Biblical Answer

Can I still have a sense of community?

Absolutely, you can still have a sense of community, even in a new community or a community with its flaws. In fact, spiritual community can be a powerful force in our lives, helping us to grow and develop as Christians.

Lauren Winner notes that community is not just about being in a place where everyone knows everyone else, but about being in a place where we can be our true selves. She says, "If you are a twenty-six-year-old who has just moved across the country for grad school, the role your community can play in your life is not just about being in a new place, but about being in a new community." This is because community is not just about physical proximity, but about spiritual connection.

In fact, becoming a part of a spiritual community can be a transformative experience. As Dr. Joseph Hellerman notes, "Long-term interpersonal relationships are the crucible of genuine progress in the Christian life." By entering into the world of others, whether through serving the poor, attending Bible study, or participating in fellowship groups, we can come into a deeper sense of community and connection with others. This is not to say that community is without its challenges, but rather that it is a beautiful and essential part of the Christian life. As we seek to live out our faith in community, we are reminded that we are not alone, but are part of a larger body of believers who are on the same journey. And it is in this sense of community that we find our true selves and are transformed by the power of God's love.