV Press, 2011. ISBN: 978-1-61521-685-7. An e-book version is available.
