"Missional Communities" Aren't In The Bible

This may come as a surprise to you, but the phrase, “Missional Community” does not appear in the Bible.

This is also true of, “Precepts Bible Study”, “Sisterhood Group”, “Men’s Morning Group”, and “Taste and See Group”. So why would I join any of these groups at Pathway? These groups are based on a major Biblical concept: Christians thrive in community. Indeed, the opposite is true too. In isolation we flounder. At best. These groups exist because we need community in order to grow in our faith. Consider the original 12 disciples of Jesus. Does Jesus not always address them and teach them as a group?

You see, God knows us. He knows that we are forgetful of his grace. He knows that we tend to turn in on ourselves. He knows that we are prone to believe lies about ourselves and worse yet lies about God. He knows that, if left to ourselves, we will forge our own path of destruction and despair. We have blindspots. So he has done something miraculous. Those who are covered by the blood of Christ have been set free to live in a community that is love-filled, edifying, and life-giving. So many of the issues we experience with our faith in Jesus can be remedied with an extra does of Gospel community.

Speaking from experience, I know how easy it is, every day, for me to forget about God’s grace. I know how easy it is to try and do things in my own strength. To strive for God’s approval. To have the audacity to believe that I can somehow earn my salvation. Yet when I am constantly surrounded by other believers, all of these blindspots of mine can be made known. My faith is refined as my community shows me the areas of my life where I am missing out on God’s grace. They remind me about who I am in Jesus. 

This is why the author of Hebrews writes, “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. (Hebrews 10:23-25).

What’s holding you back from experiencing God’s love, by grace, embodied in God’s people? What’s holding you back from receiving the encouragement that is yours?

Click here to find a group that fits your schedule and begin to experience the unique community which Jesus has won with his blood and sustains with his grace.