A community of faith is a group of people who share common spiritual understandings, beliefs, practices, experiences or commitments.

In a Christian community, all believers share the joyful experience of being children of God, created and redeemed by our Lord, Jesus Christ. “Our citizenship is in heaven,” Paul assures us (Philippians 3:20); we are chosen and called to share in the riches of that glorious inheritance (Ephesians 1:18). Dietrich Bonhoeffer reminds us that Christian community springs solely from the biblical message of being justified by grace alone (Life Together, Harper&Row; 1954, 23).

Five Characteristics of Christian Community

1. Inclusivity. God’s arms have been thrown wide open to receive His children. There is no room for an us-against-them mentality in the Christian community. See Romans 15:7; Galatians 3:28 and Colossians 3:11.
2. Unity. Being one before God and one in purpose on earth doesn’t mean we all look alike or act alike or even like all the same things. Unity is not unison. We are united in our love for each other and in our desire to tell others about God’s love. See 1 Corinthians 1:10; 12:25; Ephesians 4:3 and Colossians 3:14.
3. Harmony. Romans 12:16 and 1 Peter 3:8.
4. Encouragement. 1 Thessalonians 5:11
5. Compassion. We care about people because we are cared for by our Heavenly Father. “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, clothe yourselves with compassion” (Colossians 3:12). Also see Ephesians 4:32. 

In a Christian youth ministry setting, community refers to belonging to a youth group that reflects the grace of God. Membership in such a group is never more important than during adolescence Community must be intentional and constant, practical and tangible.

Community means spending time together, learning together, worshipping together, serving together, being enriched by each other’s diversity and warmed by each other’s affirmation. Community includes all the best that genuine Christian friendship can offer.

Also see: Acceptance; Climate Issues.


From: ABZ’s of Adventist Youth Ministry
Permission to copy for use in the local congregation or group.