You aren’t just an individual…
“What church has the best coffee?”
“What church has my favorite kind of music?”
“Which church has the best production and sound?”
“I like this church; the pastor is funny.”
Have you found yourself asking these questions when “checking out” new churches? You’re not alone. I was just asking these same questions to my wife a few weeks ago.
For centuries, the process of growing in Christ has been thought of as a communal activity. As seen in the book of Acts, they shared everything with each other. Their entire lives were enveloped in the life-giving community of the church. To them, their spiritual lives weren’t their own, it was everyone’s.
The Western idea of individualism has seeped into our Churches. While there is validity for individuals to take responsibility for their own faith, this has indirectly allowed the church to become consumer-oriented, not community-oriented.
As a result, Pastors have become solely leaders and weekend communicators while abandoning the ancient practice of pastoring: care for souls. Churches have become a place that is tailored to specific likes and dislikes.
Individualism has seeped into the leadership of the Church.
Dallas Willard writes,
“Strictly speaking, there is nothing ‘just between me and God.’ For all that is between me and God affects who I am, and that, in turn, modifies my relationship to everyone around me. My relationship to others also modifies me and deeply affects my relationship to God.”
Everything you do in your life will affect your community. You aren’t only responsible for yourself. You are responsible for your spouse, family, and community.
When thinking through Spiritual Formation, you must think through these questions:
How does my spiritual life affect those around me?
Am I participating in a life-giving and spiritually challenging community?
Who are three people with total access to my life and can speak into it?
Ponder this quote from Dr. Joseph Hellerman:
“Spiritual formation occurs primarily in the context of community. People who remain connected with their brothers and sisters in the local church almost invariably grow in self-understanding, and they mature in their ability to relate in healthy ways to God… Long-term interpersonal relationships are the crucible of genuine progress in the Christian life. People who stay grow."
In a time of transience, minimal commitment, and social-media “connection”, we are in desperate need of a type of community that will last - a Jesus community.
So instead of choosing a church that has the best coffee in town, think about “what church/community will do life with me?”
