If You Want To Go Far, Go Together

If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

One of the commitments we’ve made at Southwest is to connect with one another in community. Why? Because Scripture consistently emphasizes how important it is to have strong relationships with other believers.

• “It is not good for the man to be alone.” (Genesis 2:18)

• “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17)

• “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9)

• “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)

When done well, connecting in Christ-centered community provides us with the prayer, support, wisdom, and accountability we need to stand strong in our faith and persevere through trials. A smaller community that knows you and your story can speak the truth in love to you in a more personal way, and consistently meeting together creates space for a more intentional approach to discipling and mentoring.

But notice how everything I’ve written so far has emphasized how community can benefit you. That is only part of the equation. God calls us into authentic, intentional relationships with other Christians not only because we need them, but also because God wants to bless others through us. God can use your story, your wisdom, and your loving presence to offer hope, encouragement, and clarity to other disciples of Jesus who might be carrying burdens you can help with.

When we choose to follow Jesus on our own, we lose out on the strength and encouragement our brothers and sisters can offer us. But we also deprive them of the support they might need from us. To adapt a famous line: ask not what your community can do for you; ask what you can do for your community.

Southwest has several small groups, classes, support groups, and ministries that provide the opportunity to build Christ-centered relationships. But it doesn’t have to be an official program to be effective. Start a Bible reading plan with a few other Christians, invite someone over for lunch, grab a coffee and pray over your families, or commit to meeting together with two or three other believers for six weeks and see how things go.

We pray that Southwest is not just a church you attend, but a community you invest in. Let us know how we can help make that happen!

Blessings,

Bryan Fojtasek