This Month’s Theme:
A community that’s Christ-centered (Acts 2:42-27)

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. – Acts 2:42-47

Artist’s Reflection

Since COVID-19 has challenged us to be innovative in the way we approach community and church, I’ve been thinking about how my time in isolation and self-quarantine can be used to show others what a Christ-centered community looks like. 

This month’s theme from Acts 2:42-47 gave me an insight into how the early church did community: they drew together to study God’s Word, to eat, and to pray. It’s clear that the early church cared for each other, and wanted to spend time with one another and with God.

While I may not be able to gather physically with loved ones in this current climate, I can still use my time to build my community in different ways. I could be reaching out to pray for someone online, offer to do the groceries for those who are unable to, or simply be a virtual presence for someone who needs a friend. These simple acts can help keep us connected!  

Our community needs to know that they’re not alone, and that we’re all in this together. I believe that’s the secret to building God’s Kingdom.

— Glonaida Quiapon

Join in the Conversation

It might seem odd to speak of building a community in this present climate when we’re asked to practise social distancing. But a Christ-centered community isn’t just one that meets in a physical building or reads the Word and fellowships together (Acts 2:42), but extends beyond the four walls of a church.

We live in a time when we have everything we need to stay spiritually connected with one another. We have God’s Word and reading plans at our fingertips, prayer or fellowship sessions just a call away, and acts of kindness can be done with just a click.

What new approaches or modes of communication have you adopted to encourage your friends and family? Has it made you more aware of the needs beyond the church or the plight of those who are often forgotten?

Share with us how this season has been redefining your idea of community. Let’s spur each other on towards love, good deeds, and Christ-centeredness (Hebrews 10:24)—regardless of our physical distance.

Here are some subthemes to get you started:

  • A community that’s devoted to the Word & fellowship
  • A community that’s self-sacrificial
  • A community that moves beyond the margins
  • A community that bears the fruit of the Spirit

Growing together as a family: church life, fellowship, encouraging each other in the Word, wrestling with difficult questions of the faith, Christ-centered friendships, learning to love God through grief/suffering/brokenness, mental illness, Christ-centered marriages, cell groups, mentoring, praying with each other

Reaching beyond the four walls: relating to those in the margins (the poor and oppressed, singles, those who struggle with same-sex attraction, the homeless), caring for others, mission trips, practising hospitality, serving the community together

Keeping in step with the Spirit: healthy confrontation, spiritual gifts, unity/division, loving those who are difficult, self-care, emotionally healthy spirituality, walking in obedience, accountability, love languages, the fruit of the Spirit