Community is a big part of a disciples journey. We were never meant to do it alone. We see this as Jesus called out His disciples to go out two by two and we see it in the establishment of the church. We want to explore 7 core aspects of being community together following in the way of Jesus. These are all actually commands of Christ - we should be doing these all in our communities and churches.
1
Repent and Believe
Repentance and belief form the foundation of following Christ - turning from sin and to turn ourself towards God and His kingdom. This isn't a one-time event but an ongoing lifestyle of reorienting our hearts and lives around Jesus because He alone is Lord.
Baptism is our public declaration of allegiance to Jesus. In it we dye to our old life and rise out of the waters to new life in Christ. It's not merely a ritual but a profound spiritual reality that marks our entry into God's kingdom and the church community. It might happen as a sprinkle or sometimes as fully immersing in the water but in every instance we declare Jesus as Lord of our life.
The Lord's Supper is our regular remembrance of Christ's sacrifice and anticipation of His return. It builds community, proclaims the gospel, and nourishes our faith as we participate in the body and blood of Jesus. It’s modeled after Jesus’ last supper with His disciples were he broke bread and passed it, likening it to His body. He then passed the wine glass around likening it to His blood. We come to the table, together, because Jesus is Lord!
Scripture Set
Jesus' last supper: Luke's perspectiveLuke 22:7-22
What do I learn about the Lord's supper in these moments?
4
Pray
Prayer is not a religious obligation but intimate communication with our Father who loves us. Jesus modeled prayer as essential for spiritual life, and teaches us to pray with confidence, persistence, and alignment with God's will. It’s a core part of who we are and we do as a community, together.
Giving flows from a transformed heart that recognizes God as the source of all blessings. It's not about compulsion but cheerful generosity that trusts God's provision and seeks to advance His kingdom through our resources.
Love is the greatest commandment that encompasses all others. Loving God with everything we are naturally flows into loving our neighbors as ourselves, breaking down barriers and building bridges of grace.
Making disciples is not just for pastors or missionaries but something for every follower of Jesus. We reproduce what we are - disciples who make disciples, creating movements of transformation that reach every nation, tribe, and tongue!
