Section III: Community Life

Why is biblically healthy community essential for long-term missions?

Acts 2:42-47. Living in a healthy community is essential to the advancement of the gospel, it must be a fruitful church. If a ministry persists in unbiblical and unhealthy practices people lose heart over time.

danger of idealism in Christian community? (Bonhoeffer)

danger of idealism and preconceived notions, dreams, and agendas = when the community is imperfect or not as expected the person sees the community as a failure and becomes an accuser of the brethren, of God, and eventually himself.

difference between human love and spiritual love? (Bonhoeffer)

Human love can be possessive and selfish because we often think about what we need from the other person even if we don’t mean to harm them, but spiritual love is about uplifting each other and bringing each other closer to God and putting others above yourself. 

Spiritual Love: 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, John 3:16

Why is confession (James 5:16) important in the Christian community?

1 John 1:9 | If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

James 5:16 | Confess your sins to one another that you may be healed.

Ps 32:3-5 | When I kept silent, my soul wasted away

We are a company of sinners. Without confession, we lose open-handed humility and leave the door open for pride and sin.

Why is complaining spiritually harmful to a community?

• complaining is a sin. When you complain you are not walking blamelessly.

• called to be blameless, innocent, and without blemish

• Complaining feeds your flesh through entitlement.

Scripture references for complaining being harmful to community

• 1 Cor 10:9-11

• Philippians 2:14-15

• James 5:9

summary of 1 Cor 10:9-11

1. test Christ and were killed by snakes

2. grumbled and were killed by destroying angel

summary of Phil 2:14-15

do everything without complaining or grumbling

Quote James 5:9

“Do not complain, brethren, against one another, so that you yourselves may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing right at the door.”

Quote Philippians 2:14-15

"Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,”

Why is assuming the best about others essential for unity?

I Cor 4:5-6 | do not pass judgment as God will bring to light of all motives; do not become arrogant

Assuming the best in others is essential for unity because we are not good judges like God and we don’t know everything like He does! So if we start making preconceived notions based off how we feel or what we see this can allow negative and degrading thoughts about others to grow into genuine resentment and ultimately division.

(Whitney) They will know we are His disciples by our love for one another, and love is described by 1 Cor 13 as believing the best of others.

Why does gratitude protect community?

Col 3:15 | Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.

Eph 4:29 | Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.

1 Thess 5:18 | in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Gratitude protects community because it is the will of God. Gratitude edifies your heart and glorifies God because there’s always something to be glad for even in trials. In turn this builds up community and protects it.

Why is submission to one another (Ephesians 5:21) important in daily community life?

1 Peter 5:5 | “clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

Philippians 2:3 | “do nothing out of selfish ambition…with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves;”

Submission is important because as disciples of Christ we want to walk in humility like Him, counting others more important. God despises the proud who exalt themselves above others.

What is the Scripture reference for resolving conflict biblically?

Matthew 18:15-17

What is the ministry of holding your tongue, and how does it protect the community? (Bonhoeffer) 

The ministry of holding our tongue = refusal to gossip, judge, and speak negative things about the community or others.

James 3:5 - “so also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things.”

There is power in the words we say, and our tongue can either protect the community or cause the community to stumble.

Eph. 4:29-32

Scripture reference for ministry holding your tongue

James 3:5 and Eph 4:29-32

quote Eph 4:29-32

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. ³⁰ And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. ³¹ Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. ³² Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

quote James 3:5

“so also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things.” There is power in the words we say, and our tongue can either protect the community or cause the community to stumble.”

Why is honoring leadership important for community?

Honoring leadership is important to community because it brings forth unity as we all submit to the leaders the Lord has placed over us.

Hebrews13:17 says “Obey  your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls.” Honoring our leaders will protect the community from division, self-righteousness, and pride and will stir up unity.   

Why is keeping your word essential in community life, especially in missions?

Keeping your word is essential because it grows trust and it honors the community your in.

When we do not keep our word we lie to those around us and harm the community by opening the door to division.

Matthew 5:37 - “Let what you say be simply Yes or No; anything more than this comes from evil.”

Quote Matt 5:37

“Let what you say be simply Yes or No; anything more than this comes from evil.”

Why is timeliness a form of love in community and team environments? 

Timelessness is a form of love because it brings forth respect and builds trust and accountability in the team. When we show up on time or others we are bring unity to the team.

Romans 12:10 - “love one another with brotherly affection. Out do one another in showing honor.”

Quote Rom 12:10

“love one another with brotherly affection. Out do one another in showing honor.”

My roommate keeps interrupting me while I’m trying to rest or read. How should I handle this biblically?

Matthew 18, approach them privately and politely

Prov 15:1 - "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”