Week #3: Embracing Community and Identity in Christ
Blog Series Intention Recap
This four-week series for March will focus on what it means to be on mission with Jesus and living with the ends in mind. We examine why we should make God famous, how to make God’s fame increase, and what benefits derive from seeing God’s fame increase. Join us as we look at Missio Dei.
This post is part of the series “Missio Dei.” Click here to check out the other posts.
Let’s jump into Week #3:
The church or “community of God” serves as a living and active participant within concentric circles, starting with the local community and expanding to the uttermost parts of the earth (Acts 1:8). Circles are better than rows for life transformation. Changed lives display to the world a church living the “missio dei” or God’s mission.
Why It Matters
God intended for communities to provide righteousness and holiness from one generation to the next, starting with the family and working through the church.
Circles of people make up small groups. Circles are better than rows for life transformation.
God has called the church (people called out to take the gospel to the world). By serving others, they show God’s kindness and grace to a world desperately in need.
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed individuals can change the world. In fact, it's the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead
Going Deeper
In Hebrews 10:19-25, we find powerful instructions about living as a community of believers. These verses urge us to encourage one another, meet frequently, and support each other in faith. The early church struggled with understanding their roles, much like we do today. This passage offers us a guide on how to nurture and lead within our community.
Community and Identity
The early Christians were navigating the challenges of forming a new identity in Christ. They asked questions about their duties, the purpose of their gatherings, and how to function as a group. These questions are still relevant. Churches today often wonder how to best serve the people who make them up and their wider communities.
The church is meant to nurture new believers, support those weak in faith, and provide accountability. Romans 14:1, 19 encourages us to accept those whose faith is weak and to pursue peace and mutual edification. Similarly, 1 Peter 2:12 reminds us to live good lives among non-believers so that they may see our good deeds and glorify God. James 5:16 highlights the power of prayer and the importance of interceding for one another.
Circles Over Rows for Transformation
Circles are better than rows for life transformation because they foster deeper connections, authentic relationships, and meaningful interactions that are essential for personal growth. In rows, such as in traditional lecture-style settings, communication tends to be one-directional, limiting opportunities for dialogue and personal engagement. In contrast, circles encourage everyone to participate, share their experiences, and support each other, creating a dynamic and interactive environment. For me, circles form small groups.
Life transformation happens within the context of small groups because they provide a safe space for individuals to be vulnerable, receive encouragement, and be held accountable. Small groups enable close-knit communities where members can delve into personal issues, apply biblical teachings to their lives, and grow together in their faith journeys.
The Church’s Mission
In Hebrews 10:25, the term “encouraging” comes from the Greek word parakaleō. This word means to call to one's side, summon, comfort, console, and instruct. It is related to paraklētos, a term for the Holy Spirit. As the church, we are to be the visible hands of the Holy Spirit, offering support and encouragement to others. This means providing enriching, satisfying, helpful, and supportive encouragement to those around us. Many churches host “Serve Days” where they step into the community and serve alongside like-minded non-profit organizations, such as One by One Ministries or SAMMinistries. The local church encourages those showing God’s love and grace.
Our mission extends beyond worship and internal support. We are called to minister to the world around us. Stanley J. Grenz in his book "Theology for the Community of God" emphasizes that a true community of faith must look outward. Our presence should serve as a prophetic witness to the world. The church holds onto its past, celebrates its present, and looks forward to its future, functioning as a community of memory and hope. This shared identity reflects the multifaceted image of God.
The Importance of Community
Hebrews 10:25 also stresses the importance of community, especially as we see the “Day of the Lord” approaching. In today’s world, we desperately need the encouragement of other members of the body of Christ. It's not enough to say we only need Jesus. Jesus Himself provides us with a valuable, life-giving community of believers. Despite past hurts or disillusionments with the church, we must not neglect or undervalue this community.
The church has had its share of mistakes but has also positively impacted society. Tim Keller in "The Reason for God" notes that early Christians were known for their generosity, especially to the poor, and for providing much greater security and equality for women than was common in the Greco-Roman world. During plagues, Christians cared for the sick and dying at great personal risk. They practiced sacrificial service, generosity, and peacemaking because their faith was centered on Jesus, who died for His enemies and prayed for their forgiveness. This reflection led them to a radically different way of dealing with others.
We need to ask ourselves how much the church resembles the early Christians. Are we following their example of sacrificial service and generosity, or are we seeking our own good?
Representing God in Our Community
To go on mission with God means to represent Him kindly and well to everyone within and outside the church. Here’s how we can apply these principles:
Encourage Each Other: Regularly meet with fellow believers to offer support, comfort, and instruction. Be the hands and feet of the Holy Spirit, encouraging in tangible ways.
Nurture and Support: Help those who are new or weak in the faith. Offer guidance and accountability. Accept and love them as they grow in their faith journey.
Pray for One Another: Make it a priority to pray for others. Intercede on behalf of your community, believing in the power of prayer to bring change and comfort.
Engage with the World: Don’t just focus inwardly. Look for ways to serve and witness to the broader community. Show God’s love through acts of kindness and service.
Reflect on Christ’s Sacrifice: Let the example of Jesus’ sacrificial love guide your interactions. Aim to serve others selflessly, even at personal cost.
Living on mission with God means being an active and living participant within our community but also in our state, nation, and the world. By embracing our identity in Christ and nurturing our church family, we can represent God well to those around us. The early church set an example of generosity, service, and love that we should strive to follow. As we encourage, support, and pray for one another, we fulfill our calling to be a light in the world, reflecting the love of Christ to all.
