Embracing Authentic Community in Christ
Summary
In our journey of following Jesus, one of the most vital assignments is the pursuit of authentic community. We often find ourselves moving in and out of various groups—whether for hobbies, work, or shared interests—but these connections rarely satisfy our deep longing for belonging. Even in a culture saturated with interaction, true intersection and abiding community are rare. Jesus, however, offers a radically different vision: discipleship that flourishes in the context of committed relationships, with himself at the center.
From the very beginning, God has worked through community. The Trinity itself is a model of perfect relationship, and throughout Scripture, God’s major movements—saving, blessing, and guiding—happen through families, clans, and nations. When Jesus began his ministry, he didn’t call individuals to walk alone; he formed a diverse group, inviting people from different backgrounds, perspectives, and even opposing viewpoints to journey together. This was not just a practical decision, but a theological one: growth, transformation, and mission are meant to be shared.
Jesus challenged the prevailing “bounded set” mentality of his day, which divided people into insiders and outsiders. Instead, he introduced a “centered set” approach, where what matters is not which side of the fence you’re on, but whether you are moving toward him. This creates space for honest questions, doubts, and different stages of faith, all within the safety of a community that is defined by its orientation toward Christ, not by rigid boundaries.
This vision of community is not just about being together, but about sharing life deeply. It means genuine sharing of resources, mutual encouragement, necessary growth through difference, raw accountability, interpersonal modeling, and liberating transparency. In such a community, we learn to depend on one another, to challenge and support each other, and to model the life of Christ in tangible ways. The call is to step out of isolation and into the vulnerability and richness of Christian community, where extraordinary possibilities for transformation and mission await.
Key Takeaways
- True community is not found in shared interests or surface-level connections, but in a group of people moving together toward Jesus. The church is called to be a “centered set,” where the focus is on our direction—toward Christ—rather than on who is in or out. This approach creates space for honest exploration and growth, allowing people at different stages of faith to journey together without fear of exclusion. [44:16]
- God’s pattern throughout Scripture is to work through community, not isolated individuals. The Trinity itself is a model of relationship, and God’s redemptive acts—whether through Noah, Abraham, or Israel—are always communal. This means that our spiritual growth and mission are designed to happen in the context of relationships, not in solitary pursuit. [38:18]
- Discipleship requires more than attending a weekly service; it demands deep, consistent engagement with others. Growth happens when we share our lives, resources, and struggles, and when we allow others to speak into our blind spots. Preaching alone cannot produce mature disciples; it is the give-and-take of real relationships that leads to transformation. [36:51]
- Christian community is marked by diversity and difference, yet held together by a common commitment to Jesus. Jesus called together people with different backgrounds, politics, and personalities, demonstrating that unity in Christ transcends all other divisions. This diversity is not a threat, but a gift, as it challenges us to grow, learn, and love beyond our comfort zones. [51:19]
- Vulnerability and transparency are essential for authentic community. Too often, church can become a “neighborhood of make-believe,” where we hide behind masks and avoid real connection. But Jesus calls us to liberating transparency, where we can share our true selves, confess our struggles, and experience the freedom and healing that come from being fully known and fully loved. [01:06:45]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[28:39] - Introduction to Practices of Pursuit
[29:10] - Group Dynamics Activity with Students
[32:38] - The Ash Paradigm and Standing Alone
[33:03] - The Search for Meaningful Connection
[34:20] - Mother Teresa and America’s Poverty of Community
[35:20] - Discipleship as a Group Effort
[38:01] - God’s Pattern: Community in Scripture
[40:49] - Jesus’ Inclusive Approach to Community
[42:19] - Bounded Set vs. Centered Set
[45:10] - Freedom of Movement Toward Jesus
[47:29] - Redefining Family: Jesus’ Scandalous Statement
[50:10] - Jesus’ Diverse Disciples
[51:32] - The Call to Friendship and Unity
[54:31] - Seven Dimensions of Christian Community
[55:09] - Genuine Sharing and Mutual Encouragement
[01:00:24] - Growth Through Difference and Accountability
[01:04:18] - Interpersonal Modeling and Transparency
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Pursuit of Authentic Community
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### Bible Reading
Mark 3:13-35
(Jesus calls the twelve disciples, redefines family, and models community.)
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### Observation Questions
1. In Mark 3:13-19, what kinds of people did Jesus call to be his disciples? What differences do you notice among them?
2. When Jesus’ family comes to see him in Mark 3:31-35, how does he respond? What does he say about who his true family is?
3. According to the sermon, what is the difference between a “bounded set” and a “centered set” approach to community? [[44:16]]
4. What are some of the ways Jesus’ approach to community was different from the culture around him? [[42:19]]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus chose such a diverse group of disciples, including people with different backgrounds and even opposing viewpoints? What might he have been trying to show us? [[51:19]]
2. When Jesus says, “Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother,” what does that mean for how we view relationships in the church? [[47:29]]
3. The sermon describes the church as a “centered set” community, where the focus is on moving toward Jesus rather than drawing lines between insiders and outsiders. How might this change the way people experience belonging in the church? [[44:16]]
4. The sermon talks about vulnerability and transparency as essential for authentic community. Why is it so hard to be real with others, even in church? What are the risks and rewards? [[01:06:45]]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon says that true community is not just about shared interests, but about people moving together toward Jesus. In your own life, are there groups you’re part of that feel more like “bounded sets” than “centered sets”? How could you help shift the focus toward Jesus in those spaces? [[44:16]]
2. Jesus called people from very different backgrounds to follow him together. Is there someone in your church or small group who is different from you—maybe in background, personality, or perspective? What is one step you could take to build a deeper connection with them this week? [[51:19]]
3. The sermon challenges us to move beyond surface-level connections and share our lives, resources, and struggles. What is one area of your life where you could invite others in for support or accountability? [[55:09]]
4. Think about the idea of “liberating transparency.” Is there something you’ve been hiding or pretending about in church or your small group? What would it look like to take a small step toward being more open? [[01:06:45]]
5. The sermon mentions that growth often happens when we engage with people who see things differently. Can you think of a time when someone’s different perspective helped you grow? How can you make space for healthy disagreement and learning in your group? [[01:00:24]]
6. The sermon says that discipleship requires more than just attending a weekly service—it demands deep, consistent engagement with others. What is one practical way you could invest more deeply in Christian community this month? [[36:51]]
7. Jesus modeled a community where people depended on each other and shared what they had. Is there a resource, skill, or encouragement you could offer to someone in your group this week? [[55:09]]
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Closing Prayer:
Ask God to help your group move toward Jesus together, to break down barriers, and to experience the richness of authentic Christian community.
Devotional
Day 1: Discipleship Flourishes in Community, Not Isolation
True discipleship is not a solo journey but a shared pursuit, where growth, encouragement, and transformation happen most powerfully in the context of authentic relationships. Jesus modeled this by gathering a diverse group of followers, teaching and sending them out together, and showing that spiritual maturity is cultivated through mutual responsibility, vulnerability, and shared life. When we step beyond mere Sunday attendance and invest in deep, Christ-centered community, we experience the fullness of what it means to follow Jesus—learning from one another, supporting each other, and growing together in faith. [35:20]
Mark 3:13-15 (ESV)
And he went up on the mountain and called to him those whom he desired, and they came to him. And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach and have authority to cast out demons.
Reflection: Who in your life could you intentionally invite into deeper spiritual community this week, moving beyond surface-level interaction to genuine discipleship together?
Day 2: Jesus Welcomes All—A Centered, Not Bounded, Community
Jesus redefined belonging by creating a community not marked by rigid boundaries of “in” or “out,” but by movement toward himself at the center. In a world divided by race, morality, and status, Jesus invited people from all backgrounds to draw near, focusing not on exclusion but on direction—are we moving closer to him? This vision allows for honest questions, different journeys, and grace for those at every stage, reminding us that our role is not to judge who belongs, but to help one another move toward Christ. [44:16]
Mark 3:31-35 (ESV)
And his mother and his brothers came, and standing outside they sent to him and called him. And a crowd was sitting around him, and they said to him, “Your mother and your brothers are outside, seeking you.” And he answered them, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” And looking about at those who sat around him, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother.”
Reflection: Is there someone you’ve unconsciously kept at arm’s length in your church or community? How can you take a step toward them, reflecting Jesus’ centered-set welcome?
Day 3: Genuine Sharing and Mutual Encouragement
Biblical community is marked by open-handed sharing and mutual encouragement, where possessions, burdens, and joys are held in common. Instead of competing or comparing, followers of Jesus are called to share what they have—whether it’s food, tools, time, or spiritual gifts—so that no one is left in need and everyone is strengthened. In this kind of community, encouragement flows both ways: you receive support in your struggles and offer strength to others in theirs, embodying the love of Christ in practical, everyday ways. [55:09]
Acts 2:44-47 (ESV)
And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
Reflection: What is one possession, resource, or area of strength you can share with someone in your community this week to encourage and support them?
Day 4: Growth Through Diversity and Accountability
True growth happens when we engage with people who see things differently, allowing the gospel to be the strong center that holds us together amid our differences. Christian community is a place where we can challenge and encourage one another, lovingly pointing out blind spots and helping each other stay on the path of integrity. This kind of raw accountability is only possible in relationships marked by trust, humility, and a shared commitment to Christ, where we are willing both to give and receive correction for the sake of deeper transformation. [01:02:20]
Proverbs 27:17 (ESV)
Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.
Reflection: Who in your life has permission to lovingly challenge you when you’re off course? How can you invite someone to speak truth into your blind spots this week?
Day 5: Liberating Transparency—No More Make-Believe
Christian community is meant to be a place of liberating transparency, not a “neighborhood of make-believe.” Instead of hiding behind masks or pretending to have it all together, we are invited to be honest about our struggles, doubts, and imperfections. In this environment of grace, we find freedom from the exhausting pressure to perform and discover the healing and growth that come from being truly known and loved. When we drop the act and let others see the real us, we create space for God’s transforming work and for deeper, more meaningful connection. [01:06:15]
James 5:16 (ESV)
Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you’ve been tempted to “make believe” with others? Who can you be honest with this week, inviting prayer and support?
Quotes
You see, Jesus knew then and Jesus knows now that anything of importance requires intensity and that intensity rises with intimacy. This is why genuine disciplehip growth cannot just be about Sunday mornings. We're all getting off too easy. And I mean congregation and pastor. [00:35:48]
If we allow one week in an auditorium, rather one hour a week in an auditorium to replace the deep contact with other people that Jesus calls his disciples into. Greg Ogden, a longtime pastor and very much a front of the sanctuary expert, puts it this way. [00:36:21]
The long backdrop is that God, it seems like often when he wants to do something big, he does it through and in the context of a community. And that really makes sense, right? Because God in and of himself is communal. [00:38:01]
When God made the world, God and he would know about such things indicated that it's not a good thing for anybody to walk alone. And when God saved the world, he used a family, the family of Noah. When he wanted to bless the world, he used the clan of Abraham and Sarah. [00:38:39]
So it should come as no great surprise that when the Messiah arrived and began ministry in the world, he chose to work with a team. Now in this respect, Jesus was very much in step with other rabbis of his day. [00:39:33]
But you see, Jesus is not a bounded set sort of a guy. The way that he functions is much more like what sociologists call a centered set. And a centered set puts a a value, a vision, could even being a single person at the center. [00:44:16]
Now Jesus certainly had some people who were closer to him than others. He he committed much more time to Andrew and Thaddius and Simon than he did to for instance the Roman soldiers. But Jesus did not set up boundaries between these people. [00:44:54]
See, at Elmerch, we believe that there is margin. There's a lot of room for discovery, for asking questions, for honesty about our imperfections. A centered set world view, Elbrook recognizes the world and the people in it the way that Jesus saw it. [00:46:16]
If in fact Jesus is the most important thing to your group, if in other words, if it's not really ultimately about career networking or you're not just trying to pass time, if you're really not motivated by the the delights of fondoing, even though fondoing is great, if in fact following Jesus is the most important thing to your crew, then there are extraordinary possibilities for you in your pursuit of Jesus. [00:54:04]
Number one, you find a newfound kind of commitment through genuine sharing. So I don't mean like sharing an Instagram post. I'm talking about sharing your food, sharing your home, sharing your stuff. In first century Galilee, most people lived in small villages like this one. [00:55:05]
Every time that you and the people in your neighborhood decide to divvy up ownership of the lawnmower, the power tools, and the snowblower, you're becoming a little bit more like a disciple of Jesus. You are learning about dependency, about responsibility. [00:56:49]
The way that communities of believers strengthen and support one another is incredible. You are going to need that support from other people and other people are going to need that encouragement from you. I mean the fact is you may as well say it when you walk the journey of disciplehip. [00:57:41]
Sometimes growth comes from engaging with people who see things differently than you do. Echo chambers are are closets of stagnation, but we truly grow when we hash out ideas with people who don't see things in the exact same way as we do. [01:00:24]
If you have a core commitment to Jesus, if you believe that the gospel changes everything, then you can really get into groups of people who might see things slightly differently than you do. I like how the book participating in God's mission puts it. [01:00:49]
Because the love that you have for Christ and the common cause you have in the gospel is so strong, it can be a center that can hold together all the contrasts you might find. And when you engage new ideas and new perspectives, that's when you really grow as a person and as a follower. [01:02:02]
Christian community is a place that we dispel each other's illusions because of the love we have in Jesus. We can say to one another, you know, I don't think you're seeing that the right way. I think you might have dropped the ball there. I think you need to repent and mend your relationship with the Lord again. [01:04:00]
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