As a pastor, I am constantly encouraged and amazed by the power of community. In my experience, community is one of the most important and transformative aspects of the Christian faith.
In the book of Acts, we see a powerful example of the early church devoted to fellowship, teaching, breaking bread, and prayer. This community of believers was the foundation upon which the church grew and thrived, even in the face of intense persecution.
When the first martyr, Stephen, was killed, a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem. Many believers were scattered, forced to flee their homes and go into hiding. Yet even in the midst of this turmoil, the church continued to grow – not because of large public gatherings, but because of the small, intimate communities that formed in people’s homes.
As the apostle Paul later dragged Christians from house to house, arresting and imprisoning them, the believers refused to abandon their devotion to one another. They knew that their community was the lifeblood of their faith. No amount of hardship or persecution could sever the bonds they shared.
In those trying times, community wasn’t just a nice-to-have – it was essential for survival, both physically and spiritually. The early Christians didn’t just learn together and pray together; they wept together, they celebrated together, they cared for one another’s practical needs. Their fellowship was deep, authentic, and life-giving.
And as a result, the church exploded in growth. Sociologist Rodney Stark estimates that the number of Christians grew from 120 in the upper room to 54% of the entire Roman Empire within just 200 years – an astounding statistic when you consider the extreme persecution and martyrdom the church faced.
What made this rapid expansion possible? I believe it was the power of devoted, Christ-centered community.
When believers are united in love, discipleship, and mission, amazing things can happen. Instead of a collection of isolated individuals, the church becomes a tight-knit family – a force to be reckoned with.
I’ve seen this dynamic play out time and time again, both in the life of our church and in the personal stories of our members. Take Suzanne, for example. When our church merged with her previous congregation, she was initially hesitant to get involved in a small group. But once she took that first step, her life was transformed.
Suzanne found herself in a diverse community of believers – some younger, some older; some with more Biblical knowledge, some with different perspectives. At first, she was a bit nervous. But with an open heart and a willingness to learn, she dove in. And what she discovered was not just a Bible study group, but a true family.
That small group became a lifeline for Suzanne, especially during the difficult days of the pandemic and the loss of her father. They wept together, they prayed together, they served together. And through it all, Suzanne’s faith grew stronger. She told me that her small group “made her better” and that she, in turn, was able to help make them better as well.
Even more amazingly, Suzanne’s husband, who doesn’t attend our church, has been profoundly impacted by witnessing the love and community of that small group. He’s become one of the group’s biggest supporters and inviters, not because he’s been convinced by a sermon, but because he’s seen the gospel lived out in tangible ways.
And then there’s Suzanne’s son, Cameron. Watching the transformation in his mom, he decided to join a small group of his own – a decision that ultimately led him to give his life to Christ and join the Marines, where he continues to grow in his faith.
Community doesn’t just strengthen believers; it also draws unbelievers to the Lord. When the world sees the love, unity, and care that characterize a true Christ-centered community, it becomes a powerful apologetic for the gospel.
Unfortunately, I’ve also seen the devastating effects when believers prioritize other things over community. Too often, we allow our personal opinions, our schedules, or our comfort to take precedence over the relationships and connections that God has called us to.
I’ve watched people walk away from community over political disagreements, unwilling to extend grace and maintain unity. I’ve seen others become so busy with work, family, and other commitments that they simply don’t make time for the fellowship of believers. And I’ve counseled many who have isolated themselves, feeling alone and disconnected, all because they’ve sacrificed community on the altar of their own preferences.
But the truth is, Jesus never intended for us to go it alone. When he called his disciples, he called them into community. And when he established the church, he made it clear that we are better together – that we need each other, that we’re called to bear one another’s burdens, to spur one another on, to sharpen one another.
The good news of Jesus isn’t just about individual salvation; it’s about being welcomed into the family of God, the body of Christ. And that family needs each other. We need the encouragement, the accountability, the support that can only come through authentic, Christ-centered community.
So I want to ask you a question: What are you devoted to? Is it your comfort, your schedule, your opinions? Or is it the kind of fellowship that the early church modeled – a devotion to teaching, to breaking bread, to prayer, to caring for one another?
I know it’s not always easy. Building community takes vulnerability, humility, and a willingness to step out of our comfort zones. But I can tell you from experience, it’s worth it. Because when we do life together, amazing things happen.
Suzanne’s story is just one example. I’ve seen God do miraculous things in the lives of people who have surrendered to community – healing broken relationships, providing for practical needs, deepening faith, and equipping believers for mission. I’ve watched Him use small groups to draw unbelievers to Himself, to build up new believers, and to restore those who have wandered.
And I firmly believe that if the church today would recapture the spirit of devotion and fellowship that we see in the book of Acts, we would see a similar explosion of growth and impact. Because when the people of God are united in love, devoted to one another, amazing things can happen.
So I want to encourage you – if you’re not currently part of a small group or a tight-knit community of believers, take that first step. It might feel uncomfortable at first, but I promise, the rewards are worth it. Allow yourself to be known, to be vulnerable, to grow alongside others who are seeking to follow Jesus.
And for those of you who are already engaged in community, I challenge you to strengthen those bonds. Prioritize your relationships, make time for one another, and let your fellowship be a testimony to the power of the gospel.
Because when we’re united in Christ, we’re unstoppable. The world may try to divide us, to isolate us, to silence us. But if we remain devoted to one another, grounded in the truth of God’s word and empowered by His Spirit, there’s no limit to what He can do through us.
So let’s not settle for less. Let’s recapture the vision of the early church – a people devoted to each other, to learning, to breaking bread, to prayer. A family that weeps together, celebrates together, and cares for one another’s needs. A community that draws the lost to the Savior and equips the saints for the work of ministry.
That’s the kind of church I want to be a part of. And I believe that’s the kind of church Jesus is calling us to become.
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