Christian community

"Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching."(Hebrews 10:25 NIV)

I've been thinking a lot about Christian community over the past several years and even more in these months since I've come home. Before going overseas, I have wondered what it is supposed to look like because I don't think I've really encountered it in the U.S. I believe that Christian community has to be more than just going to church services. It is hard to really know people by just attending services. Plus, I find it empty and not fulfilling to live this way.

I think I experienced community when I lived in Russia. I lived with a family who were part of a ministry involving 2 other families and single individuals. We all went to different churches but amazingly stayed connected. During the week, the ladies met for prayer and fellowship. (Although, most of the time it was in Russian so I didn't have a clue what was being said) We got together for times of fellowship over meals and parties, even going on a weekend retreat. We worked together visiting orphanages and teaching English. It made me feel like I was part of a bigger family and they weren't strangers to me like many in the church here are. Back home, I see how we can learn from their example; how they make time for each other. They aren't just consumed by their own lives but make it a priority to sit down and have tea with a friend.

It took me awhile to adjust when I first arrived in Russia. One of the things was learning how to slow down and enjoy the moment with people. That could mean just sitting around the table, drinking tea and talking for a few hours. Also, I learned to not be so work focused, trying to accomplish something important, but to live in the moment with the people around me.

So what do I miss about Russia? The biggest thing I miss is that sense of community. I hope one day the church here will get it.