July 26, 2024
Finding a genuine community can be challenging. Georgia consistently ranks as the loneliest state in America. Nearly 50% of all adults in Georgia are lonely, and 30% of those are young adults under 30, according to the US Surgeon General's report in 2023. As believers, we are called to live in community with one another, reflecting God's love and fulfilling Christ's mandate to make disciples. To reach and engage young adults, we must consider five aspects of Biblical community.
From the very beginning, God's design for humanity included community. In Genesis, God declared that it was not good for man to be alone, leading to the creation of woman and the establishment of the first community. This foundational truth highlights that we are inherently designed to live in relationships with others. The companionship of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden is not just an example of a marital relationship but a model for all forms of community.
Living in isolation is unsustainable, and many young adults in Georgia are doing just that. While there may be seasons where we can manage alone, the absence of a supportive community can lead to feelings of loneliness and disconnect over time. Life's joys and sorrows are best shared with others, providing opportunities for growth, support, and mutual encouragement. When your church offers a discipleship pathway that includes young adults, they will participate in finding authentic community with one another.
Young adults are “adulting.” Adulting involves more than securing a job, car, housing, and insurance; it also encompasses pursuing meaningful relationships. Intentional community building is crucial for navigating the complexities of life. Engaging in an authentic community allows for sharing experiences, providing a space for refinement and improvement. When this community is rooted in God's Word, it becomes a robust environment for disciple-making.
Jesus modeled authentic community with His disciples, teaching them, sharing life with them, and preparing them to continue His work. This model emphasizes the importance of proactively seeking and nurturing relationships that honor God and encourage spiritual growth.
Whether you are an extrovert who thrives in social settings or an introvert who finds solace in solitude, everyone needs a biblical community. Extroverts often excel at bringing people together and creating vibrant social environments. In contrast, introverts might find larger gatherings draining and prefer deeper, one-on-one interactions. Regardless of these differences, the need for connection and support remains universal.
A biblical community respects and embraces these personality differences, providing spaces where extroverts and introverts can thrive. It encourages extroverts to lead and gather while offering introverts meaningful connections in smaller, more intimate settings.
A true biblical community is characterized by love, support, and the shared mission of disciple-making. It reflects God's unconditional love and serves as a witness to the world of what it means to live in Christ. In Acts 1:12, the early disciples returned to Jerusalem, united in purpose, prayer, and commitment. This unity and dedication are hallmarks of a healthy biblical community.
Being part of such a community helps us grow spiritually, providing accountability, encouragement, and opportunities to serve others. Your church is equipped to reach and engage young adults as we live out the Great Commission together and reflect God’s love. The answer is discipleship.
Becoming involved in a small group, Bible study, Sunday School class, or ministry team can provide the connection and support young adults need. In a biblical community, we find others walking alongside us, helping us grow in our faith and supporting us through life's challenges. Our response is to ensure we promote and welcome these opportunities for young adults in our community. Young adults want to engage in relationships that reflect God's love and join others in making disciples. Together, we can live out our faith and fulfill the calling to be Christ's followers, united in purpose.
Focus less on the style of worship and how the building looks and more on authenticity in your disciple-making efforts. Young adults crave that focus, which connects them to your congregation. Our team at the Georgia Baptist Mission Board is here to serve you in these efforts as you advance the Gospel and make disciples. Ready to start? Contact lmelton@gabaptist.org to request a consultant to visit with you and your ministry team to learn how to reach and engage young adults.
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Dr. PJ Dunn serves the Georgia Baptist Mission Board as Discipleship consultant.
