What is the value of community?

1 Corinthians 12:8-10To one person the Spirit gives the ability to give wise advice; to another the same Spirit gives a message of special knowledge. The same Spirit gives great faith to another, and to someone else the one Spirit gives the gift of healing. He gives one person the power to perform miracles, and another the ability to prophesy. He gives someone else the ability to discern whether a message is from the Spirit of God or from another spirit.

Community makes it more likely that there will be a balance of complementary gifts, skills, and temperaments.

Acts 9:26-28When Saul arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to meet with the believers, but they were all afraid of him. They did not believe he had truly become a believer! Then Barnabas brought him to the apostles and told them how Saul had seen the Lord on the way to Damascus and how the Lord had spoken to Saul. He also told them that Saul had preached boldly in the name of Jesus in Damascus. So Saul stayed with the apostles and went all around Jerusalem with them, preaching boldly in the name of the Lord.

A community can provide trustworthy references to other people’s integrity and character.

Acts 13:1-3Among the prophets and teachers of the church at Antioch of Syria were Barnabas, Simeon (called “the black man”), Lucius (from Cyrene), Manaen (the childhood companion of King Herod Antipas), and Saul. One day as these men were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Appoint Barnabas and Saul for the special work to which I have called them.” So after more fasting and prayer, the men laid their hands on them and sent them on their way.

Leaders rely on community to discern gifts, callings, and abilities. The early church community was marked by leaders who were a mix of races and socio-economic status. This is a model of community all churches should pattern themselves after for it provides a picture of heaven, where peoples from all places will be present. A community can also provide support to those sent out for particular work in God’s kingdom. Many churches support missionaries who travel all around the world to share the gospel message.

Acts 2:44All the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had.

Acts 4:32All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had.

1 Corinthians 12:25-27This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other. If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad. All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.

Galatians 6:2Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.

A community shares one another’s joys and sorrows. It provides a practical way to meet one another’s needs.

1 Thessalonians 5:11-14So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing. Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord’s work. They work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance. Show them great respect and wholehearted love because of their work. And live peacefully with each other. Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone.

James 5:16Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.

A community provides encouragement, accountability, and practical and spiritual support.