The Connection — A Magazine by Connect Global — Issue 15

ISSUE 15

THE

A MAGAZINE BY CONNECT GLOBAL

EMBRACING HOSPITALITY

Operating from a genuine source of warmth and welcome.

INTAMACY WITH GOD Leading others towards God's love

5 Characteristics of effective Self Leaders 3 Compelling reasons you should take a mission trip

THE

A MAGAZINE BY CONNECT GLOBAL

CONTENTS 02

EMBRACING HOSPITALITY Warml y wel comi ng and generousl y accommodati ng those around us

03

INTAMACY WITH GOD Our j ourney as l eaders starts wi th our i ntamacy wi th God

05

EMBRACING HOSPITALITY Operati ng from a genui ne source of warmth and wel come

11

TAKE A MISSION TRIP 3 Reasons to take a mi ssi on tri p wi th Us

VISION

15

The I mportance of Communi ty i n Spi ri tual Formati on

COVER PHOTO: Javier, Danielle in Dade City BACK COVER PHOTO: Javier and Danielle Mendoza in Dade City

Editor in Chief Javier Mendoza Writers, Contributors, and Editors Danielle Mendoza, Javier Mendoza

Contact Connect Global PO BOX 47381 Tampa FL 33646 (214) 725-4352 Email: hello@connectglobal.org Website www.connectglobal.org

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

ROOTED TOGETHER Welcome to the 15th edition of The

foundation of our faith, yet

Connection - A Magazine by

cultivating that intimacy

Connect Global ! As we celebrate

requires intentionality and time.

this milestone, we are reminded of the powerful journey we've been on

Danielle invokes John chapter 4

together—one rooted in community,

in proposing that our spiritual

deepening our relationship with

thirst is only satisfied by our

God, and growing in self-leadership.

intimacy with Christ. I believe

In this edition, we explore these

that no matter where you serve

themes with the hope that they will

in the Church your leadership

inspire and encourage you on your

will be enriched by her article,

personal journey. Whether you're

“The Vital Importance of

new to our publication or a long-

Intimacy with God”.

Self-leadership is the third pillar

provide practical steps for nurturing

of this edition, emphasizing the

your spiritual life and relationships.

importance of leading ourselves well before we can lead others.

Community has always been at the

We explore the attributes of self-

heart of what we do, and it remains

awareness, humility,

a cornerstone of this edition. In

responsibility, curiosity, and

“Better Together” on page 15 we

being future oriented. As you

delve into the ways community

read through these articles, our

shapes us, offering both support

hope is that you will be

and accountability as we navigate

equipped and encouraged to

the challenges of our own spiritual

take steps toward becoming the

formation. We share our

leader God has called you to be,

experiences and reflections on how

whether in your home,

being part of a faith-centered

workplace, or church

community has transformed our

community.

joining a mission trip with us.

It’s an opportunity to not only

heart and your own. For those looking to stay connected throughout the year, we are thrilled to offer more content through our podcast and Substack newsletter. These platforms allow us to share ongoing stories, insights, and resources that we hope will enrich your daily walk.

Thank you for being a part of our community and for your continued support of The Connection. We are honored to journey with you.

lives and given us growth, We also invite you to take your journey of growth beyond these Intimacy with God is another theme

pages. If you’ve ever considered

we explore in these pages. Our

stepping out of your comfort THE CONNECTION MAGAZINE

transformative experience of

discover more about God’s

insights will resonate deeply and

relationship with God is the

learn more about the

serve others but also to

time reader, we believe that these

connection, and stability.

zone, we encourage you to

|

2024

SPIRITUAL FORMATION

THE VITAL IMPORTANCE OF INTIMACY WITH GOD

by Danielle Mendoza, Founder of Connect Global

A MESSAGE FOR SPIRITUAL LEADERS As spiritual leaders, pastors, and pioneers of missions and outreach, our calling is both a privilege and a responsibility. Leading others towards God's love requires more than just knowledge or belief; it necessitates a deep, intimate connection with the source of all wisdom and life – Jesus Christ.

THE CALL TO INTIMACY WITH GOD Our journey as spiritual leaders begins with a call to intimacy with God. Just as Jesus called His disciples to "abide in Him" (John 15:4), we too are beckoned to dwell in His presence.

“Intimacy with God isn't merely a religious duty; it's a relational pursuit.”

Psalm 63:1 beautifully encapsulates this longing for intimacy: "O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water."

LEADERSHIP ROOTED IN RELATIONSHIP Effective leadership stems from a deep, personal relationship with Jesus Christ. In Matthew 11:29, Jesus invites us to "take His yoke upon us and learn from Him." This implies a close companionship, where we not only learn from Him but also emulate His character in our leadership. Our effectiveness as spiritual leaders is directly proportional to the depth of our relationship with Christ.

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THE POWER OF KNOWING “I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings,becoming like him in his death”

—PHILIPPIANS 3:10 Belief is one thing; knowing is another. In Philippians 3:10, Paul expresses his desire to "know Christ and the power of His resurrection."

This intimate knowledge surpasses mere intellectual assent; it encompasses a profound understanding of Christ's personhood and His work in our lives.

As spiritual leaders, we're called to lead others into a deeper, more personal experiential knowledge of Jesus Christ.

LEADING FROM OVERFLOW Intimacy with God isn't solely for personal enrichment; it's the wellspring from which our leadership flows. Jesus tells the Samaritan woman at the well, "Whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life" (John 4:14). Our intimacy with Christ overflows, quenching the spiritual thirst of those under our care.

NOURISHMENT FOR SPIRITUAL HEALTH

DEPENDENCE ON THE SOURCE

“but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.

That person is like a tree planted by streamsof water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers.”

As spiritual leaders, our dependence on God as our source is paramount. Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us to “trust in the Lord with all our hearts and lean not on our understanding.” Our wisdom, strength, and guidance originate from Him alone. Intimacy with God cultivates a posture of humble dependence, acknowledging our insufficiency apart from Him.

—PSALM 1:2-3 Just as physical health requires nourishment, our spiritual health necessitates intimacy with God. Psalm 1:2-3 paints a vivid picture of the one who “delights in the law (or instruction) of the Lord”, and “meditates day and night”, likening them to a tree planted by streams of water, yielding fruit in season.

Our intimacy with God sustains and strengthens us, enabling us to bear fruit in our leadership endeavors.

Intimacy with God isn't an optional addendum to our leadership; it's the very foundation upon which our effectiveness rests.

As spiritual leaders, our pursuit of intimacy with Christ isn't merely for our sake but for the sake of those entrusted to our care. Let us hear the urging of James 4:8 to "draw near to God,” and let us be witness that “He will draw near"

revision

May our leadership be characterized by an unwavering commitment to intimacy with the One who called us and who equips us for His kingdom purposes.

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EMBRACING HOSPITALITY AS A WAY OF LIFE

by Javier Mendoza, Founder of Connect Global

We are facing an unprecedented rhythm of disconnection and overall movement toward loneliness, dissatisfaction and unwelcome in many sectors of life. “We live in the most technologically connected age in the history of civilization, yet rates of loneliness have doubled since the 1980s”.1 We need each other more than ever, and yet we all feel further away and more like strangers, even in our own homes.

Friendship and intimacy can feel more like a demand or a chore than a privilege so we settle for the illusion of connection.2 I believe that an intentional move towards hospitality is the antidote for this new normal we’ve slid into.

Hospitality is the act of warmly welcoming and generously accommodating guests, visitors, or strangers, with an attitude of kindness, openness, and genuine care, creating an environment that fosters comfort, inclusion, and a sense of belonging.

We are inclined to think that this will take more than it will give, but in my experience it has typically been the opposite.

Hospitality is not over the top extravagance; it's more about our deliberate intentionality, consistent practice, and operating from a genuine source of warmth and welcome.

Showing Hospitality should be intentional Firstly, hospitality should begin at home or with those closest to you. Whether you are married, have kids, or live with a roommate, intentional hospitality shown to those around you is an act of love and service. It is a tangible extension of your heart and what you value most.

A warm meal, a handwritten note, or a meaningful gift puts on display one of our most treasured values — connection itself. It allows others in and brings us closer to one another. We all share more in common than we can find in difference, and hospitality allows this truth to shine. In Acts 20:35 Paul suggests that "it is more blessed to give than to receive"3, harkening back to the teachings and practices of Jesus himself.

This ‘giving’ is not limited to material possessions. It also encompasses our time, attention, and love.

“Intention means every decision, from the most obviously significant to the seemingly mundane, matters. To do something with intentionality means to do it thoughtfully, with clear purpose and an eye on the desired result.”* —Will Guidara, “Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More than They Expect”

This practice of intentional hospitality should start with our family and friends, the people closest to us.

Our Hospitality should shine among those who know us best as well as in the eyes of strangers In Romans 12:13, we are urged to "Share with the Lord's people who are in need. [to] Practice hospitality."5 In fact the word for hospitality here is from a Greek word, philoxenia, meaning “love to strangers” and the word practice can be translated as “pursue”6 which makes this a much more action oriented, looking for ways to show or practice hospitality, not just waiting for someone to show up.

Saint Benedict, an Italian Christian monk, writer, and theologian wrote: “All guests who present themselves are to be welcomed as Christ, for he himself will say, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.”7 Here Saint Benedict is quoting from Matthew 25v35. “I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.”8

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The sincerity of our Hospitality is directly related to our level of Gratitude Hospitality is a normal response of gratitude. When we are truly grateful, and we all have something to be grateful for, we offer to others what is in our hands. It is automatic and blurs the lines between host and guest. The joy of giving nurtures our generosity, while receiving from others cultivates our gratitude.

Our financial resources, skills, talents, and whatever other creative means we have to share or show hospitality are all on loan to us to use for the purpose of serving others. We are mere stewards of these gifts and how we invest them directly determines our level of return.

Likewise, stinginess, grumbling, or piety tied to our hospitality will ensure that we not only feel burdened by it but we can also settle into selfishness and become prisoner to loneliness and resentment. People will either feel welcomed by your version of hospitality or put off by it. No one wants to be a check box on your list of to do’s. We all want genuine connection and to feel welcomed and included.

When we are grateful for what we have and for who we have around us, and we express our gratitude through hospitality our world is inextricably better.

Make Hospitality a daily practice What if we could recapture hospitality as a way of life — not a one off party for entertainment, but a consistent, rhythmic practice of our lives — that would be seen as a blessing not a burden? How would it change us? How would it change those around us?

Hospitality is not just about inviting people into our homes; it's about inviting them into our lives. It's about making people feel loved, seen, and valued. It's a response of gratitude, a way to bless others, and a practice that makes us more like Jesus. In our busy, self-centered lives, let's take some time to practice the art of hospitality, for in doing so, we may just find that we were the ones “in need” in the first place.

RECIPES

Saige’s Lemon Poppy Seed Cupcakes Ingredients

Procedure

Lemon Poppy Seed Cupcakes

Lemon Poppy Seed Cupcakes

11/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder

Preheat the oven to 350F degrees and line 2 muffin pans with liners. You'll end up with about 14 cupcakes in total.

In a large bowl sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Give them a whisk.

1/4 teaspoon salt

In a separate large bowl, beat the butter, sugar and lemon zest until fluffy.

1/2 cup unsalted butter softened to

Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract.

With the mixer on low speed, beat in about 1/2 of the sour cream followed by

room temperature

about 1/2 of the flour mixture. Turn off the mixer and scrape down the sides of

1 cup white sugar

the bowl.

2 tablespoons lemon zest*

Repeat the process with the rest of the sour cream and flour mixture.

Gently fold in the lemon juice and poppy seeds.

2 large eggs

Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin pans filling each about 2/3 full. You

1 teaspoon vanilla extract room

should get about 14 cupcakes.

temperature 2/3 cup sour cream room temperature 3 tablespoons lemon juice* freshly squeezed 11/2 tablespoons poppy seeds Blackberry Frosting* 11/2 cups blackberries fresh or frozen

Bake 1 tray at a time on the middle rack of the oven for 16-20 minutes, or until the tops look set and an inserted toothpick comes out clean. Cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes, then continue cooling on a wire rack.

Blackberry Frosting* Add the blackberries to blender or food processor and blend until smooth.

Press the puree through a sieve to remove the seeds. I typically do about 1/2 at a time and use the back of a metal spoon to push it through.

Transfer the seedless puree to a small-medium saucepan over low heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer while stirring occasionally for 10-20 minutes, or until the puree is thick like jam. Remove from the heat and cool completely. You should have about 2-4 tablespoons in total.

1 cup unsalted butter softened to

In a large bowl, beat the butter until soft.

room temperature

Turn the mixer down to low speed and beat in 2 cups powdered sugar and the

4 cups powdered sugar 1/4 teaspoon salt

salt.

Beat in 2 tablespoons of the thick, cooled puree.

Beat in the rest of the powdered sugar about 1/2 cup at a time, adding in a

1 tablespoon cream or cream if

little more blackberry puree or cream as needed.

needed

Transfer the frosting to a piping bag (I used a 1M tip) and frost the cupcakes, or frost with a knife.

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s t o n o take s a e R a 3

MISSION TRIP WITH CONNECT GLOBAL

w 5 o 2 n 0 g 2 n i m r o f s p i tr

IT WILL BE

Challenging

From stepping out of your comfort zone to adapting to unfamiliar surroundings, every moment presents an opportunity for growth. Whether it's braving physical discomfort or overcoming language barriers, each challenge you encounter on a mission trip equips you with invaluable life skills.

Embracing these challenges fosters resilience, determination, and a newfound sense of capability. As you navigate through obstacles as a team, you'll discover strengths within yourself that you never knew existed.

Moreover, overcoming these hurdles fosters a sense of accomplishment that can boost your confidence all year, leaving you empowered to tackle whatever life throws your way.

IT WILL CHANGE YOUR

Perspective

One of the most profound effects of going on a mission trip is the transformation of perspective it offers. Our default setting is bent toward conformation. Meaning we are most likely going to hold the same mindsets and opinions until we are intentionally exposed to a new perspective.

Stepping into a different cultural context opens your eyes to diverse ways of life, beliefs, and experiences. It challenges preconceived notions and broadens your understanding of the world. Witnessing firsthand the realities faced by communities in need fosters empathy and compassion, igniting a desire to create positive change. By immersing yourself in the daily rhythms of those around you, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the richness of the lives that are lived outside of your normal existence.

These perspective shifts not only enrich your own life but also enable you to become a more empathetic and globally-minded individual.

IT WILL MAKE YOU

Courageous

A mission trip provides ample opportunities to cultivate courage in its purest form. Whether it's language barriers, speaking in front of an audience, offering assistance to those in need, or learning new skills, every moment on a mission trip demands a courageous spirit. Stepping into unknown territory requires a leap of faith, but it is precisely in these moments of uncertainty that courage thrives. As you out yourself ‘out there’ you will find new depths you may not have known about or simply have not seen in a while. It will spark something inside of you and this newly awakened courage will follow you home and benefit you in your daily life if you learn to cultivate it.

Compassion without action is just observation. I like how the author of the following proverb puts it; “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act. Do not say to your neighbor, “Come back tomorrow and I’ll give it to you”-when you already have it with you.” Compassion is not something to be put off for another time or to be left to another.

It is in place to compel us to take action when and where we can. Many of us have been blessed beyond measure, and it is our duty to pass on the blessing we have received to others. A mission trip is by no means the only place we should employ compassion but it can be a good primer for us to put into practice this call to care in our lives well after the mission trip is over.

As you can see, a mission trip offers far more than just a chance to see new places or engage in volunteer work. It is a transformative journey that challenges, inspires, and empowers individuals to become the best versions of themselves.

So, why not embark on an adventure that will not only change your life but also leave a lasting impact on the world around you?

Take the leap, embrace the challenges, and discover the courage within you. Your journey awaits.

ConnectGlobal.org/trips

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Acts of Hope RECOVERY IN THE WAKE OF HURRICANES HELENE AND MILTON Since Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton devastated parts of Florida, we’ve been on the ground, bringing hope and practical help to those in need. Thanks to the tireless efforts of over 75 volunteers and the generosity of our friends, local and national churches and longtime partners, we’ve been able to make a tangible difference in the lives of many.

Our efforts go beyond cleanup. We understand that recovery is a long and challenging journey, and that every journey must start with a first step.

Since day 1, we’ve worked to meet families’ most pressing needs with cash gifts for electric bills, cleaning supplies, essential food replacement, tree removal, and other essential recovery materials.

In the aftermath of these storms, our team mobilized quickly to provide immediate relief.

Together, we’ve tackled thousands of pounds of tree debris, restoring yards and streets, and bringing a sense of normalcy back to neighbors in Pasco, Polk, and Hillsborough Counties.

These acts of kindness—made possible by your support—offer hope and relief when it’s needed most.

Our volunteers have been instrumental in helping families clean out flooded homes, removing water-damaged belongings, and assisting with essential recovery efforts.

Disaster recovery is more than a one-time response; it’s an ongoing effort. Even as the storms fade from the headlines, the need remains great. At Connect Global, we are committed to walking alongside our communities, providing pastoral care, and helping relieve some of the weight and burden people feel while restoring hope for the future.

DISASTER RELIEF

Thank You for making these recovery efforts possible.

None of this would be possible without the incredible partners who share our vision for making a difference. Your generosity—through donations, time, and resources—empowers us to be a source of light and love in the midst of devastation.

Together, we are proving that hope shines brightest in the darkest moments.

The work continues, and we invite you to be part of it. Join us in preparing for the unexpected, responding with compassion, and rebuilding with resilience. With your support, we can extend the reach of this ongoing mission and ensure that no family faces disaster alone. Together, we are making a lasting impact—one act of kindness at a time.

“I DON'T KNOW WHAT YOUR DESTINY WILL BE, BUT ONE THING I DO KNOW: THE ONLY ONES AMONG YOU WHO WILL BE REALLY HAPPY ARE THOSE WHO HAVE SOUGHT AND FOUND HOW TO SERVE.” —ALBERT SCHWEITZER

Scan to learn more about our Disaster Relief Efforts

5 KEY CHARACTERISTICS OF EFFECTIVE SELF LEADERS

by Javier Mendoza, Founder of Connect Global

Effective self-leadership is a journey of continual growth and personal development, marked by key attributes that pave the way for success. Let's dig into 5 characteristics of self leadership and their significance along our path of building effective teams and impactful work:

Self-Aware To lead oneself effectively, self-awareness serves as the cornerstone. Understanding one's strengths, limitations, and emotions enables leaders to navigate challenges with grace and authenticity. As renowned author and leadership expert Brené Brown says in her book, Dare to Lead, “When I lack self-awareness as a leader, and when I’m not connected with the intentions, driving my thoughts, feelings, and actions, I limit the perspective and insights that I can share with the people I lead” True self awareness takes vulnerability and honesty. It is from this transparency of self we can share with others the depths of our brokenness and be able to lead from our health.

Humble While confidence and charisma certainly are effective at bulldozing barriers, character traits such as humility are necessary to master if you want to have longevity in leadership. In fact, having confidence in your own capacities matched with a healthy dose of self awareness in regard to your limitations is what brings vision to life. Humility stands out as a beacon of authenticity and resilience in a world cluttered with bravado. "It is unwise to be too sure of one's own wisdom. It is healthy to be reminded that the strongest might weaken and the wisest might err." —Mahatma Ghandi When we accept the path that lend to the best ideas winning irrespective of whether they originated from ourself or not we are at the beginning of humility in leadership.

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Responsible Responsibility forms the bedrock of effective self-leadership, empowering individuals to take charge of their actions and outcomes. Responsibility and or Accountability only go so far as a leader is willing to be honest—honest with your self, honest with those close to you, and of course honesty with the “public”. Self deception is a root to all moral failings and personal shortcomings. We lie to ourself and shift blame from ourself towards others or towards outside circumstances. Most of the time we inordinately focus on the things we cannot control and turn a blind eye to the things very much within our control. Taking responsibility for our actions and decisions is a simple thing to aim for but it takes an enormous amount of daily energy and course correction. Andrew Bryant rightly emphasizes, "One of the key elements for selfleadership is responsibility. If you can take responsibility, you can take action. If you take action, you get results."

Intentionally Curious Curiosity fuels innovation and growth, prompting individuals to explore new possibilities and learn from both successes and failures. Curiosity is the antidote to cynicism. Often times it is our very experiences and acquired knowledge that limits our future success. We too often let the sentiment of “how things have always gone”dictate our current actions—thereby limiting our effectiveness. When we substitute curiosity, that is the intentional resetting of our pace in order to learn more, for cynicism, we immediately gain perspective that will potentially lead to discovery of an uncovered new path forward full of positive energy and ultimately success.

Curiosity is uncomfortable because it takes admitting that things are uncertain, but like all things that lead to progress, curiosity takes practice.

Future Oriented A clear vision of the future acts as a guiding star, motivating those around us to chart a course toward shared goals with determination and purpose. To quote leadership guru and one of my favorite authors, John C. Maxwell, "The best way to predict the future is to create it." When we cast vision for a future full of hope and success we must be able to describe in vivid detail what that future will smell, taste, and feel like. A visionary must be able to craft, through words first, a life and a future worth striving for. Leaders can see and tell the future before it happens. Self leaders must “go there”before others arrive. We cannot take people places we’ve never been before. We must master our self first in order to show the way for others.

Mastering these 5 attributes can unlock deep potential and lead us toward personal and professional fulfillment.

As you continue your journey of self-leadership, remember there is no exact formula to the top only an array of tried and true practices that all effective leaders must live out if they are going to make progress.

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The Importance of Community in Spiritual Formation

By Javier Mendoza In our journey of spiritual formation, we often emphasize specific practical disciplines like prayer, Bible study, and church attendance. While these practices are undeniably crucial, they are only part of the full picture. Equally essential, and arguably the practice in which all other forms of spiritual formation are completed is community.

As believers, we are called not only to walk with God individually but also to grow together as a body, supporting and encouraging one another. This is where the importance of community comes into focus for us.

"Community isn’t optional for Jesus followers. It’s essential. You can’t do Jesus’ teachings on your own. It’s not just about you and God. It’s about you, God, and people. And that’s where the real transformation happens." —John Mark Comer

3 Pillars of Community: Trust, Unity, and Consistency Trust is the bedrock of any authentic community.

It creates a safe space where individuals can be vulnerable, share their struggles, and grow without fear of judgment. Proverbs 27:17 reminds us, "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." In a community built on trust, we sharpen one another, allowing for deeper spiritual growth and maturity.

Trust is first granted, then earned over time.

Unity reflects the oneness of the body of Christ.

In community we are bonded by unity— not conformity. Despite our differences, we are called to stand together in love, bound by the Spirit.

Ephesians 4:3 urges us to "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."

When we are united, we embody the love of Christ to the world, showing that we are His disciples

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Every person in the community has their own part to play. We can not all do the same function because eventually there will be a void that is unfillable.

Consistency is about showing up, day after day, week after week.

It builds reliability and stability in relationships, allowing members of the community to depend on one another. In the book of Hebrews we are encouraged to not neglect meeting together 3 as some are in the habit of doing especially in today’s culture of independence, and autonomy.

A consistent community fosters spiritual habits and disciplines that lead to long-term growth. We do this by uplifting others when they make progress and by not judging when we fall short.

3 Benefits of Community: Growth, Connection, and Stability Growth Community challenges us to grow spiritually, intellectually, and emotionally. We simply can not stay the same within community. Each member lovingly draws others toward more and will not let each other settle for less. Colossians 3:16 encourages us, "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom." Growth happens when we learn from one another, hold each other accountable, and encourage each other in the faith. Community creates a rich atmosphere ripe with potential for developing into something far greater than is possible on your own.

Connection In community, we find a deep sense of belonging and connection. 1 Corinthians 12:26 reminds us that “If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together”. This connection reflects the love and care of Christ as we share in each other’s joys and sorrows. Celebration is not nearly as enjoyable as when you have a group of people to share it with, likewise, grief and loss can seem unbearable without the deep connections of a community who is willing to mourn with you.

Stability Community provides stability, especially during challenging times. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 tells us, "Two are better than one... If either of them falls down, one can help the other up... A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." When we walk through life with one another our steps are made more secure because we have another set of eyes looking out for pitfalls and we have someone to help us appreciate all that we have experienced. Being part of a community provides us with a strong support system that helps us stay grounded in our walk with God, especially when the road gets tough and our faith feels fragile.

The Power of Being Together Community is not just a nice addition to our spiritual lives; it is essential. The pillars of trust, unity, and consistency create a foundation that supports our growth, connection, and stability in Christ. Overtime we see that we are not scrambling to make time for community we are intrinsically tied to its rhythm in our life and committed to not losing it. As Bob Goff wisely says, "The world can make you feel like you're all alone. But when we show up for each other, we remind each other that love is real. Community reminds us that we belong to each other." In the end, we are truly better together.

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