The Christian life cannot be accomplished in isolation. Therefore, there needs to be a way to develop interdependency with other believers. At Cornerstone there are a variety of ways to pursue this depth of community. At the core is Christ’s teaching that the greatest commandments are to love God and love people (Matthew 22:37-39). The pursuit of love and community are one and the same (Romans 13:8; 1 Thessalonians 4:9; 1 John 4:7). With that in mind, here is a summary of ways where people can begin to experience life together.
Love God
- Begin a relationship with God – A relationship with God is where true connection with other believers begins (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). Unfortunately, this relationship can only begin if we are absolutely perfect (Romans 3:23); which rules out all of us (1 John 1:8). Even one mistake is enough to disqualify us and it even earns us a severe penalty (James 2:10-11; Romans 6:23). However, because of God’s love for us, He sent Jesus to pay that penalty and to make qualification available (John 3:16; 1 Timothy 2:4-6). Now, even though we are imperfect, we can begin a relationship with God by believing that Jesus paid our penalty and seeking forgiveness from Him (Romans 3:21-25; 10:9-13; 1 John 1:8-10).
- Personal spiritual growth – A growing relationship with God is where a deepening connection with other believers develops (1 Corinthians 3:1-3; Colossians 1:1-8). Every believer is to be active in their ongoing growth process by doing things such as applying truth, renewing their mind, radically amputating temptations, trusting God, and perfecting holiness (Romans 8:12-17; 12:1-2; 2 Corinthians 7:1; 2 Timothy 3:16; Matthew 5:28-30). Pursuing personal spiritual growth in an environment where others are engaged in their own personal spiritual growth will naturally lead to depth of community growth.
Love People
- Home Groups – The aim of these groups is to encourage the practice of the Christian life in community. This is accomplished through learning what it means to function in interdependent relationships and assisting one another in growth toward Christlikeness. The learning can be facilitated by 7 activities: spiritual formation, evangelism, reproduction, volunteerism, international missions, care, and extending compassion. Each Home Group is semi-geographical, multi-generational, and meets at least once a week.
- Become a Member – Another way to begin to discover connection at Cornerstone is to become a member. In the New Testament we see people being “added to” the churches in a way that models the idea of membership and caring for members (Acts 2:41, 47; 6; 1 Timothy 5). Membership at Cornerstone means that you able to participate and connect with one another in ways such as serving in leadership capacities and joining in the process of making church wide decisions. It also provides a form of accountability and encouragement for ongoing personal growth.
- Special classes – Periodically a need arises within Cornerstone that can be addressed with some specific biblical instruction in a classroom format. When this occurs a weekly (or bi-weekly) class will be held for a semester or two. In the past, there have been classes for biblical parenting, handling finances biblically, and theological studies. Community is developed through pursuit of common questions, discussions, and application of the teaching.
- Get involved in serving – Serving in the body of Christ is not optional, it is natural (1 Corinthians 12:12-31). Just as it is natural for our physical body parts to function in community with the others, so it is with us. The Holy Spirit has gifted each believer so that they may naturally function in the interdependency of the body of Christ. To not serve is unnatural. Therefore, by design, community is developed through each believer using their giftedness for the good of the group (1 Corinthians 12:7). For ideas on how to use your giftedness look through the “50+ Ways to Serve at Cornerstone Community Church” brochure.
- Personal Initiative – The above programs simply provide platforms for community to be developed and experienced. In addition, every single believer can take certain initiatives that will lead to deeper community more quickly. These include purposefully practicing the over thirty “one anothers” found in the Bible, opening your home to individuals and groups, personal transparency (sharing the real you) around people, and personal dependency on others (let your needs be known). Our willingness to take initiative does play a role in the depth of community that we will experience.
For more information, talk with someone who has found ways to connect, submit a filled in information card that is attached to the weekly programs, and/or send an e-mail.