Life Together
January 17, 2024 | Leah Lynch
Let’s talk about connection.
Does the thought of connection excite you or cause you to say, “No, thank you”? Does your answer depend on the day or is it generally consistent? What is the point of connection, anyway?
If you’ve been at Kingsway any length of time, you’ve come to expect our invitation to text the word ‘CONNECT’ to 317-565-4911. Why do we put that out there with such regularity? Why is it so important to us? It’s not just because we want to know who you are, though we do. It’s because we know that connection and community are both essential and life-giving.
Contrary to what might make sense, connection is not contingent on personality. The truth is, whether you’re an extrovert, introvert, or somewhere in between, we all thrive when we are living within the means of how we were created. Connection in community is God’s desire for us. He created us for it, and we all need it. We weren’t meant to do life alone; our heart is for Kingsway to be a place where you know you don’t have to.
Starting from the very beginning, scripture is laced with stories of what life is like in community with others, but one of the places we see it most is in the book of Acts. Story after story gives us a glimpse into the life of the early church. They did life together.
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” Acts 2:42-47
They did life together and they were better for it.
Being in community with others is essential to our walk with Jesus. Galatians 6:2 says, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” The heartbeat of Jesus is for His people to be connected the way He is connected to the Father.
“I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” John 17:20-21
Being in community also fosters growth and encouragement. Connections Pastor, Andy Lynch shared, “We grow so much in community. It’s where I believe the most spiritual growth happens. There is accountability that is necessary to continue when things are hard or less exciting. When the shiny exterior has worn off and that Sunday conviction has faded into Tuesday, we need someone pushing us or encouraging us to keep moving forward, [and] keep becoming more like Jesus. We get such a beautiful community for life – people that are there for us when things are wrong and people that cheer us on when things are great.”
So, what does doing life together look like for you? Maybe it’s a life group, a men’s group, or a women’s group. If you’re new to Kingsway, a great place to begin is Starting Point. If you’re ready to grow in your relationship with Jesus and others, Rooted (offered twice a year) provides an excellent opportunity to do just that. We also have our annual men’s retreat and the IF: Gathering for women. Maybe connection is new for you and your next step is to simply reach out. Either way, our team is ready to connect, encourage, and help make our large church feel smaller. We want to come alongside you as you take your next step in becoming more like Jesus. We want to do life together. Reach out. You’ll be glad you did.