THE IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNITY | Northstar Church

What life have you if you have not life together?
There is not life that is not in community,
And no community not lived in praise of God . . .
-Choruses from the Rock: T.S. Eliot.

Poet and playwright T. S. Eliot penned those words in 1934. Although society has undergone significant transformations over the past 90 years, driven by factors such as technological advancements, globalization, and shifts in cultural values, his words remain relevant. Eliot knows what we all know to be true today: a vibrant life needs community.

We were not created to go about this life apart from a relationship with other believers. In community, we discover our place in the body of Christ. In community, we learn what it is to serve out of love, honor, and respect. And in community, we receive the healing and love that can only come from those who share in the same Spirit.

Acts 2:42-47 describes the early Christian community in Jerusalem, highlighting their devotion to the apostles’ teachings, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayers. This passage describes the community we all strive for. We were made for honest, vulnerable fellowship. We were created to help each other, eat together, worship our God, and love others. The Acts passage describes the result of God’s saving work. When God saves people, God forms those people into a dynamic community whose members share their lives. God’s saving work produces a dynamic community in which those who share in the spiritual life of Christ also share in the everyday stuff of life.

God intends for us to be supported, strengthened, encouraged, and empowered through the community of believers. As we face the storms and temptations of life, we should draw strength from one another.

Scripture is clear that true community requires sacrifice, vulnerability, and accountability. 1 Corinthians 12:25-26 says, “This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other. If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad.” Accountability within a church community is vital for spiritual growth and maturity. It involves a commitment to transparency, vulnerability, and mutual encouragement, fostering an environment where believers can confess sins, seek guidance, and receive correction from one another. This practice helps believers stay on track, avoid falling into sin, and grow in holiness, reflecting the love and grace of Christ.

Charles Spurgeon once said of the Church, “Imperfect as it is, it is the dearest place on earth to us… All who have first given themselves to the Lord should, as speedily as possible, also give themselves to the Lord’s people. Being in community, in constant fellowship with other believers, helps refine our lives and intentions so that they more consistently align with Christ. This enables us to spiritually mature to the point where we can confidently encourage others to follow our example as we follow the example of Christ.”

Discussion Questions:

What are some of the benefits of being part of a strong church community?
What are some of the challenges of maintaining a healthy church community?
How does the church community help us live out our faith in the world?