In my last post mentioned some of the things that I hate about church in America. Someone posted asking the very valid question…”How do we fix it?” (I’m paraphrasing his question) all my life I’ve heard and been taught that if you bring up an issue have a potential solution. This is a practical idea to have throughout life. I want to take a few moments and bring up some potential solutions for creating community and ensuring that you reach out to the generation(s) that are falling through the gap and/or are being overlooked by the church.
1. Participate.
The first step that you should take is to look at your church home. If you belong to a church then you have a community. The community that you are looking for could be there right in front of you the whole time. If your church has a small group, Bible study or other community driven ministry then you as an individual should participate. If there is a lack of community in your congregation bring it up to your Pastor. If you do bring it up to your Pastor do so with love, respect and tactfulness. Approach this conversation with potential ideas that you can either do or assist with.
2. Start a Small Group or Bible Study.
One idea that you can bring to the table is to start or help start a small group or Bible study under the leadership of the church. (*Note: this should only be an option if your church doesn’t already have a similar ministry in operation) if for some reason this idea is not accepted then you could start a small group/Bible Study at school or work during your lunch break. I would still seek the approval of the leadership at your church. But this may be a way for you to begin a community that doesn’t impact your church if the idea of stating one for the church is not accepted. (*Note: this isn’t permission to go behind the back of the leadership in your church.) if they tell you no then you can ask them for a reason. You want this reason…because they are in the process of beginning a similar ministry, maybe you are a new Christian and they would like to give you more discipleship prior to you venturing out or they may be some other reason.
3. Be Intentional with Your Relationships.
Not everyone is able to lead a small group/Bible study. Maybe you’re shy, not organized, still in the process of learning or you do not have the gift of teaching. No matter the reason the reality remains that there are people whom will not be suited for this type of ministry. You can however be intentional with your relationships. Take advantage of every opportunity to speak into someone’s life. Become a regular at a local restaurant, coffee shop, gas staion or store. Get to know people in your community around you. Your neighbors, classmates and co-worker.
These are just a few ideas that you can potentially use to individually address the issue of community (or lack thereof) within the church. A community begins with one person…you can be that person. If we all purposed in our lives to participate in and lead communities when there was a need then the church would have no lack of community. My final thought is to pray about it…what can you do to either participate in the community within your local church, lead an existing community or begin a new community that consisted of the people in your life. What are some approaches that you use to address this issue?
