Christ-Centered Community

WARNING: subjective post ahead

Because the word church carries so much baggage today, it is often helpful to use other terms. I like terms such as fellowship and assembly. If I had to pick my favorite, however, it would be community. This word conveys the idea of sharing lives together. It suggests togetherness and care. It indicates a group of people who have something in common that causes them to get actively involved in one another's lives.

Of course, there are many communities that are not Christian in nature. I live in a neighborhood in suburban Savannah, Georgia that some would refer to as a community. It's not Christian.

In light of this, I like the term Christ-centered community. That's a bit of a mouthful, but I think it is accurate. All of God's people are part of the one Christ-centered community. We are all brothers and sisters in Christ who look to our head: Jesus. When we get to heaven, we will remain part of this community, only then we will rejoice in seeing Christ face-to-face.

This is not a term to put on a church sign. Rather, it is a descriptor of the people of God, the body of Christ, the temple of the Holy Spirit. Despite our failings and differences, as followers of Jesus we are all part of the great Christ-centered community.