In search of authentic Christian community

This question undergirds many ongoing conversations on young adults in the Methodist Church. It lies beneath disappointments, disillusionments, and frustrations nursed by young adults who feel let down when their churches remain distant from scriptural precedents and ideals. It drives young adults from church to church, in search of congregations and communities that fit into their envisaged notions of Christian fellowship. It pushes young adults away from church altogether when hypocrisy or abuse causes this question to fester into discouragement and despair.

Fundamentally, this question is an expression of desire among young adults to be part of a church living in obedience to Christ. While this should seem like a common aspiration among all Christians, it may be a challenge to appreciate every believer's unique perspective towards this. Convictions are shaped by different experiences and generational and societal pressures.

Left unchecked, dissonant perspectives can threaten the unity of the church. Church members may become discouraged by perceived stubbornness, pettiness, or rebellion. Theological disagreements may taint interactions within the community. Generational distinctions may harden into fault lines.

Writing to the early Church, the Apostle Paul addressed the struggle of disunity through the unifying image of the Church as one body formed of many parts, under Christ's headship. It is in appreciating this image that we learn to wrestle with this question together, align our individual perspectives and learn to live in obedience to Christ, as one church.

We

are many different parts

If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be?

If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be?

(1 Corinthians 12:17 NIV)

In Paul's first epistle to the church of Corinth, the image of difference between body parts is taken to affirm each believer's individuality. Being part of a church does not demand the abandonment of one's individuality, nor does it demand that others abandon theirs. Paul illustrates the absurdity of a body composed completely of only one body part by highlighting the need for each part's purpose and function. Similarly, we cannot, and should not, expect such homogeneity in our views, experiences, talents, and gifts. Just as the body is designed to function through the collective diversity of its parts, so it is with the Church and its members.

Christ as the head

Our individuality must, however, be subject to the enthronement of Christ as the head of the Church. It is crucial to align our individual perspectives of what the church should be with that taken by Christ, and discern the Lord's will for our churches.

Paul writes of the body growing and building itself up in love. Just as we test our understanding of church life through prayer and scripture, as well as by the Godly counsel of friends, family, and church members, so too must we allow our love for Christ, and each other, to anchor and find expression in the communal life of the church.

We are one body

Our individuality is nested within the networks of relationships that comprise our church communities. In his epistle to the church in Rome, Paul illustrates that it is through these networks and the collective diversity of every believer's individuality that the church grows and builds itself up.

For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.

(Romans 12:4-6 NIV)

Being a part of the Church extends beyond simple inclusion within community life. It asks of us to be connected to other members such that our talents, gifts, and experiences may complement one another and work together. Through the image of the body "held together by every supporting ligament" as "each part does its work", Paul illustrates that the building up of the Church is only made possible through connection between church members, as well as the coordinated exercise of their respective individual gifts. In building up our churches, we each have our parts to play.

(Ephesians 4:15-16 NIV)