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Have you ever felt alone in a crowded room? Perhaps even in church? The truth is, we all need to belong. We need a place and people who know us, care for us, and help us become who God designed us to be.

When we truly belong to a church community, we live more richly in Christ. It's not just about attending services—it's about being known and knowing others in meaningful ways.

Why Do We Need to Belong?

We're all here because we need to belong. We need to know that our lives count, that we're special, and that we're part of something bigger than ourselves. Most importantly, we need people who genuinely care for us.

In Romans 16, the Apostle Paul sends greetings to over 35 people who had made significant impacts on his life. These weren't just casual acquaintances—these were people who had helped shape Paul into the apostle he became.

What Makes Christianity a Community?

Christianity isn't meant to be practiced alone. While salvation comes through personal faith in Jesus Christ and His blood that washes away our sins, our growth happens in community.

The church is not an institution but a living body of people. When we get connected to this body, we begin to understand who we are in Jesus by being around others who understand who they are in Him.

Two Types of Relationships

There are two basic types of relationships:

 

  • Transactional - "You have something I want, and I'll be your friend until I get it."
  • Transformational - "I'm in this relationship because God is going to do something in your life through our connection, and in mine through yours."

 

Only transformational relationships truly change us. While the Holy Spirit is the one who changes people, He often uses other believers to initiate that change.

How Do We Make Friends in Church?

The Bible says, "He who has friends shows himself to be friendly." This means we don't find friends—we make them by taking action and stepping toward relationships.

Life groups, women's mentoring, men's nights, and other church activities are designed to help you connect. Next week, there will be a life group fair with about 20 tables of people saying, "We're starting a life group and would love for you to be part of it."

What Made the Early Church Special?

The church in Rome was filled with diverse people—rich, poor, slaves, free people, Jews, Gentiles, Greeks, Romans, members of Caesar's household, men, women, married couples, singles, business people, and former inmates.

Despite their differences, they had one thing in common: they had been washed by the blood of Jesus Christ. In Christ, there is no rich or poor, free or slave, male or female—all are equal. Everybody is somebody in God's body.

How the Early Christians Lived

Believers in the first century:

 

  • Shared everything
  • Opened their homes to brothers and sisters
  • Opened their hearts
  • Ate meals together
  • Studied God's Word together
  • Prayed together
  • Ministered to one another

 

There's no such thing as a "Lone Ranger Christian." Our faith is meant to be shared and lived out together.

What Can We Learn from Paul's Relationships?

Paul's relationships teach us several important lessons:

 

  • He knew their stories - Paul remembered personal details about people's lives and families.

 

  • He knew their spirituality - He remembered who was first to convert to Christ and celebrated their faith journey.

 

  • He knew their service - Paul recognized those who worked hard for the Lord and served alongside them.

 

  • He knew their suffering - He acknowledged those who had been imprisoned with him and suffered for their faith.

 

 

Why Is Suffering Important in Christian Community?

When we suffer, God gives us a platform to show others how we trust Him and find joy despite difficulties. Our suffering can draw us closer to God and allow us to minister to others going through similar trials.

The question is: who will be there for you when you face cancer, when your marriage is struggling, or when your children make poor choices? This is why we need community.

What Does Scripture Say About Meeting Together?

Hebrews 10:25 tells us: "Let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near."

Church isn't just about lining up to look at one person (the pastor). It's about circling up to look at each other. Hebrews 3 encourages us to "consider Jesus," meaning to focus on and study Him. Similarly, we should "consider one another"—studying, focusing on, and being occupied with each other so we can be part of each other's lives.

Life Application

The bottom line is simple: we belong together. We need to stick together and get together. Here are some practical steps to take:

 

  • Join a life group - Attend the life group fair next week and find a group where you can connect with others.

 

  • Meet a mentor - Consider finding someone who can guide you in your faith journey.

 

  • Attend church events - Go to men's or women's events, camps, or other gatherings where you can meet people.

 

  • Make the first move - Remember, you don't find friends; you make them. If you feel like nobody knows you at church, take the initiative to change that.

 

  • Pray for others - Who in your life needs to know Jesus? Commit to praying for them regularly.

 

 

Questions to Ask Yourself:

 

  • Who knows me at church? Who do I know?
  • Who is speaking truth with grace into my life?
  • Am I willing to step out of my comfort zone to get people in my life?
  • Who am I praying for that needs to know the Lord?
  • How can I be more intentional about building transformational relationships?

 

Remember Psalm 142:4, which describes the saddest condition: "I look for someone to come and help me, but no one gives me a passing thought. No one will help me; no one cares a bit what happens to me."

Don't let this be your story. Take action today to connect with others and experience the rich life God intends for you as part of His church.