By Robert Blake

Over the last few years, God has impressed upon me the meaning of “church” or as I say now “church community or community of believers.” Why have I added to the meaning of the word we speak?

Because, the concept of church now in the American church is it is the place I pop in and out quickly on Sundays when I wake up in time. The problem points to the lack of real community us occurring in our churches.

I see individualism as a primary root cause. We are to make it on our own, present the best side to other people all the time. It leads to alienation, confusion, defeatist attitudes and a lack of understanding the meaning of scriptures.

Consider this, all scripture is written within the context of community. For the community of God’s children to know Him and how to live in a manner that keeps the community functioning. Take for example, Acts we see a new church community forming. There were problems with the new community, as following Christ was extended to all people of all kinds. How should a jewish person treat a gentile who is now in their community, after all they do lots of unsavory things that are considered unclean. Surely, it is not what Jesus wanted was it, Christianity is just and extension of what we have always done right? And the Gentiles thinking the opposite, the goody two shoes just do not get it, why should we comply with their ways? This is not what Jesus meant was it? The answer given by the group of elders was that everyone is to focus on community and serving one another. They said, do what is best for one another.

Community and keeping the unity within is what took center stage, for the sake of the gospel and ultimately doing what Christ instructed us to do in loving our neighbors.

As I begun to understand the context of community scripture begins to change in meaning. It is no longer isolated and insular to myself only. Take example Colossians 3, it begins with the strong words of placing your hearts devotion on Christ and Him only. And then goes on to explain what? A long list of do’s and do not do’s right? No, it is more complex than that. It is about restored relationships, and how to live in that restoration.

You see a hearts focus on anything other than God leads to a broken relationship with others and with God. A hearts focus on Christ leads to a restored relationship with God and with those around you. That is the essence of community. We are not to live as separate individuals, but people living side by side with one another. Showing understanding and care for those who are mature or weak in their relationship with Christ.

Now it never seems to fail as I read scripture, community is woven all throughout it. Why is it I lived so long without it? What keeps us from being honest with others about my struggles and challenges? Why do we avoid being transparent.

The lack of community leads us to malnourishment, and ultimately a weak and worthless faith. One that has a small Jesus and small cross that only forgives our small pet sins and leads us guilt ridden over the things that are truly wrong. It is bondage. Community can lead to freedom, joy and deeper relationship with Christ. So why continue to avoid it?

• Read “Moving From Solitude, To Community To Ministry” (online article) by Henri Nouwen
• Read Relationships: A Mess Worth Making by Tim Lane and Paul Trip
• Read When People Are Big and God is Small by Edward T. Welch

Robert W. Blake has been a Christian since 1985. He is a social work supervisor in the Philadelphia area. He has devoted his professional career and much volunteer work in working with children and families in crisis. He has been married for 10 years and recently adopted a son from India, their first child. He has been attending New Life Presbyterian church in Glenside, PA since 1991. He is interested in local and international missions and has been on many short term trips over the years. He is an avid music fan and writes reviews occasionally for the Phantom Tollbooth. He specializes in indie music and music by Christians for the secular market.