thoughts on community

To me, the process of building community (in the context of intentional community) is much like the process of eldership. It is officially named after it has actually already begun. A person is chosen by God to be a leader in the church, to oversee a ministry and to live in a godly way that is above reproach. They conduct themselves in this manner for at least a year or so, obeying the call on their life to be a submitted servant-leader. The laying on of hands to announce to the whole Body that these members are in fact elders serves as a kind of confirmation/affirmation rather than as a start of something new. We as the Church are simply saying, "Yes, I agree" when elders are selected for public recognition. We know these people, we have witnessed their dedication to their mission and their tremendous love for Jesus. We accept it as truth that God had ordained them long ago and that they are His agents of transformative change.

In a similar way, I believe that authentic Christian community will be birthed from a call on certain individuals' lives that are purposefully weaved together by the Father. It all rests in the hands of God as to whether community will actually happen or not. Humans cannot set a goal, call it "community", and then chase after it as though that were the highest value. They must truly lay themselves at the feet of Jesus and set their eyes on Him because He is the Most High. We should aspire to be sold-out Christians who are following His plan for our lives, no matter the cost. When individuals walk with Him, step by step, not always knowing what to expect or to do, then the seed of community with other such believers is possible. Intentional community is not only living with people who love Jesus, but also committing to building fellowship with one another and a sense of mission into the world around them. It is something that develops very slowly, but like a house built on a good foundation, it lasts. Meaningful relationships are established, members are encouraged and edified, prayer and communion with God is central and reaching out to the various groups to which they are called is crucial. So, like an elder, not just anyone can jump into this and accomplish it on their own. They must give up the "self" and accept His call (in this case to community living). Then after a long period of time, where proven dedication to one another and devotion to the Lord has been demonstrated among a group of people, only then, could they be genuinely acknowledged as a community. I want that and I trust that the Grand Weaver is somehow working this into my life. He is preparing me for what will one day be a life in beautiful community, solely existing to love his people and to give him glory.