We talk about Community alot in Atmosphere and one of the things I hear a lot is “I have some Christian friends, but all we do is hang out. How do we build real community?” Well I am glad you asked! Below is a list of some questions and ideas to think through when you are trying to build real, authentic gospel centered community. Think through these especially as you get ready to head back to school.
Thought Patterns: Questions to ask yourself
- How does what we are doing point us towards the gospel?
- How does the Gospel impact what we are doing?
Words | Actions: Things to say and do
- Hug when greeting one another, and when parting.
- Ask “How’s your soul?” instead of “How are you doing?”
- Ask “How is the truth of the Gospel impacting your life?”
- Ask “How can I be praying for you?” and actually pray for that person then
Group Activities: What you can do while thinking through these things
- Sit together at lunch time
- Go to sporting events together
- You get the drift: do what you would normally do alone, together with other believers.
The tough part:
It’s easy to be secluded to your group of Christian friends, but we are to be in the world and reaching out to unbelievers. So in all these suggestions, don’t forget those who don’t believe in Christ. You sit with your Christian friends at school, don’t forget your atheist class mate who is sitting by himself. Be actually caring for the people around you, and pay attention to their needs.
(photo from: http://abyss.hubbe.net/jeremiah/gallery/jim.pike?key=ep&page=28)
