The New Testament Concept

The apostles conceived of the Christian life as a life that in its essence was community oriented. They understood God's purpose in redemption to be the formation of a people, a corporate entity. They expected Christians to function as distinct communities in each geographical area, loving and caring for one another, united, able to live and act as a unit. To choose Christ was to choose to take up one's place in the local community of Christians.

An individualistic, isolated Christian life was seen as an anomaly, abnormal. Normal Christian life expressed itself in concrete sharing of life and resources and collaboration in mission, under the authoritative guidance of the community's elders.”1

Definition

Christian community may be defined as believers living together in the same locality with common goals, principles, and identity. A Christian community is a group of people who, corporately, are committed to becoming like Christ (Eph. 4:11-16). Operationally, community could be thought of as including those to whom we consider turning when we have personal needs or need assistance in ministry.

The Greek word, Koinonia, which gives some definition to the church, embodies concepts of partnership, sharing, fellowship, and communion. It is a wholistic concept, taking in all areas of one's life, and needs some structure in which to be expressed.

For the Christian, the church is the structure for experiencing community and calls the believer to a committed participation in its worship, instruction, mission, and into submission to its government.

The following Scriptures speak of these community aspects of the church: Acts 2:42, 44; 4:32-35; Rom. 12:10-13; 15:25, 26; II Cor. 8:1-4; Gal. 2:9, 10; Phil. 2:1-4; Heb. 10:32-34; 13:16-17; I Thess. 5:12-13; I Tim. 3:1-7; 5:17-22.

Present Position of Society and the Church

People in our American culture have a deep sense of rootlessness-a sense of not belonging. Such statements as television's Roots provided a commentary on this problem and caused many people to become interested in their past-its beginning and history. The alienation that people feel causes them to care less and less about each other, resulting in the individualism that has become the trademark of modern man. Individualistic thinking which results in “doing my own thing” is a prevailing attitude. Dr. Francis Schaeffer has pointed out that the present “world spirit” has led 20th century people into a lifestyle of personal peace and affluence. These he describes as “horrendous values.” Even man's living environments are physically constructed to sustain isolation.

“Ralph Keyes in his 1973 book, We the Lonely People, says that above all else we Americans value mobility, privacy, and convenience. And it is these very traits that are at the source of our lack of community. Of these three, privacy is our most cherished value. But it has not always been this way. Keyes reminds us, 'Privacy as an ideal, even as a concept, is relatively modern. Marshall McLuhan says it took the invention of print to tear man from his tribes and plant the dream of isolation in his brain. Historian Jacob Burchardt says that before the Renaissance, Western man was barely aware of himself as an individual. Mostly he drew identity from membership in groups-family, tribe, church, guild.'”2

Unfortunately, this spirit of the world has reached into the church. Christians, as well as non-Christians, have been affected, which indicates that the culture has influenced the church. Too many times our churches have become museums for loners, where people are programmed to avoid love of each other. People become membered theologically or institutionally but not practically. The loss of community in the church has affected our definition of the church, with several consequences.

One consequence is that people have turned to other institutions for community. These institutions are usually centered on common interests, such as singles' bars, ski clubs, country clubs, etc.

Opportunity for the Church

The church now has an opportunity to provide the best alternative for people.

“The Word of God speaks to us, His people, in detail about the practice of community relationships and commitments. It is short on institutional motions and long on loving, committed relationships. It is long on supporting basic human relationships: spouse, children, Christian brothers and sisters, parents, and neighbors. It is long on caring. It is long on sharing our homes, resources, and time. It is long on our encouraging one another and thinking well of one another. The sphere of human relationships is the laboratory of God. It is where Christians express sanctification, Godly living, loving relationships, mental and emotional health, and ministry in terms of care and witness.”3

Basis For Community

Our belief in community goes beyond the fact that it is needed or would be a “neat” thing to do.

Community is based upon our view of truth. We see the Trinity as our model. The Trinity consists of three persons-Father, Son, and Holy Spirit-in loving and caring relationship. Even before man was created and before the heavens and earth were created, there was community in the Trinity. One of the key elements in the Trinity was and is unity. John 17:21-26 records our Lord's desire that the unity in the church be as the unity in the Godhead.

Community is also based upon a correct view of ourselves. We are God's image-bearers who should reflect His character in all areas of life. The Scriptures teach us that we are worthy objects of His love; therefore, we can have a high regard and love for one another. Respect and care for human beings created in the image of God is a logical conclusion to knowing God and respecting His creation. Even though the image of God in man has been marred by sin, he is still created in the image of God with significant value. It is right, then to “do good to all men especially those who are of the household of faith” (Gal. 6:10). The restoration of our spiritual, intellectual, physical, moral, and social capabilities begins with faith in Christ and continues with our living the new life in the church.

Commitment is essential to community. God has expressed His commitment to us and we are to respond in commitment to Him and to one another. Commitment is a hard word in a rootless society, but a call for commitment must go forth. This call should include the following:

1. Individual commitment to the Lordship of Christ (Rom. 10:9-10).
2. Individual commitment to a body of believers (Acts 2:42-47).
3. Corporate commitment to Christ's Lordship (Rom. 15:5-6; I Cor. 1:10; Phil. 2:2; Col. 2:19).
4. Corporate commitment to the individual (I Cor. 12:24-26; I Thess. 2:7-12).

The practice of community is not on the basis of convenience, but is a matter of priority. It will call for sacrifices. Natural and spiritual gifts should be dedicated for use in building the community. Making this kind of life in the church a priority will bring peace and comfort to the essential areas of life-such as relationships between friends, husbands and wives, and other family members. As a matter of fact, this will strengthen the family as each member learns his proper role and parents do not become bogged down in work. Mutual commitment to one another and “family ties” in the Spirit will provide protection for us (Matt. 18:15-17; Gal. 6:1-2; II Thess. 3:15; I Tim. 5; James 5:19-20).

Francis Schaeffer has pointed out that there needs to be orthodoxy of doctrine and orthodoxy of community. Biblically the two are inseparable. Culturally we have separated them. We seem to be able to live lives apart from what we say we believe. This we should not allow for ourselves or for those under our care. We must have the courage to bring them together for the glory of God.

Practicing Community

Community is not adequately expressed in large groups. Smallness is necessary so everyone is known and no one can hide. This provides the rationale for home-sized groups meeting regularly. In this setting, meetings should be simple so people do not feel that they have to be professionally trained church workers to have enough confidence to function. Out of this context ongoing relationships can be developed. We must repent of the “going to church” mentality and the idea that the church is a building or organization. The Scriptures make it clear that people indwelt by the Spirit of God are the church. The church happens 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Responsibilities should be distributed among all the members according to their gifts, abilities, and callings. The circle of the committed should be called forth to function. Leaders, rather than qualifying on the basis of social, professional, and financial status, need to be mature, Spirit-filled people. Others, besides the professionally trained, must be depended upon to practice community. Sophisticated procedures and formalities may have to be sacrificed if the people are to function.

The community is the place where spiritual gifts can be expressed most properly. The gifts become meaningless and confusing with a “meeting mentality.” The gifts of the Spirit are for real living and not just for religious services. They are for counsel, direction, and service as well as for worship and praise. They are to function in beauty and order, reflecting God's character, serving Him and His people. In order for this to occur, they need to operate in accountability to the community. Functioning individualistically and outside the church will usually cause confusion and disorder.

The church-God's community-is where His government is found and experienced. His plan is not abstract and theoretical, but it is practical and real. In the church we talk “Kingdom talk” because we see His reign as real and actually present. His authority is to be translated into real life situations. Therefore, the community of believers has recognized leadership. Locally, the elders are God's delegated authority. They manage, shepherd, and give guidance to the community. Their ministry is to be marked by service as they follow the example of Jesus' servanthood (Mark 10:42-45). Without leaders who serve, there can be no sustained community. With a “sharp leader” there can be good meetings, but it takes more than a sharp leader to have community. This is why an eldership-overseeing, modeling, coordinating, caring for, and stimulating community-is necessary among God's people. The church needs to have a “community mentality” and this happens with leadership that understands and is committed to community.

Community, if it is practical, implies geographical closeness. But community is not synonymous with communes. Private ownership is not denied in the Bible. Some people hold back when they hear about community, thinking it means some kind of communal experience. The results are that they get cemented in their secularized forms and functions.

Community will call for one's time, money, and energy. This kind of commitment cannot be based on convenience. We must see that all our possessions belong to the Lord and are used for His glory. This kind of thinking will challenge modern life and living standards. It will cut across the grain of those who work 60 or 70 hours a week (or more!). There may be some professions Christians should consider not going into because of time commitment or ethical questions. More hospitality and associations with the weak and poor will be required. We should feel the freedom to call each other for help as true brother and sister relationships are developed.

Moving Into Community

Pastoral goals should include the development of Christian community. A committed, serving leadership should be an example of community to the flock. Potential leaders should be developed to broaden the base of community.

Community should be developed around those who demonstrate commitment, and others will become committed as they see “life in action.” Community should not be reduced to the “lowest common denominator,” either in terms of standards or people. If we are always waiting to commit ourselves to one another because certain persons are not ready, community will not happen. Those who understand the church in terms of community should begin to practice it as best they can in obedience to Christ with the understanding that community cannot be legislated.

Deliberately schedule community activities and allow for spontaneity. There needs to be form and freedom in our life together. Tightly structured meetings or community activities will squeeze out life. Completely spontaneous events will lack order and result in confusion. The leadership will have to be sensitive and responsive at this point.

Start with those believers who understand and are committed to community. Get to know your neighbors; they are potential new members for the Kingdom of God. Bringing them into the life of the Christian community can be the dynamic that could lead to their conversions. They could become your new brothers and sisters in the church.

Be careful about moving frequently. Mobility can be destructive to community. It has been easy for Christians to fall into the patterns of our secular world, which has little regard for community or continuity. Present relationships are often sacrificed for another job, house, or new pleasure.

As much as possible, develop a simple style of living. A life packed full will have difficulty making community practical. Obviously, there are circumstances beyond our control; but where we have opportunity, we ought to be sure we are in control and that we are not being controlled by our own busyness. Loving and caring take time, and we need to be sure our lifestyles allow for these essentials of Christian community.

Sometimes one needs to be alone, and this should be respected and encouraged. On the other hand, we need to consider what we can do with others. There are always opportunities for deepening relationships. Whether shopping, painting a house, helping someone move, working in a yard, or just sitting together talking, community can be experienced.

“These communities cannot be created by a document or administrative decision or by assigning a certain number of personnel. They also cannot be mass-produced. It takes time, deep dedication, the significant help of the Holy Spirit, and the right combination of gifts and abilities.”4

FOOTNOTES

1. Martin, Ralph C., quoted in Pastoral Renewal, May 1982, Vol. 6, No. 11, pp. 82, 83
2 Smith, David W., The Friendless American Male, 1983, p. 143
3 Nethery, Ray, Grace Haven Farm newsletter
4 Pastoral Renewal, May 1982, p.85