We run a young adult Christian community ministry - we have 50-85 poeple between the ages of 20-40 and we want to improve. We have a time of worship, a message, discussion groups folllowed by a time of fellowship and food. We have lost some people lately and when we asked why it was the level of community any ideas?
2007-06-06 06:04:55 · 10 answers · asked by sfinva 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
We have weekly activities and community service events. Sometimes we get people who think we are a dating service. All we in leadership really want is a place to grow relationships with God first and with each other second.
2007-06-06 06:15:16 · update #1
Good people make a good community. It's that simple.
2007-06-06 06:12:33 · answer #1 · answered by Dharma Nature 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I hear you - Christian community is hard to find. The best I ever experienced was when we had a core group that went out to eat together on a regular basis. That group got close and built solid relationships. Have you added home groups? I am a shyish person and just having a mingling time for social exposure doesn't work for me. I need the small group setting to really open up and build with people. I need intentional relating. Open mingling usually leaves me hanging out in a corner. Home groups mid-week are good for actual friend finding. It would also be good to challenge the group to reach out to those hanging out in the corners and help them engage in the conversations.
Another element of community that I enjoy is the ability to confront each other about problems/sins. Most people don't like this, but it is Biblical. We are to confront our brothers who may have fallen into sin in order to restore them to the group. The group I am currently in does this and it is awesome! There is a higher level of accountablity which leads to incredible growth in our body. Matt 18 is where we get our guidelines. Without accountability, we are free to do as we please, and that doesn't grow our faith and our community.
2007-06-06 06:42:40 · answer #2 · answered by BaseballGrrl 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The night before he died, Jesus said to his followers: “By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love among yourselves.” (John 13:35) Why would love be a sign to outsiders? Because, as a whole, the situation in the world today is just as Paul said it would be: “Men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, . . . having no natural affection.” (2 Timothy 3:2, 3) In such an environment, a worldwide community of people who have love among themselves would be a phenomenon. Such a brotherhood exists among Jehovah’s Witnesses.—1 Peter 2:17. This love is very noticeable and often draws comments from outsiders when the Witnesses get together at their conventions. When there are large-scale disasters, the Witnesses are quickly on the scene, bringing aid to their brothers. And within the congregation, genuine Christians show love and consideration for one another. Even when there are personality problems, they try hard to ‘put up with one another and forgive one another freely.’—Colossians 3:12-14.
2016-05-18 01:11:25 · answer #3 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
People like you make a good Christian community....sometimes things do not go the way one would like them to...often God is steering you into another direction...do not give up! People come and people go,but the word of God stays and it has power to do what no one thinks possible. Trust him,he will finish the work he started in you and them....it does not have anything to do with the level of any community. Jesus was criticized because of the people he hung out with,some are not ready for such encounters...give them time. God specializes in unusual things. He loves surprises and he has a since of humor, so keep it up,it will take care of its self..
2007-06-06 06:20:04 · answer #4 · answered by God is love. 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Do you do things together as a community other than meeting on Sundays for service?
Sometimes fellowship outside of the Sunday service can really be a really healthy tool towards promoting a loving, community-like atmosphere.
2007-06-06 06:08:58 · answer #5 · answered by primoa1970 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
That all are lead by the Holy Spirit, until people come together one mind and one accord with God and his Spirit we will have division in the Church. When God puts people together and follow his Spirit then we can have a joyful time in the Lord and then God will be in control right now man is in control and God is not going to interfere with this he wants to be invited so he will get the glory for what happens.
2007-06-06 06:20:57 · answer #6 · answered by Fisherofmen 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
by being true to the teachings of Christ and following the guidance of God.
2007-06-06 06:08:47 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Don't know if such thing exists. But I am wrong to stereotype or judge anyone whom I don't know.
So hope you find good answers and keep your beliefs to your groups only, peace!
2007-06-06 06:08:16 · answer #8 · answered by X Theist 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
First you need to let them know there is no god, then you can disband; and good luck to you all.
2007-06-06 06:09:44 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 3⤋
it sounds great....ppl are just busy
singles activities are good too for those who are not married...
2007-06-06 06:09:18 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋