How fully are you participating in Christian community? We’ve been talking this week about the characteristics of Christian community, ways you can add these elements of these to your existing communities and why it’s important to have a Christian community.
Today is a personal challenge. Are you fully participating in your community? Are there any any areas where you can do more?
Below are the six characteristics of a Christian community. I’ve included several questions below each to get you thinking. Do any of these grab your heart as an area where you can grow? Think about what specific actions you want to take next. We all have room to grow, so this list is intended only as a thought-starter to think about how you can take your involvement in community to a next level.
For example, one that stood out for me is getting to know others in my community on a deeper, one-on-one level. My action plan is to invite some friends to lunch and spend time together. I’m an ‘eat-at-my-desk-while-working’ person, so this is a growth opportunity for me.
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Bible Study – They devoted themselves to the apostle’s teaching.
- Are you studying the Bible with others? Using a study guide, discussing in a group, participating in an online study?
- Are you encouraging others to read and study the Bible, sharing the knowledge you’ve learned?
- Are you teaching your children about the Bible? Reading or studying with them? Or, helping in Sunday school or youth group?
Worship – The devoted themselves to the breaking of bread and praising God.
- Are you attending church regularly, participating in worship with others?
- Do you encourage others to attend church, even if it’s just your family?
Prayer – They devoted themselves to prayer.
- Do you ask to pray with or for others?
- Do you actually pray when a prayer request is sent out?
- Do you share your needs with others so they can pray for you?
- Do you pray with and for your children? Do you do it out loud so they can learn from you?
Serving Others – They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.
- Do you give of your time, talents and treasures when someone has a need?
- Do you graciously accept help when others offer?
- Do you ask for help when you need it?
Fellowship – They devoted themselves to fellowship, eating together in their homes with glad and sincere hearts.
- Do you spend time with your community in fellowship?
- Do you spend one-on-one time getting to know individuals in your community on a deeper level?
- Do you invite others to join your community?
Meeting Regularly – Every day they continued to meet together.
- How often do you spend time with your community?
What did you find as you read through this list? Which ones stirred your heart? Write out one or two actions you’ll take next and root yourself more firmly in your community.
[reminder preface=”Question:”]What are some ways you can engage more fully in community?[/reminder]
[callout]This post is part of the “A Better Change” series. For more information on this series and to find related posts, click here: A Better Change Series – Overview[/callout]
Sharing with: #TellHisStory, Thought-Provoking Thursday, Thriving Thursday
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Abby says
Thanks for mapping these out, Kathryn. Such a great post here. One thing I’m doing to create more community is opening up our home once a week for Bible study to members of our church. Our first meeting will be this Friday and I’m looking forward to seeing all that God will do to build relationships through this fellowship. This is so important. Much truth here.
Kathryn says
Wonderful idea! Great way to build community – make new friends and study God’s word together! I’ve missed my Bible study group, but just not in the cards for this season of life.
Dawn says
This is something dear to my heart and I love that you question it. I invest in many ways that you suggest, but there an always be more, right. There can always be ways what we invest Christ in what we do. Right now one the of the main ways is through my blog and through some intentional Bible studies that force me to be both transparent with the women I am walking with and to pray for them.
Thanks for the reminder to invest. I appreciate this today.
Blessings,
Dawn