Kingdom Community

During the years that the New Testmant was being written, it is fun to imagine what Kingdom community looked like? As a result of study, I know it didn't look just one way. It would have depended on which city and under what circumstances this community was being formed -- among other things. However, I can imagine Greeks, Italians, Jews, and North Africans gathered in a courtyard, a 'master' and a 'slave' sitting at the same table with the same portions, and men and women sharing the same status as full members of the community. And after the meal, the food that remained taken to the widows who could not make this trip into this section of the city. Reading the New Testament alone, we know that they faced enormous issues of their day, but in those communities that rose above the narrative of the Gospel was a centerpiece for discernment.

What might Kingdom community look like today? Participants from various house churches and church planting projects meeting together in a backyard in Yonkers with the host sweating over a barbeque grill. Chinese, Latinos, Anglos, Black Americans, and more. Refugees from Liberia and Indonesia, homeowners, renters, educated professionals, students. Spanish, English, and Chinese flowing off the tongue. Teenagers, preschoolers, and an elderly great grandmother. Believers and a few of their unbelieving friends and family gather in the shade. Scripture is read, words of wisdom is spoken, and Communion is shared. The food that remains goes home with some who are thankful. God is praised. Like the churches before them, this community of house churches seeks to make the Gospel its source for ethics and rediscover its power over and over again. It too faces tremendous theological challenges of its own day, and it continues to pioneer as the Spirit provides new horizons.

I suppose that Kingdom community will look a lot different from city to city and under various circumstances. But I am thankful for tasting community that I'm sure was first imagined in the mind of God.

Pray that as we pursue becoming a missional people we will continue to realize Christ-inspired community, that we will continue our quest not only to reach as many as possible but to truly love and be loved.