Discipleship is relational. Spiritual growth happens best in the context of relationships.
In the gospels, we see Jesus surround himself with 12 men with whom He lives life and models the way. In the early church, we see community central to the new believers’ spiritual rhythms.
Acts 2:42-47 describes this for us: “And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.”
God never intended for us to walk through life alone. In fact, we are designed to be interdependent. Our moment-by-moment interactions with others are the laboratory of personal change where we are tested, stretched and pushed to love and respond like Christ. Without question, we become more like Jesus through our spiritual community.
When we gather with others, we can expect to give and receive grace.
As we connect with others, we go from:
If your next step is to grow relationally, you might consider:
Acts 2:42-47 describes this for us: “And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.”
God never intended for us to walk through life alone. In fact, we are designed to be interdependent. Our moment-by-moment interactions with others are the laboratory of personal change where we are tested, stretched and pushed to love and respond like Christ. Without question, we become more like Jesus through our spiritual community.
When we gather with others, we can expect to give and receive grace.
As we connect with others, we go from:
- Prideful and self-centered to humble and others-centered
- Resentful to forgiving
- Selfish consumer to selfless contributor
If your next step is to grow relationally, you might consider:
- Join us weekly for Sunday gatherings
- Serve on a team or in a ministry
- Register for a men’s or women’s Bible Study
- Join a Community Group and commit to regular attendance
- Prayerfully consider joining a Life Group (where disciples learn to be disciplemakers)
- Check out our Annapolis or Odenton events for additional opportunities