Connected?

Posted by Scott Shoopman on Sep 15, 2010 | 1 comment

How connected are you?

I am not talking about the connectedness that is typically associated with career advancement, I am thinking more along the lines of a connected group of people that will support and encourage, strengthen and sharpen, but also weep and pray – with you.

There is a fundamental difference in these two types of community. The career community is typically a marketplace for favors. You engage in a “relationship” for the purpose of networking – for the mutual benefit of both your career and the career of the person(s) within the community. If there is little career benefit from a relationship in this community, it is typically left to fade away. Nothing wrong with this arrangement, it is actually “good business practice”, but we need to recognize the difference from a biblical community.

True biblical community focuses on the whole person. It can be a type of networking, even into a business arena, but that is not the main function. We are to provide a “safe” haven for those in community with us. A place to open our lives in front of other people with the assumption that Grace will be extended and unconditional love will be given. This is a place where we learn how to grow in areas of our lives that most “communities” cannot provide any wisdom. That is not their design or function.

Why do I point this out? Simple. If you are not in a House Group you are missing what could be a life-saving community. In my opinion, this should take priority over other communities that may exist in your life. Consider it a type of life insurance – what would you do if…

I know this probably sounds “over-the-top” and just what you would expect from the Connections Pastor, but seriously – where would you turn during the darkest times of a life? Do you have the community around you to weather the storm? There are many stories just within The Bridge where people will tell you how important these communities can be, just ask around – I dare ya!

Get connected…

scott shoopman