5 Reasons Forming Community Will Help You Overcome Overwhelm

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 NIV)

Are you serving in a silo or within a community of support? I’ve served in ministry for over twenty years and I love serving God and God’s people. However, serving in ministry is lonely at times, and God doesn’t want us to serve alone. As leaders, it’s important that we don’t get so caught up in “doing the work” of ministry that we neglect forming and nurturing a community with others for friendship, support, encouragement, and accountability. When we pause from the busyness of serving and focus on wanting to build genuine, authentic community, we will find our burdens will seem a little lighter, we are not by ourselves in the challenges we face, and the overwhelm that we feel will be met with prayer, resources, and support. Here are five reasons why forming community is important:

1. Forming a community reminds you that you are not alone.

When we become more connected in community, you are reminded that you are not alone and were not designed to navigate life on your own. 

2. You gain a broader network of encouragement, prayer, and resources

There is an abundance of encouragement, support, and resources found in the community that is available to you. 

3. Forming community provides a listening ear

When you don’t have the words to say and are facing ongoing challenges, it’s important to have someone who will listen, and be an encouraging presence.

4. It provides an opportunity to share encouragement and hope with others

Being in community is a wonderful opportunity to share encouragement, hope, and strategies to uplift others with God’s love.

5. Develop and grow stronger bonds with each other

God created us to be in community to strengthen our bonds of friendship, Christian sisterhood, and connection with like-minded believers.

Forming a community strengthens our spirits and helps us to overcome overwhelm by allowing us to share similar struggles, gain encouragement, and be reminded that we are not alone.

Today, I invite you to step out of your comfort zone and regular routine of serving in ministry by yourself, and invite room in your heart to form valuable friendships and community. As you seek Him, God will guide you toward the specific people and type of community that is uniquely designed for you. You’ll be so glad you did!

Prayer: Dear God, thank you for creating me for community and please draw me to those who you want me to grow with in friendship, support, and encouragement. When I’m afraid, anxious, or don’t know where to start, please give me the courage and wisdom to do so. In Jesus’ name, amen

Question: How will you begin to form a community this week?