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Do Not Depart

Encouragement and Tools to Abide in God's Word

You are here: Home / Encouragement to Abide / Created for Community / When You Can’t Find Community

When You Can’t Find Community

February 21, 2013 by Caroline 7 Comments

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You’ve just moved to a new town, and you’re encountering obstacles to finding a new church community for your family.

Or perhaps you have a child with special needs, and you need a church equipped with resources or communities specifically organized to provide support.

Or medical issues are preventing you from attending group events.

Maybe you’ve even endured troublesome circumstances in the past with communities gone wrong, and you desperately need to find a healthy community.

Whatever might have happened, you’re having trouble finding community. What do you do now?When You Can't Find Community via Do Not Depart

What To Do When Finding Community is Tough

  • Stay faithful. Finding a solid community is hard. Keep searching, keep believing. “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” – Hebrews 3:13 (NIV)
  • Search for online communities. While online community cannot completely take the place of face-to-face fellowship, online groups are amazing when they boost, encourage, and teach.
    -Online communities we recommend: HelloMornings, (in)courage, SheReadsTruth, the Hide His Word Facebook group, and any of your favorite blogs!
  • Seek community organically. Community in general has surprised me with its growing importance and reliability. But, I have found myself attempting to create bonds where there isn’t a realistic opportunity, especially in mentoring. I’m still learning best options here, but sometimes I find I need to release strict expectations and take some risks in joining or contributing to new communities. A small step keeps me moving forward into deeper community.
  • Read. Read His Word, and read godly books and articles. Reading broadens my perspectives and knowledge base, like community can. Even better after you read: find someone to discuss what you’ve read together.
  • Pray. When I’m struggling to connect, I remind myself to pray. Pray for the right space for me and for me to offer the right contributions. Pray for the members of my community and for us to love and uplift one another (2 Thessalonians 1:3). Prayer causes internal reflection and I feel myself centering focus back on God when I’m lonely or feel excluded.
  • Hold on to hope. If you’ve searched for weeks, months, years for a welcoming community, you might feel discouraged. Grab that hope God gives and cling to it. Community is worth it (Hebrews 10:23-25).
  • Seek Him. Even when community isn’t readily available, we can always commune with God (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).

“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” – Matthew 18:20

 

Have you ever been through a time when you weren’t part of a community or couldn’t be part of one? What did you do to find community? Your stories can help encourage others here.

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About Caroline

A wife, mother, avid reader, homeschooling momma, and writer, Caroline is imperfect at all of those but thankful for every bit. Eager to grow with believers in deeper, more grace-focused faith, Caroline loves to study His Word, share it with others, and learn more and more how to fully lean on Him to live it out. You can also find Caroline at Under God’s Mighty Hand and on Twitter.

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Singles in community
Two Are Better Than One – The Importance of Developing Godly Friendships {created for community}

Comments

  1. Kathy Howard says

    February 21, 2013 at 8:07 am

    Caroline, I moderate a wonderful Facebook group called “Reading the Bible Together.” The purpose of this group is to encourage one another to stay in the Word. We use the same 5-day per week reading plan so we can discuss what we’re reading together. I know it helps many of the members keep going and stay excited about reading the Bible. Here’s a link if anyone is interested in joining in! https://www.facebook.com/groups/346752805350294/

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      February 21, 2013 at 3:43 pm

      That’s a great way to encourage each other in the Word, Kathy! Thank you for sharing it here!

      Reply
  2. Julie Sanders says

    February 21, 2013 at 4:39 pm

    We spent some time without much community and before technology provided online options to fill the gap. During that time, I learned how badly I NEED community and how much of a difference it makes in my life. It’s not just an “option,” but a “necessity.” Such good encouragement, Caroline!

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      February 21, 2013 at 9:13 pm

      I remember feeling especially lonely when my husband and I lived away from our fellowship and family for a few years (pre kids). But, of course, community helps with so much more than just loneliness, too! I’d consider it a necessity, too, Julie.

      Reply
  3. Lisa notes... says

    February 21, 2013 at 8:45 pm

    Good advice here, Caroline. I love this especially: “A small step keeps me moving forward into deeper community.” We never know when one small step may be through the door of an amazing community. And if not, we can keep taking small steps anyway. God will keep walking beside us.

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      February 21, 2013 at 9:14 pm

      And this that you said exemplifies grace and perseverance: “And if not, we can keep taking small steps anyway. God will keep walking beside us.” Perfect addition to that thought. Thanks, Lisa!

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. When It's Tough to Find Community | UnderGodsMightyHand says:
    February 21, 2013 at 5:13 am

    […] me at Do Not Depart today as we discuss what we can do if we find ourselves struggling to find community. I’d love to […]

    Reply

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