We throw the word “community” around in the church a lot, but what does it actually mean to be “in community” with other Christians? Paul offers us metaphors about bodies and buildings to show how Christ brings us together as his people. We even see in Jesus’s life that he had close friends. We know community should characterize God’s people. So, what is it?
For the church, being together begins with Jesus. He unifies us—not only with himself but also with each other. By the power of the Spirit, he enables us to overcome differences, arguments, and divisions to stand shoulder to shoulder with other Christians. And he sends us out on the same mission to make disciples. To be in Christian community is to belong to Jesus, to love each other, and to be witnesses together.
Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection paves the way for us to be with God. When we put our faith in him, we are unified with him by the Spirit. The foundation of our unity as God’s people is in Jesus.
Ephesians 2:19–22
Salvation belongs to God’s people—the church. Together, we represent God in the world, empowered by the Spirit. Despite any of our differences, we stand together under the banner of Jesus.
Hebrews 10:24–25; Acts 2:44–47
Our God-given mission to make disciples of all nations begins in our community and branches out in all our relationships to the ends of the earth. Together, we share the good news about Jesus.
Philippians 1:27; Matthew 28:19–20; Acts 1:8
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