Day 19: Cultivating Community

Overall, I believe this chapter should be read by anyone who wants to be a leader in any context, Christian or not.

I have one note about gossips in this chapter. Rick says, "They may get mad and leave your group or church if you confront them... but the fellowship of the church is more important than any individual."  As I'm reading this, I'm wondering to myself what happened to Rick's call to action in chapter 17 with the quote, "If you know people who have wandered off from God's truth, don't write them off.  Go after them.  Get them back" (James 5:19 Msg).  Gossiping sounds like a sin, and if a Christian gossips then to me that person's Christian family should try to help the person leave behind his or her sinful ways and become a better person.

 Point to Ponder: Community requires commitment.


Absolutely.  But in order for there to be community more than one person must be equally deeply invested in that community.

Question to Consider: How can I cultivate today the characteristics of real community in my small group and my church?


So, let's review the characteristics of real community: authenticity; mutuality; sympathy; mercy; honesty; humility; respect,

There's a lot to work on, but first I believe is necessary is authenticity.  Without authenticity there is no lasting trust, and without that trust there can be on real community.

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