I’m beginning to realize that Christian community is quite the chameleon. Community is a constantly evolving concept, changing just as much as its members. On the most fundamental level, the Christian community encompasses all believers, however, the power of community lies less in numbers and more in intimately doing life with other Christ-followers. In community, we walk these primitive roads together – carrying each other’s burdens, encouraging each other to press forward, simply, loving each other.
Leaving California meant leaving my community – a group of twenty-somethings trying to figure this life out together. We succeeded. We failed. Together. These women were my friends, my confidants, my bridesmaids, my cheering squad, my sounding board. They still are those things, but, with 1300 miles between us, our community looks different.
Different is difficult for me. I have become oh so aware that, as with many things in life, community has seasons. One of my anxieties about moving to Idaho was the unknown community factor. Who will our friends be? How will we plug-in outside of the youth group? Will people like us? How long will it take to develop the kind of community I had before? Will it be the same?
I don’t have the answers (though, as far as I know, people like us…) and I’m beginning to realize that I don’t need the answers. God is showing me how to appreciate this new season of community, to let it develop with no expectations. He has already blown me away with what our community looks like.
No expectations looks like:
Here’s a basket full of notes and gift cards to welcome us to Coeur d’Alene and CBC.
Oh, you’ve just arrived in town? Come over for burgers!
We missed you at the church picnic. Do you want to get coffee?
You like to hike? I’ll take you up Canfield Mountain on Saturday!
You need a couch? We have one that needs a home!
And let us consider and give attentive, continuous care to watching over one another, studying how we may stir up (stimulate and incite) to love and helpful deeds and noble activities, not forsaking or neglecting to assemble together (as believers), as is the habit of some people, but admonishing (warning, urging, and encouraging) one another, and all the more faithfully as you see the day approaching. {Hebrews 10:24-25, Amp}
Not only have Tim and I been adopted into a welcoming community during this new season, we now have an excellent example of how to extend community to others.
Emily C Gardner 
“Community” is one of our favorite words in our home! And like you said, it’s ever-changing. We have 2 small children and the community that surrounds us are young people with kids and our families. We’ve been leaning on them much more since bringing kids into the world. We appreciate their wisdom and experience and look to them when we need advice.
I found your blog through Five-Minute Friday and have been looking around. praying for you and your husband as you transition into your new community. May God bless what you’re doing there!
Thank you so much for the prayers Ginny! Tim and I have been married for 5 months, so it seems like our whole world is new. Community wasn’t always on my radar. I’m a fairly introverted, contemplative person, but I discovered recently how important it is to have a squad of supporters as I walk this path with God.
Congratulations and best wishes on your marriage!
We’ve been married 4+ years and have two girls under two and I still feel like I’m playing house! I know that sounds crazy but I just love being a wife and a mother. :)
I, too, and fairly introverted and contemplative. I’m sizing people up and people watching most of the time so getting out there and making friends doesn’t come that easy to me. Like you, I’ve found how important supporters are in this life. We’ve been members of our church since before we were together and love how supportive people are there. I know I can call on a few different people if I’m in need and they’ll run to help me. It’s so important to find people like that even if it is hard for us. It’s still a daily struggle for me to put myself out there (I guess that’s why I don’t have many girlfriends) but I still try.
Congratulations again!
We felt this way when we moved to FL and found a church that was so incredibly welcoming. They actually cared about us, how we were doing, inviting us to events, etc, and that was such a blessing when we had absolutely no friends!
P.S. I’m very introverted and contemplative too. Perhaps much too analytical as my husband tells me. You’re in good company! :)