All throughout the Scriptures, we see men and women of faith growing within the context of community. Though many had seasons of solitude through which God molded and refined them, the value of community-oriented living could not be clearer. In the New Living Bible, we see the word “congregation” translated as “community”, referring to the Israelites in the Old Testament and the body of believers in the New Testament.

In the Old Testament books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and so on, the Israelites are given commands as a community, they are rebuked or punished for their disobedience to those commands as a community and they celebrate God’s provision and deliverance as a community. In the book of Acts, we read about the early believers getting together daily for prayer and to share meals, as well as their radical commitment to provide for one another’s needs.

We are designed for community - togetherness, oneness, family - and we function best within that context. Below are four ways to grow in your faith by getting involved in a community.

• Life Groups
• Evangelism
• Serving
• Discovery