Introduction

Building community is a central theme in the Bible, reflecting God's desire for His people to live in unity, love, and mutual support. The Scriptures provide numerous examples and teachings on how believers are to foster and maintain a sense of community, both within the church and in the broader society. This entry explores the biblical foundations and principles for building community, drawing from various passages and teachings.

Biblical Foundations

1. Creation and Community: From the beginning, God designed humans for community. In Genesis 2:18, God declares, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him." This statement underscores the inherent need for companionship and community.

2. The Early Church: The Book of Acts provides a vivid picture of the early Christian community. Acts 2:42-47 describes how the believers "devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." They shared their possessions, met together regularly, and supported one another, exemplifying a model of communal living.

3. The Body of Christ: The Apostle Paul frequently uses the metaphor of the body to describe the church. In 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, he emphasizes that believers are one body with many parts, each with a unique role. Verse 27 states, "Now you are the body of Christ, and each of you is a member of it." This imagery highlights the interdependence and unity required in a Christian community.

Principles for Building Community

1. Love and Unity: Love is the cornerstone of Christian community. Jesus commands His followers in John 13:34-35, "A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another." Unity is further emphasized in Ephesians 4:3, where believers are urged to "make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."

2. Service and Humility: Building community requires a spirit of service and humility. Philippians 2:3-4 instructs, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." This attitude fosters a supportive and caring community.

3. Forgiveness and Reconciliation: Conflict is inevitable in any community, but the Bible provides guidance for resolution. Colossians 3:13 advises, "Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." Forgiveness and reconciliation are essential for maintaining healthy relationships within the community.

4. Encouragement and Accountability: Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages believers to "spur one another on to love and good deeds" and to "not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another." Accountability and encouragement are vital for spiritual growth and community building.

Community in Practice

1. Worship and Fellowship: Regular worship and fellowship are crucial for building community. Gathering for worship strengthens the bonds between believers and provides opportunities for mutual edification.

2. Shared Mission and Outreach: Engaging in shared mission and outreach activities fosters a sense of purpose and unity. The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 calls believers to "go and make disciples of all nations," a collective mission that strengthens community ties.

3. Hospitality and Generosity: Practicing hospitality and generosity is a tangible way to build community. Romans 12:13 exhorts believers to "share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality." These acts of kindness and sharing create a welcoming and inclusive environment.

Conclusion

Building community is a dynamic and ongoing process that requires intentionality, love, and commitment. By following biblical principles and examples, believers can create communities that reflect the love and unity of Christ, serving as a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel.