Made for Connection: The Spirit-Filling Power of Weekly Gathering
The need and purpose of gathering with others…
We are living in the most widely connected world in history.
So why, at times, does it feel so disconnected?
Likes, comments, posts, videos, texts, emails, tweets, snaps, stories…
There are limitless ways for us to interact with others who we normally wouldn’t have access to on a day to day basis.
And this is a win on many levels!
But these digital touchpoints can easily slip in to replace our face-to-face human interactions which, if we’re not careful, can lead to unintended consequences for our spirit and community.
Our spirit is fundamentally created for community
For centuries, people of faith have recognized this truth and designed their lives around regular weekly gathering.
The author of the book of Hebrews in the Bible implores his readers to “…think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near (Heb 1o:24-25 NLT, emphasis mine).
If there’s anything the 2020 pandemic revealed to us it’s that we are social creatures who need to connect. We are drawn to others and the desire to belong.
Technology has allowed us to interact in new ways that are critically important for many businesses, communities, and relationships. But no amount or quality of zoom meetings or video chats can replace the necessity of in-person human connection.
What’s worse, we are a society becoming more and more reliant on technology as a substitute which is leading to a growing prevalence of isolation. This isolation is contributing to increasing rates of depression and anxiety among adolescents and young adults.
In fact, an article published in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine found that nearly 1 in 10 Americans and 1 in 5 adolescents and young adults reported having depression in 2020. Almost three years later, these trends are not diminishing.
But what’s the harm?
Many of us high-achievers consider ourselves to be quite independent and might be tempted to withdraw or downplay our need for gathering with others.
Or maybe we simply recognize the difficulty of dealing with other people. People are messy. They bring problems with them.
And guess what? So do you!
But if we choose to go down the route of social façade, we risk the inevitable challenges of real isolation…
Loneliness, decreased well-being, a lack of emotional support.
Isolation also limits our exposure to different perspectives, ideas, and experiences and can cause us to miss out on valuable connections, potential partnerships, and chances for advancement in personal or professional spheres.
And worse, it can contribute to feelings of stress, anxiety, and even depression that can directly impair our sense of purpose and belonging in this world.
Will you choose to engage in the messiness of community and gathering?
Even as I seek to be a resource to my clients and followers through my blog, social media page, website, workshops, and coaching programs, I am tempted to devalue my own need for spiritual rejuvenation through community.
A long and busy week in the clinic, young children that aren’t sleeping well at night, or simply the desire to sleep in…
Each of these factors can lead me to consider choosing church online or listening to the sermon recording later. Even if this happens infrequently, online is not a proxy for real communal gathering.
So, if you truly want to have soul-satisfying, spirit-filled purpose in your life, you need to step into the mess and regularly gather with others.
Here are 3 quick ways to get started…
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Commit to a community
Get involved in your local church and/or community. Search Facebook for local groups and organizations with a common good cause. Seek out ways to connect with people you otherwise wouldn’t happen to run into throughout the normal hustle and bustle of life.
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Meet regularly
Churches meet weekly for an established time of worship which provides unity and relationship. Drawn together by a common goal, Christians are able to encourage, admonish, and spur each other on to greater love and good works. Make this a habit and you’ll soon see the long term effects of this kind of community.
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Engage often
Equally important is the need to connect outside the regularly scheduled meetups. This can be as simple as inviting people over for a meal or helping someone with moving into a new home. Take the time to allow for the unexpected in your schedule so you can meet people where they’re at.
In a world where digital interactions can overshadow face-to-face connections, the importance of meeting regularly with your community cannot be overstated.
Gathering together offers a sense of belonging, personal growth, and the chance to make a positive impact.
It reminds us of the power of human connection and the potential that lies within our collective efforts. So, let’s take the initiative to engage with our community, connect with other individuals, and unlock the incredible possibilities that await us.
By nurturing and refreshing your spirit with these connections, you can create a stronger, more vibrant, and supportive community for all!