A Practical Guide for Transformative Growth Part 3Sample

Community

When we are immature, we live dependent on our community to meet our needs. This can be any combination of our physical, soul, and spirit needs. When this is taken to unhealthy extremes, it is called co-dependency.

As we mature, we are expected to become more and more independent. Taking responsibility for meeting our own needs instead of depending on other people is one of the signature characteristics of a mature person. In saying this, I do not want to convey any judgment for persons who are still heavily reliant on others. This is a normal and natural stage for babes in Christ. We were all there once. This is why we need community. We cannot make it alone. However, we are not expected to stay babes.

When we become independent, we are ready for interdependent community.

If we have a nucleus of people who are mature enough to create space for people to be authentic and vulnerable and work through the inevitable conflicts that will arise without separating, then real community can emerge. This is when people are loved unconditionally and can find acceptance and belonging as they are (without pretending to fit in). This is when differences are celebrated, and people are valued.

This content was adapted from the book BECOMING mature: A Practical Guide for Disciples of Jesus by Matik Nicholls. To purchase or explore more resources from Authentic Joy, click here!