Becoming ONE with Community

The concept of community is often understood and defined as abstract, theoretical, and apart from oneself. We define community as a webster's dictionary scholar, or a nonprofit employee who has been routinely serving so long that they have disconnected from the purpose of serving. In other words, we sound good explaining the community but we struggle with the practice of connecting with the community.  

The Bible states in Matthew 20:28, “Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many (LSB).” This aforementioned passage is what we would call “Servant Leadership.” Jesus is exemplifying what it means to be a leader in position, but a servant in practice. What does this reveal to us? Jesus reveals that leadership and servitude are not seen in opposition, but as synonymous functions. There is an intersection between leadership and serving. 

As I travel across the country supporting leaders in their efforts to connect with the community, their first challenge is usually, how do I start? This is a great question during training because it presents me with the opportunity to delve into the purpose of serving. Since this is a short blog and not a 1 hour training, I'll sum up the answer by saying, SERVE.

Serve how? Serve where? I am sure these are questions that pop up in your mind. I could tell you about different needs, programs, and areas where you could serve, but the reality is that you will never know where to serve if you don’t get out into the community and start serving something. This is challenging and uncomfortable for my introverts. Believe it or not, I am right with you! Don’t consume yourself in defining “how” to serve, just try to do something. This is the only effective way you will learn and become one with the community. 

We can find ourselves so immersed in the practice and principle of philanthropic work that we become disconnected from its purpose. The main purpose of serving is not to give back, but to connect with the community. This is where you discover the needs of your community and what problems you can solve with your God given gifts and abilities. You cannot be an answer to a problem in your community if you are not aiming to become ONE with your community. 

Let’s embody community through the practices of love, relationship building, and consistent stewardship. 

In this synergy series, we will continue to learn about intersections of community to steward our gifts as transformative leaders.