Community is one of those words that sounds warm and safe—until you’ve been hurt by it, or left out of it, or you’re trying to rebuild it from scratch. And then you start wondering… what does “biblical community” actually mean when real people are involved?

Hey friend. We’re back. 💛 After a little break to soak in Christmas, New Year, and all the busyness that comes with that season, our team is finally together in person again here in Duluth—and honestly, it felt so good to sit down and have a real conversation face-to-face.

Today we’re talking about community—one of the most common “Christian buzzwords,” and yet one of the most confusing. We say we need it, we’re encouraged to find it, and then we’re often left wondering why it can feel so fragile… or hard… or even painful.

I’m joined by Grace and Jenny, and what I love about this conversation is that we’re all sitting in different seasons. Grace is freshly post-college and building a new rhythm of life. Jenny is stepping into motherhood. And I’m here in my late 20s navigating leadership, business ownership, and what it looks like to keep showing up with faith when community isn’t always easy.

From the very beginning, God said it’s not good for us to be alone. And when Jesus stepped into the world, He didn’t build a platform—He built a table. He invited people into shared life: messy, committed, deeply human life. So we’re asking: Where have we turned community into a buzzword? And how do we rebuild it the way Jesus intended?

If you’ve ever felt unsure, hurt, unseen, or like you’re on the outside of community looking in… this one is for you.

Key Themes + Takeaways

Community is more than proximity. It’s not just being around people—it’s consistency, intentionality, and presence.

Biblical community includes both comfort and cost. Gratitude and vulnerability. Joy and accountability

The early church wasn’t built on events. It was built on shared life: meals, prayer, generosity, and daily devotion.

We can’t keep calling it community while avoiding the deep parts. Confession, prayer, trust, and “iron sharpening iron.”

Community shifts with seasons, but true community doesn’t abandon your seat at the table.

Community flows from closeness with Jesus. Jesus called the disciples to be with Him before He sent them out.

Our Favorite Quotes

“Jesus didn’t build a platform. He built a table.”

“Community deepens as trust grows.”

“You can’t just sit there and wait for the UPS guy to drop off the friends you’re going to have forever.”

“Jesus doesn’t need your highlight reel. He wants your full autobiography.”

“Whatever season someone’s in… it shouldn’t change their seat at your table.”

Chapter Markers

00:00 Community: a common word, a confusing reality

02:40 What we actually mean when we say “community”

10:15 Why God made community essential, not optional

15:00 The early church blueprint

19:00 Why community feels different today

26:15 Programs vs presence

39:20 Community across seasons

55:55 The accountability we avoid

1:04:45 Rebuilding community the way Jesus intended

1:12:25 One step deeper

Your Turn

This week’s check-in: Where have you been settling for “surface community” because deep community feels risky?

And if you’re brave enough to write one more sentence: What is one small next step you could take—one invitation, one text, one coffee, one honest conversation—to rebuild community the way Jesus intended?

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