True Community

As the assistant pastor of a local Bible church, I have had the joy of starting a new small group ministry. At present, we have two groups started and plan to start several more in the fall.

These small groups provide an opportunity for true Christian fellowship. While some may be drawn by a need to be close to others, we are ultimatley drawn together because of our mutual faith in Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the center and basis of true Christian community. This is Paul's point in 1 Thessalonians 2:13-14.

The basis for all relationships among believers is the Word Of God. We have fellowship with one another because we have received the Word of God. The Word of God works effectively in us. And because of our fellowship with Jesus Christ, we will experience hardship and suffering.

The Word of God refers to both the written word and to Jesus Christ, the Living Word, the Incarnate Word. All true Christian relationships, all true community grows out of our mutual acceptance of the written word and the authority of Jesus Christ in our lives.

Recognizing the centrality of the Word of God, our small group time is centered around the Bible. We read and discuss passages of Scripture and discuss how the truth applies to our lives. Having established that basis, we support and encourage one another in prayer. We help each other through difficult times. And yes, we have fun together. As we grow closer to Jesus Christ and as we have fellowship with Him, we grow closer to one another.

He is the center of our lives. He is the basis of our relationships. In Him we have community.