Do you ever do all the "right" Christian things and still feel like something's missing? Like you're somehow gasping for air even though your spiritual lungs should be working just fine?

In this honest conversation, Matt Edmundson explores the topic of koinonia - the Christian community - and asks what happens when we try to do faith with only one lung.

Journey with us through:

• [03:00] The early church in Jerusalem - what 3,000 new believers actually did
• [07:00] Understanding koinonia - more than just hanging out
• [09:00] The two lungs of faith - why both are essential
• [14:00] Why Christian community has a different foundation
• [17:00] When church has hurt you - honest talk about toxic communities
• [20:00] Matt's personal story of community showing up
• [29:00] Conversation Street - practical wisdom from the community

[09:00] The Two Lungs of Faith

Matt shares an analogy that helps make sense of why we can feel empty despite an active prayer life and regular Bible reading.

"My relationship with God and my relationship with the community are equally essential to living the abundant life Jesus calls us to."

What we explore:

• The first lung - your relationship with God through Christ
• The second lung - koinonia, this divine fellowship with others
• Why wrong attitudes, consumer mindsets, and past hurts can collapse the second lung
• What happens when both lungs start working together

Key takeaway: Both lungs are meant to work together. That's the design.

[14:00] Why Christian Community is Different

So what's wrong with gym classes or book clubs? Nothing. But Christian community has a different foundation.

"Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people. In his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us."

What we discover:

• How the cross demolishes barriers between people
• The Ethiopian widow and Galilean fisherman - unlikely family
• Living from the overflow of favour already received
• What makes koinonia audaciously different

Key takeaway: The foundation changes how the whole thing works.

[17:00] When Church Has Hurt You

Matt addresses the elephant in the room - churches fail at this all the time.

"I didn't want to need anyone. I didn't want to be vulnerable. I didn't want to risk being hurt again. Independence felt like strength."

Honest talk about:

• Toxic, judgmental, and cliquey church experiences
• Matt's own journey of wanting to leave
• Why walking away doesn't always solve the problem
• Fighting for what community is meant to be

Key takeaway: The failure of churches around community doesn't invalidate God's design.

[29:00] Conversation StreetHow do we actually do community in a digital age?

Anna observed that our modern world keeps us digitally connected but physically separate. Sharon and Matt shared how they've had lodgers for almost their entire 27-year marriage. But this isn't for everyone - the key is knowing yourself and finding what works for you.

What if nobody invites me?

Matt talked about how the default is waiting for someone else to make the first move. Rather than waiting, you can start it yourself. His football example: when Liverpool play, he texts a WhatsApp group and they come round. 90% of conversation is football. But 10% isn't.

How do we take relationships deeper?

Anna highlighted the difference between breadth and depth. Her advice: start small, ask one or two people for coffee, take the pressure off. Most of the time when you invite someone, they're delighted to say yes.

For more information about this episode, visit: https://crowd.church/talks/when-following-jesus-alone-leaves-you-feeling-empty