7 Ways to Grow in Community

On consistency, going first, and shared traditions

Since last week we chatted about seven barriers to community, I couldn’t resist — we’re going with seven ways to grow community today :)

And let me say right off the bat that what I’m going to share here will probably not surprise you. You’ve likely heard some version of it before… but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth being said, and it doesn’t mean it’s not worth taking the time to read (in my humble opinion!).

“We gather together to remember what is so easy to forget on our own.” The pastor shared this at a wedding we attended a few years ago, and it’s stuck with me ever since. We need regular reminders of what is good, true, and beautiful — those things we already know — to kick us into action and to reignite our passion, because it’s so easy to forget and to let more urgent demands shove in.

But group community, I believe, is worth fighting for and sacrificing for. In a world marked by loneliness, each of us has the chance to experience something different — and to show our kids something different, too. We can show them that an abundant, meaningful life is not centered around themselves or digital technology, but relationships in which they are deeply known and loved.

So today, picture us all gathering together to remember — and perhaps reignite — the things that are easy to forget in the bustle of daily life. Here are seven ways to grow group community and how I’ve seen them play out in my family’s life, through three of my most important circles: articles club, our church small group, and our street.