Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Hebrews 10:23-25
A question I’m constantly asking as pastor of Richview is this: How can people get connected in community? I ask this question because I’ve met so many visitors who come to check out Richview over the years and I’ve seen this same thing play out again and again: People who find community, stay. People who don’t, go. I’ve had coffees with newcomers, we’ve done newcomers lunches, I’ve connected new people with other new people, but unless people find lasting community, most of these newcomers become no-comers.
Why is that? I’m sure part of the reason is that people come to a church to meet with God through the Word, through worship, but also through loving community. It’s a huge component of a fulfilling life following Christ. Now, imagine coming to a church with no preaching! There would be a gaping hole in your spiritual life and you would likely move on to another local church. It’s the same thing with loving community. People are longing for rich spiritual friendship with others. Attending a church that preaches “love one another” can be extremely discouraging if you’re not feeling the love personally. Perhaps you feel that way from time to time.
How can we make it as easy as possible for people to connect with each other? Perhaps part of an answer is that we individually need to free up space in our schedules to follow-up with people we meet on Sunday, give them a call, or have coffee or a meal with them. Each and every one of us has a role to play in forming a vibrant loving community.
And for those of you who aren’t experiencing spiritual friendship with your brothers and sisters in Christ at Richview, I would say that the best way to get connected is to get involved serving. I realize with Covid, this is really tough for many of you, but the fact remains that people who find a purpose in serving also find friendships along the way. These people stick. I’m not telling you this as a back-door way of signing you up to serve in some ministry—although that would be great! I’m telling you this because it seems to be true. People who feel connected to the life of our community are serving. I’d invite you to consider the ways God may be preparing you to serve at Richview.
Blessings this day!
Tyler S.