Vision & Values 4 – Community
Devotions - Week 4
Community
Key Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12
Christians should love the church. Jesus loves his church, community is God’s idea and the church is his plan A for impacting the world with his kingdom. However, the reality is we can often struggle with church. The latest census reveals that in the UK 46% of people would still describe themselves as Christian – that is actually quite encouraging – but less than 5% are part of a church community.
Why is that? When God exists in community, creates out of community, creates for community, saves through community and Jesus built community. What is it that causes so many people to identify as Christian, yet not commit to a local church?
Of course the obvious answer would be that ticking a box on a form to say you are a Christian is not the same as actually responding to the gospel in a meaningful life shaping way. But if we leave that to one side for a moment, why else might it be?
Past Experience?
Unfortunately our imperfection will always mean that our church communities are imperfect. We talked last week about the need for grace in our Everyday Church community. We need grace for each other especially when we are processing past hurt within the church.
Why is that? When God exists in community, creates out of community, creates for community, saves through community and Jesus built community. What is it that causes so many people to identify as Christian, yet not commit to a local church?
Of course the obvious answer would be that ticking a box on a form to say you are a Christian is not the same as actually responding to the gospel in a meaningful life shaping way. But if we leave that to one side for a moment, why else might it be?
Past Experience?
Unfortunately our imperfection will always mean that our church communities are imperfect. We talked last week about the need for grace in our Everyday Church community. We need grace for each other especially when we are processing past hurt within the church.
Apply
- How might we avoid being hurt by church without simply disengaging physically or emotionally?
- How would building authenticity and vulnerability in church life, as discussed last week, help in this process?
- Given that the perfect church does not exist, how does scripture help us deal with the imperfection of others?
A Consumer Society?
Some people live to shop, but we are all consumers. We get used to next day delivery, consumer rights, smart phones that tailor our newsfeed and social media, and personal recommendations on Netflix and Amazon Prime. We are bombarded by media that tells us we have the right to a life perfectly designed around our felt needs, wants and preferences. Nothing could be further from the biblical model of church. The church is not a consumer organisation it is a family built on covenant. When we respond to the gospel we are not only dying to self and being raised with Christ – we are dying to self and being joined to the body of Christ – the church.
Some people live to shop, but we are all consumers. We get used to next day delivery, consumer rights, smart phones that tailor our newsfeed and social media, and personal recommendations on Netflix and Amazon Prime. We are bombarded by media that tells us we have the right to a life perfectly designed around our felt needs, wants and preferences. Nothing could be further from the biblical model of church. The church is not a consumer organisation it is a family built on covenant. When we respond to the gospel we are not only dying to self and being raised with Christ – we are dying to self and being joined to the body of Christ – the church.
Apply
- What might that mean to our view of church and the type of church Jesus is seeking to continue to build at Everyday Church?
- What is the difference between a consumer church and a covenant community?
- What does it look like for you to be part of a covenant community in this season of your life?
- How do we avoid guilt about areas like serving and giving without falling into a consumer mentality?
This Everyday Devotions was written by Simon Elliott, our Lead Elder.
If you would like to listen to the whole of this week’s sermon on Vision & Values 4 why not download the Everyday Church App or visit our website, YouTube Channel and at our Online Church Services.
This Everyday Devotions is accompanied by a devotional video that you can watch on our YouTube Channel.
Follow our Everyday Devotions Playlist for some songs to help you worship God in Spirit and truth this week.
If you would like to listen to the whole of this week’s sermon on Vision & Values 4 why not download the Everyday Church App or visit our website, YouTube Channel and at our Online Church Services.
This Everyday Devotions is accompanied by a devotional video that you can watch on our YouTube Channel.
Follow our Everyday Devotions Playlist for some songs to help you worship God in Spirit and truth this week.