I just finished reading an article highlighting the importance of building community within churches and faith communities. The author reminded me of something I learned years ago, “Humans long to be part of something important, to connect with other people, to be known by someone. No matter one’s status in life, interests, age or religion, there is a desire for community.” Truth.
For me, the greatest benefit of being part of our church is being part of our “church family.” I love my “peeps,” as I call them. Family, community and connections are vital pieces of every church. Without them, we miss a crucial component of God’s plan. Jesus highlighted the importance of community through his relationship with his disciples. His disciples were his friends. They prayed together, worshiped together, laughed and cried together. They recognized, interacted with, and knew one another. They were family, church, and community to one another.
Someone in your church family might need you today. They might need your friendship, encouragement, or a prayer. Send a card, send an email or make a call to the person who is on your heart or mind. Never miss an opportunity to reach out, to love, and to encourage those “family members” sitting in the pew near you or across the aisle from you. They need you. We need each other.
As the author in the article said, “Faith can not function alone.” Faith shouldn’t have to function alone. We are all connected because we are all part of God’s family. Let’s remember this and strengthen our connections with one another, and in so doing, our connections to Christ.