As this series on community comes to a close it is important that we find practical ways in which we can move forward effectively at NCC. Over the past three weeks we have seen some of the elements that were included in Jesus’ community, investigated the cultural landscape of the world today, and took a look at the church. Now it is imperative that we seek out innovative new ways to progress in serving one another through community. Looking back at some of the things presented in this series, what have we learned about community? What are the things Jesus modeled for us? What are the needs of our world today? What can we as a body of believers do to create places where we can strengthen one another and reach out to others?
Experiment
One of the core values that we have at NCC is ‘Everything is an Experiment.’ Experimentation with different kinds of community building activities is a great way to stretch us and enlighten us to new dimensions and depth in the way that we think about community. Here are just a few ideas of some things that one might do to experiment:
There are many different ways that one can generate opportunities for people to experience increased community. As this transpires, some of those inner, God-driven desires for community will be satisfied, which can in turn begin to transform lives. When we learn to depend upon one another and provide for each other’s needs, we grow in trust and become more authentic. This leads not only to more accountability in our spiritual growth, but it also releases us from the necessity to concentrate purely on the allocation of our own needs. It frees up time, energy and resources to begin to look outward. The more secure we become, the more able we are to concentrate on developing our talents and fulfilling our God-given callings.
satan is Dumb
Many of the ways the enemy attacks people today is through loneliness. From neglected housewives to teenagers to the elderly, loneliness is a major factor in the downfall of many individuals. This emotion is created and driven through many things in our society today; everything from workaholism to technology. It is also the starting point for many destructive tendencies such as addiction, rage and violence, and even suicide. But satan is dumb. As he continues to drag people into loneliness, depression and abandonment, he is actually preparing them to see God in a new, unbelievable, and life-changing way. As the world fails people, the church and the places of loving community that they create, can provide for individuals’ needs and help restore their sense of belonging. When the church steps up and fills the void in the lives of lost and hurting people, satan’s plan of destruction is crushed under the loving nature of Christ-centered community.
The Front Porch
Christians need to create loving homes, but not without great big front porches. It is in the home where the intimacy and loving community of Christ transpires, but it is on the porch that others can catch a glimpse of the overflow.
I love some of the ideas that are presented in the book “The Search to Belong†by Joseph R. Meyers. One thing that is discussed in the book is the decline, or utter disappearance of the American front porch. Meyers talks about how we need to recreate front porch places or experiences for people. He writes:
“I wish for a front porch. I am not alone. In our time people have a hunger for a significant ‘median space.’ This may arise from the recent history of minimizing the importance of these relationships. Median spaces are the spaces that include our social and personal connections. Median spaces are where people experience ‘front porch.’ Front porches are significant to our experience of community and belonging.â€
Many great things are able to transpire on the front porch. It is a safe place for people to congregate and get to know one another. More importantly, front porches are local and visible. They are places that one can run across, bump into, or happen upon.
Leave the Light on
All of us need to be working to create these places, both the home and the porch. As we think about our small groups, our circles of friends, our biological families, our neighborhoods and our places of leisure and recreation, let us be adamant about building community. It is so vital that the church works to provide where the world lacks. We have to be fighting diligently against conforming to the world’s understanding of time and agenda. Our measure of sacrifice, availability, and openness must increase as we battle against the world’s comfort, time constraint, and isolation.
As we grow in our understanding of how God designed us to live in love with one another, the more effective we will be in accomplishing the goals He has set out before us. As the church bonds closer together and continues to provide places of genuine community, we will accomplish many great things. If we are faithful in building these places, they will embody the things that Christ called us to represent. They will be places of peace, healing, restoration, genuine life-sharing, and fulfillment of needs. And they will contain grace, forgiveness and above all, love.
â€You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden;
nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.
“Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:14-16)
Thanks for your posts on building community, John. I really like the idea of having a “front porch”!
Leslie
May 31st, 2007