An Interconnected Church

Americans are culturally individualistic. It’s been ingrained in us since childhood that we are supposed to grow up, get a job, move into our own place, support ourselves, and provide for our nuclear family unit. While this may sound fine on the surface, it misses a vital aspect of what it means to be human. We are often so focused on being self-reliant and chasing our own well-being that we can push others out of the picture. We may miss opportunities to interact with others in a way that is a blessing to ourselves and those around us. It is not sinful to want to be your own person or provide for your nuclear family. However, I strongly believe that our individualism is also the culprit of many issues we face.

The early church addresses this problem, and we see this in Acts 2. Believers met daily, shared meals, devoted themselves to prayer, sold their property and possessions, and pooled their resources to share what they had with those in need. This is a beautiful picture of how the church operates. There are no individual people in this system. There is an interconnected web of families, neighbors, strangers, and friends to create a network of support where no person is left behind. Those who have plenty provide for the poor, the healthy care for the sick, and all needs are met.

We have the chance and privilege to live like this today. In stark contrast to our individualistic society, we have a church that can provide the kind of community our world so badly needs. What would it look like to further embody an Acts 2 church at FCC? How would this interconnection transform our homes, towns, state, and even our country? How can we step up in our communities and be another string in a web that leaves no person behind?