Created for Community
"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." – Hebrews 10:24-25
There are a lot of changes happening at SRBC right now, but our mission remains the same—we are still fully committed to helping everyone become fully devoted followers of Christ. A key part of this mission is building community, and we’ve seen so many people step up to lead, filling gaps and strengthening our connections. Their dedication is pushing us toward deeper relationships and a stronger, more unified church family.
Below, you’ll see just a glimpse of the team leaders making this happen. I’m blown away by their passion and the goals they’ve set for 2025. But here’s the thing—no matter how incredible these teams are, true, deep community won’t happen without you. It takes all of us showing up, leaning in, and choosing to be part of something bigger than ourselves. Let’s do this together!
We live in a world that increasingly values independence, personal space, and self-sufficiency. The idea of reaching out, being vulnerable, and building deep relationships can feel daunting—especially if we've been hurt before. It’s easier to stay in our comfort zones, to keep interactions light, and to believe that our faith is just "me and Jesus." But that was never God's design.
Why Community Matters
1. Encouragement in the Journey – Life is hard. Trials come, and our faith can waver. God often strengthens us through the people He places in our lives. When Moses' arms grew weary in battle, Aaron and Hur held them up (Exodus 17:12). Who is holding you up? And who might God be calling you to strengthen?
2. Sharpening and Growth – Proverbs 27:17 tells us, "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." Spiritual growth happens in relationship, through conversations that challenge us, prayers that uplift us, and accountability that keeps us on the right path.
3. A Reflection of Christ’s Love – Jesus lived in deep relationship with His disciples. He didn’t isolate Himself but invited others to walk alongside Him. We reflect His love most powerfully when we do life together—bearing each other's burdens, rejoicing in each other’s victories, and loving sacrificially.
Getting Out of Your Comfort Zone
Stepping into community can be uncomfortable. It means introducing yourself to new people, opening your home, joining a small group, or initiating meaningful conversations. It means taking a risk—because true relationships require vulnerability.
But what if God is asking you to be the one who takes that first step? What if the friend you long for is also longing for you? What if your obedience to connect with others leads to someone else experiencing the love of Christ?
Building deep, life-giving community requires intentionality, vulnerability, and a willingness to be awkward. In a culture that often prioritizes independence, true connection calls us to live intertwined lives—where we not only share joys but also burdens, where showing up with a casserole isn’t just a kind gesture but an expression of genuine care. We are meant to have people who knock on our door unannounced, who sit with us in hard seasons, and who celebrate alongside us in moments of joy. But this kind of community doesn’t just happen—it must be built.
The early church modeled this kind of deep fellowship, meeting together daily, sharing what they had, and supporting one another in every aspect of life. When we embrace that same commitment to community, we step into the richness of how God designed us to live—deeply known, deeply loved, and never alone.
Anyone who knows me, knows connection is a deep passion of mine, but I’ve learned some hard truths on my journey to build connection:
1. Connection is humbling -Finding time to gather can feel impossible. I’ve sent countless invites, only to hear crickets or face last-minute cancellations. It can hurt—leaving me wondering, Do they really want this friendship, or am I the only one trying? But I’ve learned these doubts are Satan’s whispers meant to discourage me. Pushing through the “no’s” is hard, but the joy of true connection is worth it.
2. Connection is hard -Close friendships can easily slip into gossip or unkindness. Proverbs 16:28 warns, “A gossip separates close friends.” Hidden jealousy or comparison can also create distance. Galatians 5:26 reminds us, “Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.” True connection requires guarding our words, rooting out envy, and choosing encouragement over competition.
3. Connection requires enduring the awkward - New friendships often start with awkward moments—stilted conversations, uncertainty, and vulnerability. But pushing through builds trust. By asking questions, showing interest, and being patient, friendships deepen. Proverbs 18:24 reminds us, “There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” Enduring the awkward leads to lasting, meaningful connection.
True community doesn’t just happen—it takes courage, persistence, and a willingness to go first. Don’t wait for someone else to reach out; be the one who invites, who shows up, who keeps trying even when it feels hard. Real connection is worth the risk, and the deep, life-giving friendships God designed us for are waiting on the other side of that first step.
I am so excited to be part of the community team and the great things we have planned, but community will only happen if we all do our part.
*Shayna Dodd