Just Another Churchy Word?

You know those words that float around the Christian community- the words that we all jump on as if they are so profound and so cutting edge that everyone begins using them for everything and soon they lose the original intended meaning? You know words like- Organic and Relational and let us not forget Post Modern or Emerging. Lately I hear the word community alot. "We are a community", "I am looking for community", "It's all about Community" Community, community community....

Well, I am learning a new lesson and that is that community is a choice. We have, for the first time, walked into a church as complete strangers and being who we are we are looking for community....I know I know there's that word again. Let me tell you - this is hard! Not because the people are cold or exclusive or even suspicious. In fact we have found our way into a small group (aka Missional Community) full of really great people. People who are choosing to rearrange their schedule and their norm to make sure we (as in Rob and I) not only feel welcome but that we belong. But it's hard because we are building these relationships for no other reason except to know them and be known and to become a (drum roll please) community.

Being relational has never been an issue for Rob and I. We have always worked really hard to build real meaningful relationships wherever we went and we have always been genuine in doing so, but this is different. No one will notice whether we build these relationships or not. No one will be affected by our choice. I mean, we aren't in a position that demands relationship. We are now incognito and that means it is a choice. A choice to love and be loved. A choice as to whether we want to build these deep real relationships with these people. These beautiful people who love God and each other.

I have found myself judging the people in my new small group before I even really know them and what I am realizing is that it's not them but it's me. I am so scared to show them who I am and share where I have been. Why??? I have no idea! I think it has to do with knowing that this is for real and it's for me. In the past I think I have built relationships for the other person and not for me.

So, I am being gently corrected by Father God to quit judging and putting up walls and begin opening myself up because this idea of community is much much more than another cool word. It's what it's all about. It's loving people and being loved. It's knowing people and being known. It's growing, it's learning, it's teaching, it's praying, it's living, it's so so much more than just another churchy word!