Feeling exhausted from trying to navigate life on your own?  Do you feel like no one truly understands you?  Maybe you’ve been isolating yourself more and more.  If that resonates with you, it might be time to make a change—to get involved and become part of a community.

Since becoming a Christian at sixty-five, I’ve learned just how vital Christian community is to everyday life.  If you’re curious about how rewarding and joyful it can be to live out your faith alongside others, it starts with small, intentional steps. Engaging with others doesn’t have to be overwhelming—it can be simple and life-giving.  Here are some practical steps to get started:

1. Show Up

One of the easiest yet most impactful ways to show that community matters is to just show up.  Whether it’s attending Sunday services, Bible studies, or small groups, your presence alone makes a difference.  By consistently showing up, you demonstrate that you value being with other believers and that church is more than just another task on your to-do list.  This sets an example of commitment to others.

2. Open Your Home (or Your Life)

Hospitality is a huge part of building community.  It doesn’t have to be extravagant.  You don’t need to host fancy dinners or big gatherings.  Something as simple as inviting someone over for coffee or meeting up at a local park for a walk can foster meaningful relationships.  When you open up your home or make space in your life for others, you’re showing them that they’re welcome and seen.  These small gestures help build genuine, lasting connections.

3. Be Real and Vulnerable

If you want to foster a strong community, authenticity is key.  Being real.  People are naturally drawn to others who are real and open about their lives.  It starts with you being willing to share your struggles, doubts, or joys.  You don’t need to pretend that you’ve got it all together.  When you’re honest about your life, it gives others the permission to be real, too.  Vulnerability builds trust, and trust is the foundation of any meaningful relationship.

4. Serve with a Heart for Others

Being part of a Christian community means serving others with love, just as Jesus did.  This doesn’t always require big, organized events.  Look for small, everyday ways to serve—bring a meal to someone who’s going through a tough time, offer to host a Bible study, or volunteer for a local outreach.  Serving others in these small, thoughtful ways shows that you’re invested in the community and that giving is an essential part of it.

5. Listen More Than You Speak

In our fast-paced world, listening is a rare gift.  Sometimes, the best way to show love and build community is by simply listening.  Be that person who sets aside distractions, looks people in the eye, and truly hears them.  When you listen attentively, you show others that they matter, which strengthens your connection with them.  It’s not about offering solutions—it’s about being present.

6. Pray for Others—And With Them

Prayer is one of the most powerful ways to build community.  Don’t just tell someone you’ll pray for them—do it in the moment, right then and there if possible.  It may feel awkward at first, but praying together fosters a spiritual bond and reminds everyone that our community is rooted in Christ, not just social interaction.

7. Give Grace, Especially When It’s Hard

Community can be messy.  People will hurt, misunderstand, or disappoint you at times.  How you handle those moments will set the tone for others.  Be quick to forgive, offer grace, and seek reconciliation when conflicts arise.  It’s tempting to walk away when things get difficult, but sticking it out shows that you’re committed to growing together in Christ.  Extend grace in these moments.  It will reflect the heart of Christian community in a world divided by strife.

8. Encourage Others 

A word of encouragement can brighten someone’s day.  Make it a habit to encourage others, whether it’s through a quick text, a thoughtful note, or a personal conversation.  When you consistently uplift people in their faith, talents, and everyday lives, you contribute to a culture of encouragement that strengthens the entire community.  I can’t imagine a day without having some contact with my Band of Brothers.  Their encouragement is one of the things that keeps me seeking more union with Christ. 

9. Prioritize Unity Over Differences

As Christians, we’re called to unity in Christ.  In any group, there will be differences—whether in personalities, opinions, or backgrounds.  Instead of focusing on what separates you, focus on what unites you in Christ.  Avoid gossip and negativity. Be a peacemaker when conflicts arise.  When you prioritize unity, you model a community that values coming together over letting minor differences drive you apart.

10. Invest in Others

Mentorship and discipleship are critical in building up the body of Christ.  You don’t need to be a Bible scholar to invest in someone’s life.  Sometimes, it’s as simple as offering to listen, give advice, or share what God has taught you.  Whether it’s a formal mentorship or just checking in with someone regularly, investing in others helps create a sense of family and long-term commitment within the community.  As for me, when I am thinking about discipleship, I’m reminded of one of my favorite quotes by St. Francis: “A single sunbeam is enough to drive away many shadows.”  Be the sunbeam in someone’s life.  

11. Celebrate Together

Also, one of the greatest joys of being in a community is sharing in each other’s successes and victories.  Be someone who celebrates others—whether it’s a job promotion, personal milestone, or just a small victory.  Celebrating with others fosters a sense of belonging and shows them they’re valued.  As Acts 2:42 reminds us: “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.”  Whether it’s sharing a meal or praying with my church family or my Band of Brothers, it is truly a celebration of love to me.  And it doesn’t leave you after the meal is finished;you can carry it with you wherever you go.  It’s what Ernest Hemingway described as, “A Moveable Feast.”

12. Embrace Accountability

Christian community provides the gift of accountability.  Be open to having people in your life who can speak truth into your life, encourage you, and challenge you when you’re off course.  Likewise, be the person that offers that same accountability to others, not from a place of judgment, but from love and a desire to see them grow in their faith.  

13. Love Like Jesus

At the core of Christian community is Christ’s love.  Love others the way Jesus loves—be kind, patient, and compassionate, even when it’s difficult.  Love people where they are, not where you think they should be.  Jesus’ love is the foundation of true community, and when you embody that love, you become a living example of what Christian community should be.

14. Reach Out

Finally, remember that sometimes people are just waiting for an invitation.  Don’t assume someone else will do it—be the one to reach out.  Whether it’s inviting someone to church, a small group, or a casual coffee meetup, your simple act of reaching out could be the start of helping someone find a place where they belong.

In conclusion, when you live out these values—consistency, service, listening, grace, encouragement, and love—you create a ripple effect in the people around you.  Christian community isn’t just something to talk about; it’s something to live out.  As you do, others will see the beauty of it and want to be a part of it too.