The church is meant to be a community.
It’s meant to be a gathering of those called out from the world to proclaim to the world the amazing good news of Jesus. How we proclaim that is as much by out relationships as anything else. So we have Jesus in John 17 making a heartfelt prayer that His disciples will be identified by their mutual love.
That’s the plan. That’s the goal. That’s the mark.
So it’s rather disappointing for me to witness experiences where there weekly gatherings that feature desperately lonely people. Not only are they desperately lonely, but their loneliness is not something that’s seen as an issue for the gathering. The thinking is the gathering is sufficient for everyone to know we’re a family, so after we sing, give our offering, hear the dude speak and have a quick bite to eat with the cup of coffee, that should do it for us.
That is not good enough.
What would happen if Jesus did the same Inspector trip as He did with the seven churches in Revelation? If He had an inspection of how our gatherings operate in our regular lives, would He see the lonely loved?
Likewise are the lonely given the capacity to express their need for companionship and meaningful relationship? Is there an environment where they feel comfortable to share that state, and realise that genuine Christian community is a great place to find encouragement and that relationship that points us to how Christ the One who Consoles is real?
There’s a lot to wade through in these issues, but I am glad that there are examples of brothers and sisters who know what it is to walk alongside those who are lonely. They let them know how vital a part of the Body they are and show that connection through true, deep, meaningful and intimate Christ-centred relationships.
I am glad and encouraged. And motivated and challenged to keep that Spirit-driven trend going.
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 