Christian congregations value the sense of community that often exists between the members.  This is one of most attraction elements of being part of church.  This idea of the special relationship of love that permeates church was an important characteristic of the New Testament church.  They called it koinonia.  According to the online encyclopedia Wikipedia:

Koinonia is a Greek word that occurs 20 times in the Bible. Koinonia’s primary meaning is “fellowship, sharing in common, communion.” Christian fellowship is a key aspect of the Christian life. Believers in Christ are to come together in love, faith, and encouragement. That is the essence of koinonia.

Koinonia – the sense of community in the Spirit -- is a gift of the Spirit.  The warmth, support, and sense of shared life come from the presence of God’s Spirit between us and within us.  The sense of oneness is truly a gift of the Spirit – a consequence of being embraced in the very life of God.  Community, however, is not just a gift of the Spirit.  It must be built.  To a great extent, koinonia is the result of our efforts.  In this way, it is like so many other gifts of the Spirit.  They come to us when our efforts work in partnership with God’s grace.

What can we do to build community that can become koinonia?  We build it through corporate worship and in small study and prayer groups.  We build it in informal conversations and by being present to each other at times of crisis.  One of the most important opportunities we have to build community, strangely enough, is in our congregational meetings -- business meetings. 

Each of us brings a unique perspective and passion to the process of dealing with congregational issues and business.  Some people are deeply committed to peace and justice issues while others are equally passionate about worship.  Some find a great deal of meaning and opportunity by being involved in small groups for study, prayer, or mutual support while others find great meaning in helping the church work out its financial priorities and the stewardship of its possessions. 

As we meet and try to sort out the church’s priorities and shape its ministry, each person brings to the table a different set of experiences, personality traits, and core life energies.  This means that each person also brings to the process a unique combination of fear, suspicion, and a sense of their own inadequacy.   It sounds like a mess and sometimes feels chaotic.  There is often a tendency to push against each other and focus on our priorities.  To the extent that we can bring all of who we are to the process, however, while trusting the motivations of all those other people, we can build community.  The Spirit, in whom we live and move and exist, honors our efforts and gives the gift of koinonia. 

Thanks for continuing to bless me as we are on the journey together.

--Jack Price

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