The 3 S’s of Re-Building Community
Welcome to the next normal in which people are more disconnected and more polarized than in previous generations. And more lonely. Yet the need for belonging is at an all-time high. That’s why I have been exploring what I call the 3 S’s of Re-Building Community: being social, being spiritual, and being of service.
The Problem of Institution
You may have heard that the church as an institution is over. After all, the nones and dones are increasing while the number of religiously affiliated are decreasing. Generally, giving, worship attendance, and missional engagement have dipped post pandemic. Pundits tell us that the church as we know it is over. Maybe. Maybe not.
The Myth You Don’t Have What it Takes
You may believe there is nothing you can do to attract and serve people. But, don’t believe the myth that the church doesn’t have what it takes to reach people. Nothing could be further from the truth.
I Have Seen Vitality Surge
For the last 13 years I have been empowering church leaders to create cultures of renewal. In their ministry settings, I have seen leaders create supportive and social spiritual communities. These communities are combating the loneliness pandemic. Happiness is expanding and stronger social bonds are being built. I have also seen vitality surge when churches move from talking about God to incorporating direct experiences with the divine.
Finally, we see giving, worship attendance, and missional engagement all go up when you engage with your community. It creates a culture of renewal.
Why the 3 S’s of Re-Building Community
It’s Biblical:
Our call to build community is woven into the very fabric of our faith. The Great Commandment calls us to love God with all our being and to love our neighbors as ourselves. This love, by its nature, compels us to connect with others, and to support one another.
Additionally, the Great Commission instructs us to “go and make disciples… teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” Building communities allows us to fulfill this commission more effectively, offering a space for learning, growth, and spiritual guidance.
It’s Cultural:
This model of rebuilding community resonates deeply with today’s culture, especially millennials. Millennials sometimes get labeled as disinterested in traditional institutions like the church. The reality is more nuanced. They may not seek out spirituality in the same way as previous generations, yet millennials crave meaningful connections, personal growth, and a sense of purpose. Millennials are also passionate about making a positive impact on the world. They also often face social isolation despite being actively connected online.
Invite millennials into your spiritual community to build genuine in-person relationships with like-minded individuals. This counteracts the loneliness and isolation commonly reported by this generation.
It’s Workable:
Alcoholics Anonymous has been incredibly successful in building strong communities of support for its members using the 3 S’s of Re-Building Community. Churches can learn a lot from AA about how to build communities that are welcoming, supportive, and life-changing.
- Shared social time: AA groups provide opportunities for members to socialize and build relationships outside of structured meetings. This could involve attending picnics, going bowling, or simply grabbing coffee after a meeting.
- Deep focus on a spiritual path: While AA is not affiliated with any particular religion, it does emphasize the importance of a spiritual path. This shared focus on spirituality provides a sense of purpose and direction for members.
- Helping newcomers and serving the community: AA places a strong emphasis on helping newcomers and giving back to the community. Newcomers are warmly welcomed and sponsored by experienced members who provide guidance and support. This focus on service to others fosters a sense of shared responsibility and strengthens the sense of belonging.
Next Steps
This simplified approach to rebuilding community is easy to implement. Find the ways you are already being social, being spiritual, and being of service. And imbue them with extra intentionality.
The more you increase engagement in the 3 S’s of Re-Building Community, the stronger your community will be. But there is more to leadership than doing. These times call for Conscious Leadership. Come to Elevate Your Ministry: An Introduction to Conscious Leadership to learn about the importance of mastering your mindset, awakening your spirituality, and becoming an intentional visionary.
If you want input on your ministry, click here for a free one-on-one 45-minute Discovery Session with me.
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