COMMUNITY IS CRITICAL TO TRANSFORMATION

“Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.  If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.” – Ephesians 4:9-12.

Imagine a man who read the Bible for an hour a day, spent another hour memorizing scripture, and listened to Christian music on his commute to work and Christian teaching podcasts on his commute home. He found news depressing, and the current sitcoms didn’t make him laugh, so he bought a subscription to Pureflix and watched Christian movies after dinner on a nightly basis. Now, imagine he never talked to another Christian. He never went to church. He was not a part of a small group. He spent his life alone with Christian music, movies, and podcasts. Those media were great, but he was never encouraged, admonished, or corrected by other believers. He never had the opportunity to speak the truth in love to others, and nobody did the same in his life. He was alone. How much would he grow spiritually? How much would he be transformed into the image of Christ?

The answer is relative, but we know that we are transformed one at a time, not alone. Every believer benefits from being part of a group. The writer of Hebrews makes this clear: “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near” (Hebrews 10:24–25).

This verse is often used as an admonition to come to church. But it is more than just coming to church every Sunday. Sitting in straight rows at church and listening to uplifting music and Biblical teaching is good. But it is also talking about other opportunities, such as small groups. Andy Stanley says, “Circles are better than rows.” Small groups are where we encourage one another. Circles encourage us to start their day with the Bible on their lap. Circles ask hard questions.  Circles listen. Circles hug. Circles love. Circles transform.

Community provides a spiritual growth and transformation space where individuals can be challenged, encouraged, and held accountable in their faith journey. Through shared experiences, prayer, and fellowship, believers can learn from one another and grow closer to Jesus. In a world where people feel isolated and alone, throughout His ministry, Jesus modeled and taught about life in community.

We were not created to do life or ministry alone. Community was God’s plan to change the world. Jesus was completely capable of preaching, teaching, and healing by Himself. It’s not as if Jesus needed anyone to help Him. But God designed us to need each other, and Jesus lived this out by taking along 12 friends.

Discussion Questions:

1. In order to enjoy God in community, we must share God in community. What makes sharing with other Christians difficult? What makes it easy?
2. Have you experienced deep fellowship with someone who you might not otherwise be friends with?