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)

Colossians 1.9-13 -

A Prayer for each other today -

9 And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking
that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will
in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,
10 so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him,
bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.
11 May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might,
for all endurance and patience with joy,
12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.
13 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son,
14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Most of you know I spend a good amount of time at Starbucks. For me there is more to it then just coffee (here’s why). Recently I was part of a conversation with someone who was saying how they wished when they walked into Starbucks the barista knew who he was.  This made me think of the old show cheers, which most of you have never seen – so here is the intro:

In the theme song it says Where everybody knows your name, where the troubles are all the same. Does this describe Atmosphere? When you come are you excited because you know you are going to a place where community is active and intentional? Most of us walk in and walk out, the whole time being alone.

Now I know many of you might not like Starbucks, but isn’t this what we want to have in church? Now I’m not saying we want our church to be like Starbucks, but don’t you want and need a place where when you walk in everybody knows your name. Shouldn’t we want to be a community of believers who know each other and care for each other. Shouldn’t Starbucks look at the church for true community and not the other way around.

Many days you will find me sitting in Starbucks, Bible open, Computer open, or book in my hands working away on plans, sermons, blogs,  and reading. Those who know me well know that I don’t do much in my life without thinking through it. I have a reason for just about everything I do.  With that said I spend time at Starbucks for many reasons. Here’s why:

Missional Living – As a pastor I don’t see many people who either are not Christians or are not being drawn to Christ by the Holy Spirit.  So, basically, I usually don’t interact with people who are in desperate need of the Gospel. But, the people at Starbucks don’t have a clue about who Jesus is.

Intentional Relationships – Now I’m not attempting to romanticize me drinking coffee at Starbuck but I truly feel that Jesus if He was on earth today would not spend all His time in an office alone, He would be out and among the people.

Input – I have different opportunities to speak into the lives of many people just by being here.

Contextualization – I have a chance to hear what people are talking about, what people are going through, their struggles, joys, hardships, concerns etc…

Why do you do what you do? Are you living with intentionality, or just going with the flow?