The POWER of COMMUNITY
Community can do extraordinary things! I have written about some of my experiences with community and it's power (blessing), and I truly believe that this is the most important message that I can think of sharing, and I want to detail out exactly how I think community and faith should play out.
1. Use a small-group (community) to meet the needs of the people, neighborhood, town that are around you.
2. No longer put much belief in the power of government to change things. I could write several pages on this, but I believe this: Who we elect is important (go Obama..), but we should not put our faith in government to change things. Government can only do a little, and it is usually indirect, impersonal, and slow. Small groups (community) has the POWER to do amazing things if only we can come together and be united to do so.
3. Community can incorporate any person. While I have a strong belief (faith) in Jesus Christ, all faiths and all people can and should be included in community. It is not exclusive on race, religion, or creed. In fact, it is the responsibility of the Christian to try to bridge gaps between people of other faiths and work together. However, we (and I put myself in this category) get caught in this Pharisaic attitude of looking down on people of other religions, or desiring to convert them, or thinking we are better. Jesus taught we need to be servants to others, and he interacted and loved people of many different faiths.
4. Prayer is essential. I do not think true ministry can happen without prayer. Prayer is powerful and it allows people to bond in a way not possible without it. It confesses our need for something beyond ourself that we are incapable of doing on our own. It enlightens us to our own needs, the needs of others, and humbles our hearts from being arrogant.
1. Use a small-group (community) to meet the needs of the people, neighborhood, town that are around you.
2. No longer put much belief in the power of government to change things. I could write several pages on this, but I believe this: Who we elect is important (go Obama..), but we should not put our faith in government to change things. Government can only do a little, and it is usually indirect, impersonal, and slow. Small groups (community) has the POWER to do amazing things if only we can come together and be united to do so.
3. Community can incorporate any person. While I have a strong belief (faith) in Jesus Christ, all faiths and all people can and should be included in community. It is not exclusive on race, religion, or creed. In fact, it is the responsibility of the Christian to try to bridge gaps between people of other faiths and work together. However, we (and I put myself in this category) get caught in this Pharisaic attitude of looking down on people of other religions, or desiring to convert them, or thinking we are better. Jesus taught we need to be servants to others, and he interacted and loved people of many different faiths.
4. Prayer is essential. I do not think true ministry can happen without prayer. Prayer is powerful and it allows people to bond in a way not possible without it. It confesses our need for something beyond ourself that we are incapable of doing on our own. It enlightens us to our own needs, the needs of others, and humbles our hearts from being arrogant.
