Embracing Community: The Church's Mission and Unity

Summary

Today’s focus is on the unique and beautiful way God designed the church to function—both in community and for community. Drawing from 3 John, we see a personal letter from John to Gaius that offers a rare glimpse into the early church’s daily life. This letter, though brief, is rich with affection and intimacy, showing us that the church is not just an organization or a content producer, but a living, breathing family bound together by Christ. The language John uses—“beloved,” “brothers,” “children”—reveals a depth of relationship that transcends mere friendship or shared interests. This is a community united by a shared identity in Jesus, where differences are not erased but are woven together into a tapestry of grace.

The church is designed to be a place where people from all walks of life, with all sorts of backgrounds and preferences, are brought together by the love of Christ. This unity is not superficial; it is rooted in the reality that every believer has been rescued by Jesus and is now part of His body. Our relationships with one another are meant to reflect the unity of the Trinity itself, serving as a living testimony to the world of God’s love and power.

But the church is not only for those inside its walls. John’s letter also highlights the church’s outward mission. The early church supported those who were sent out for the sake of the name of Jesus, partnering together to spread the gospel. This is not just a historical note—it’s a call for us today. We are not meant to be a closed circle, content with our own fellowship. Instead, we are called to be a lighthouse, shining the hope of Christ into our neighborhoods and beyond.

Everyone has a role to play. Whether through giving, serving, or simply being present, each person is a vital part of the body. The invitation is open: step deeper into community, discover your place in God’s mission, and experience the real life that Jesus offers. The church is not just for pastors or staff—it’s for all of us, working together until every person has the opportunity to know Christ.

Key Takeaways

- True Christian community is marked by deep, personal relationships that transcend natural affinities. The church is not just a gathering of like-minded people, but a family united by the shared experience of being redeemed by Christ. This intimacy is both a gift and a calling, inviting us to move beyond surface-level connections into genuine, sacrificial love for one another. [33:43]

- Our unity in Christ is a powerful witness to a divided world. When people who would otherwise have little in common come together in love, the world takes notice. This unity is not about uniformity, but about being held together by Jesus, who breaks down barriers and creates a new kind of community that reflects the very heart of God. [40:10]

- The church exists not only for itself but for the sake of the world. We are called to be a people on mission, supporting and sending one another to share the good news of Jesus. This outward focus keeps us from becoming insular and reminds us that the gospel is for everyone, everywhere. [43:28]

- Every believer has a unique role to play in the life and mission of the church. Just as a body needs every part to function well, the church needs each person’s gifts, resources, and presence. No contribution is too small, and discovering your place in God’s work is both a privilege and a responsibility. [49:01]

- The invitation to deeper community and greater mission is ongoing. Whether you are new to faith or have been following Jesus for years, there is always a next step—into relationship, into service, into sharing the hope of Christ. The church is at its best when everyone is moving forward together, empowered by the Spirit and motivated by the love of Jesus. [53:12]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[23:18] - Funny Reactions to Working at a Church
[25:19] - Staff Stories and Stereotypes
[26:24] - Unique Paths to Ministry
[27:03] - Introduction to 3 John: A Window into Church Life
[28:43] - Prayer and Setting the Stage
[30:29] - Church: More Than Content
[31:14] - The Power of Personal Letters
[32:29] - Intimacy in the Early Church
[33:43] - Church Works in Community
[35:21] - Levels of Relationship and Affection
[38:15] - Our Shared Identity in Christ
[40:10] - Unity as a Witness to the World
[42:29] - The Importance of Stepping into Community
[43:28] - Church Works for Community
[45:35] - The Great Commission: Our Shared Mission
[47:47] - Challenges and Commitment to Mission
[49:01] - Everyone’s Role in the Body
[51:05] - Why Church Work Matters
[53:12] - Responding to God’s Invitation
[54:36] - Prayer for Community and Mission
[56:17] - Communion, Baptism, and Next Steps
[57:13] - Closing, Worship, and Dismissal

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Church in Community and for Community
*(Based on 3 John 1:1-8 and supporting passages)*

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### Bible Reading

3 John 1:1-8 (ESV)
> The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth.
> Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.
> For I rejoiced greatly when the brothers came and testified to your truth, as indeed you are walking in the truth.
> I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.
> Beloved, it is a faithful thing you do in all your efforts for these brothers, strangers as they are,
> who testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their journey in a manner worthy of God.
> For they have gone out for the sake of the name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles.
> Therefore we ought to support people like these, that we may be fellow workers for the truth.

Romans 12:4-5 (ESV)
> For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function,
> so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.

John 17:22-23 (ESV)
> The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one,
> I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.

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### Observation Questions

1. In 3 John 1:1-8, what kinds of words does John use to describe his relationship with Gaius and the church? What does this tell us about the early church’s relationships? [[33:43]]
2. According to Romans 12:4-5, how does Paul describe the way believers are connected to each other?
3. In John 17:22-23, what does Jesus pray for his followers, and what is the purpose of that unity?
4. What specific actions does John commend Gaius for in his letter? [[43:28]]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think John uses such affectionate language (“beloved,” “brothers,” “children”) even for people who may not be close friends or family? What does this say about the church’s identity? [[33:43]]
2. How does the unity described in Romans 12 and John 17 differ from just being a group of people with similar interests? What makes Christian unity unique? [[40:10]]
3. The sermon mentioned that the church is not just for itself but for the world. How does supporting and sending others (like in 3 John) reflect God’s mission for the church? [[43:28]]
4. What might it look like for every believer to play a unique role in the church, as described in Romans 12? Why is it important that “no contribution is too small”? [[49:01]]

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### Application Questions

1. John’s letter shows deep, personal relationships in the church. Do you feel like you have relationships at church that go beyond surface-level? If not, what is one step you could take to build a deeper connection with someone this month? [[33:43]]
2. The sermon said, “We die in isolation, we grow towards Jesus in community.” Have you ever experienced spiritual growth because of being in community? What helped, and what could you do to seek that again? [[42:29]]
3. Jesus prayed that our unity would show the world God’s love. Is there someone in your life (maybe even in church) who is very different from you? How could you reach out to them this week to reflect that unity? [[40:10]]
4. The early church supported those who were “sent out for the sake of the name.” What are some practical ways you can support the mission of the church—locally or globally—right now? (This could be giving, serving, praying, or encouraging someone.) [[43:28]]
5. The sermon challenged everyone to discover their role in the church. Do you know what your gifts or passions are? If not, what is one thing you could try (like joining a team, class, or group) to start discovering your place? [[49:01]]
6. Sometimes people want to just “sit and receive” at church. What holds you back from stepping into serving or deeper community? Is there a fear, past hurt, or uncertainty you need to talk about or pray through? [[47:47]]
7. The invitation to deeper community and greater mission is ongoing. What is one “next step” you sense God inviting you to take in your faith or in your involvement at church? How can this group encourage you in that? [[53:12]]

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*Feel free to use the Bible passages and sermon links for further reflection or to revisit key points as you discuss together.*

Devotional

Day 1: Church Works in Community: United by Christ Beyond Differences
The church is designed to be a place of deep, personal connection that transcends the usual boundaries of age, background, or personal preference. In Christ, believers are brought together as one body, sharing a new identity that is stronger than any earthly division. This unity is not based on shared hobbies or interests, but on the shared experience of being redeemed by Jesus. When the church lives out this kind of community, it becomes a powerful witness to a divided world, showing what true belonging and love look like. [40:10]

Romans 12:4-5 (ESV)
For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.

Reflection: Who in your church community is very different from you, and how can you intentionally reach out to build a deeper connection with them this week?


Day 2: Church Works for Community: Living on Mission Together
God’s design for the church is not just to gather in close-knit circles, but to be outward-focused, actively seeking to bless and reach the surrounding community. The church is called to be a lighthouse, shining the hope of Jesus to those who have not yet experienced real life in Him. This mission is not for a select few, but for every believer, working together to make Christ known. When the church steps out in faith to serve and love its neighbors, it fulfills the Great Commission and becomes a beacon of hope in a world searching for meaning. [46:48]

Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV)
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Reflection: What is one practical way you can serve or reach out to someone in your local community this week as part of the church’s mission?


Day 3: Every Member Has a Role: Stepping Into Your God-Given Purpose
The church is described as a body with many parts, each uniquely gifted and essential to the health and mission of the whole. No one is called to sit on the sidelines; every believer has a role to play, whether through giving, serving, encouraging, or using their talents for God’s glory. When each person steps into their God-given purpose, the church flourishes and the mission advances. Even small acts of faithfulness matter greatly in God’s design. [49:57]

1 Corinthians 12:14-18 (ESV)
For the body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose.

Reflection: What is one gift, resource, or passion God has given you that you can offer to serve your church or community this month?


Day 4: The Power of Real Life in Christ: Receiving and Sharing the Gift
Jesus offers real life—true forgiveness, restoration, hope, and peace—to all who will receive Him. This gift is not reserved for a privileged few, but is available to everyone, no matter their past. When we recognize our need for Him and surrender our lives, we experience the fullness of what He offers and are compelled to invite others into that same life. The church’s work is vital because so many still need to hear and receive this gift. [51:49]

John 10:10 (ESV)
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear about the real life Jesus offers, and how can you share your story or invite them to experience it this week?


Day 5: Taking the Next Step: Courage to Move Deeper in Community and Mission
No matter where you are in your faith journey, God is inviting you to take a next step—whether it’s moving deeper into church community, stepping out to serve, or even surrendering your life to Christ for the first time. Growth happens when you say yes to God’s invitation, even if it’s just one small step. The church is here to help you experience all that God has designed for you, and your willingness to move forward can open the door to new relationships, purpose, and joy. [53:12]

Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV)
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Reflection: What is one specific next step you sense God inviting you to take in your faith or church involvement, and what will you do this week to act on it?

Quotes

You may not realize this, but church, however, is more than just a book club. It is more than just a place that is producing content. We have seminaries and colleges and podcasts and streams and publishers that serve much of that purpose. The church is something different. [00:30:52] (22 seconds)  #ChurchBeyondContent Edit Clip

There is a new shared identity that unites believers beyond the typical connections among others. We're not just friends because we root for the same team. We're not just friends because we all like the same kind of food. We're not just friends because we all dress alike, Henry. We're not just friends because we have some kind of shared affinities. By God's design, there is a shared experience inherent to every blood -bought follower of Christ. [00:38:27] (34 seconds)  #BloodBoughtUnity Edit Clip

Every Christian in the world, no matter what language they speak, is a friend of a friend. And beyond that, held together by him. Like, he holds those relationships all together, united in him. We can be as different as different can be, but Jesus is our connection. [00:39:18] (22 seconds)  #UnitedInChrist Edit Clip

Church works, this is going to sound familiar, for community. When you look at John's letter, it is clear that they have a shared relationship with one another. And community among themselves. But what's also super clear is that they are keenly focused on a shared mission. [00:43:09] (19 seconds)  #SharedMissionSharedLove Edit Clip

It's easy to become centered around content or even a person. It's super easy to then, maybe you go a step beyond that and you turn the church into just an insider community. And those aspects, as we've talked about, are super important. It's important to preach the truth, to stand on the truth. It is important to have a tight -knit -in community like we just talked about. But only doing that misses the charge that Jesus himself gave to his followers when he told them to go and make disciples. [00:45:22] (37 seconds)  #BeyondInsiderCommunity Edit Clip

We exist as a church to be a lighthouse standing on a hill. And lighthouses don't work very well if they conceal their light and keep it just for themselves. Ships will crash. Lighthouses project their light. They don't shield it. It beckons. It points people on the right path. The one that leads to Jesus. [00:47:02] (23 seconds)  #LighthouseOnAHill Edit Clip

Scripture talks about the church as a body, right? A body has many different members. It has fingers and toes and eyes and ears. It has all these things. And when one of them's not working, you're not fully healthy. And so you need every part to do what it was designed to do. [00:49:30] (19 seconds)  #BodyOfChristFunction Edit Clip

Church works in community and for community. And church work isn't just for those who work at the church. Church, it's for us all. And the invitation is there for you to step into community and join us in being for the community. [00:51:15] (16 seconds)  #ChurchForAll Edit Clip

Because we believe that Jesus and what he offers is better than anything else being offered. We believe he offers real life, not the fake or temporary life that is pressed on people. He offers forgiveness, no matter where you've been. He offers redemption and restoration. He offers resurrection and a foundation. He offers peace and joy and hope. And he offers it for us if only we'll receive the gift that he offers. Which is the gift of his life for our debt. [00:51:33] (38 seconds)  #GiftOfNewLife Edit Clip

We believe that's not just for those who are in the privileged few. But we believe that offer is there for all. Recognizing we are sinful, broken, and apart from Jesus. And when we realize what he offers, we surrender and we invite others to surrender. To lay down their lives, to take up what he offers. That's why church work is so important. It's because there's tens of thousands of people in our community that don't yet know him. [00:52:11] (31 seconds)  #InvitationToCommunity Edit Clip