Why Finding Your Own Christian Community is Important
Moving away for college or deciding to move out of your parent's home is a time of great transition. Many exciting and new experiences come with living on your own, and the thrill of having independence can quickly become the new normal. While creating new routines and ways to do life is a positive part of becoming an adult, it is essential for the personal and spiritual development of believers to connect to a Christian community.
"He replied to him, 'Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?' Pointing to his disciples, he said, 'Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.'" - Matthew 12:48-50 (NIV)
Building relationships within a church community can be encouraging to your daily life and spiritual life. In Matthew 12:48-50, Jesus asks who his family is-- and more specifically-- who are the people serving alongside him. He highlights that "whoever does the will of my father in heaven is my brother and sister." Jesus emphasizes that whoever strives to do the will of the Lord can be considered family in Christ and therefore has a special connection.
We were created to experience a special fellowship with our family in Christ.
Having a family of believers that we surround ourselves with can strengthen our walk with the Lord and allow people to walk alongside us in becoming more like Christ. Within a Christian community, God is seen and known at a different depth through our different testimonies, gifts, and experiences. The Holy Spirit can work and speak in miraculous ways. The Lord often uses fellow believers or the church to bless us in ways we could not be blessed otherwise, and to grow us through opportunities to care for one another. Often Christians who do not take part in a church family miss out on support and service that they can ground them through hard times, celebratory times, and transitional times. . Moreover, when we gather with other believers, we can more clearly discern what the Lord is telling us and be encouraged in our faith through the faith of others.
Many new life experiences open the door for creating new support systems and growing with others. We were not intended to navigate life alone. A church family can provide you emotional, spiritual, and practical support as you journey through life. It can help strengthen your walk with the Lord by offering support in the hard times and by blessing you in ways you may never have imagined.
Learn more about why it is important for young Christians to have a faith community with the Adulting module from the Relationship IQ Curriculum.