Whiteboard: We Need Community

As our "We Need..." Lenten Sermon Series continues, this week we'll be bringing the focus on "Community."

That's right, We Need: Community!

In preparation for the sermon I'm not just reading and studying Ephesians 6:18-24 (our sermon scripture for the day, which is itself a prayer that "Peace be with the whole community"). I've also been studying up on what theologians, sociologists, and thought leaders have to say about why we need community. Below you'll find a few of my favorite articles so far. 

So read up, let me know what you think, and then come and join us in community on Sunday as we worship the Lord!

Community–and Why We Need It
by Art Lindsley, Ph.D. Senior Fellow, C.S. Lewis Institute
"Without community (the church), love and good deeds are not provoked or stimulated. Love is in fact impossible in isolation. Love demands another: God or our brothers and sisters."

6 Reasons We Need Each Other
By Jen Waak
“Remember, we all stumble, every one of us. That’s why it’s a comfort to go hand in hand.”

Choseness: Quoting Henri Nouwen

by Nancy Janisch, Conversation in Faith Weblog

"It is only when we have claimed our own place in God’s love that we can experience this all-embracing, non-comparing love and feel safe, not only with God, but also with all our brothers and sisters."

You Need a Community, Not a Network
by Brook Manville, Harvard Business Review

"A big goal requires a “thick we” network — a community of people who feel responsible for collaborating toward a shared purpose that they see as superseding their individual needs. Members of a community — as opposed to a simple network — expect relationships within the group to continue, and they even hold one another accountable for effort and performance."

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Ephesians 6:18-24 Peace and Community

Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints.Pray also for me, so that when I speak, a message may be given to me to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it boldly, as I must speak.

So that you also may know how I am and what I am doing, Tychicus will tell you everything. He is a dear brother and a faithful minister in the Lord. I am sending him to you for this very purpose, to let you know how we are, and to encourage your hearts.

Peace be to the whole community, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all who have an undying love for our Lord Jesus Christ.