The Fellowship of the Moms
“My community is a huge blessing to me when I’m going through hard things, and it’s a blessing to be able to be there for them going through hard things.”
“And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 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.” Acts 2:42-47
Today I really want you to soak in and sit with this passage of scripture. Imagine what it would have been like to have been there during the forming of the first church. The apostles teaching the words that Jesus had taught them, everyone taking care of everyone else, needs being met, eating together, attending church together, praising God together. And daily more new believers were added to their community.
This is possibly my favorite passage of scripture (it’s so hard to choose just one). The joy and love that must have been in that place…whew it makes me tear up! Because I know. I’ve experienced the same thing. I’m hesitant to write this because it feels like a prideful brag, but I hope you hear it as encouragement instead…I am part of a community like this, and it’s been one of the biggest blessings to my life. I experience joy and love in a way that I wouldn’t be able to without them. My community is a huge blessing to me when I’m going through hard things, and it’s a blessing to be able to be there for them going through hard things.
This example of “The Fellowship of the Believers”, as it is called, is a great model for us, but Jesus also modeled community. He chose 12 disciples to do His ministry with, and had many more followers that went with Him from place to place. Jesus gave us the command that we should love one another the way He loved us (John 15:12), and we can’t do that without a community to love.
I do want to recognize, though, that joining a community can be difficult, can feel burdensome, and can even be scary. It’s not easy to be part of a community when you’re a mom just trying to survive the day. It’s not easy for people who have been part of a community, but were rejected or left out. It’s not easy for those moms who would rather change 14 poopy diapers than talk to someone they don’t know. But I promise it’s worth it. It’s the better way, because it’s Jesus’s way.
Here in this passage of Acts we have a list of exactly how we can find our community. Start in your church…who do you listen to teachings with, praise God with and pray with? Maybe there’s another mom there who is also looking for a community. What if you asked her for a playdate or a coffee date? Or maybe you already have a group of moms you spend time with, but they don’t feel like a community like this…what if you asked what they’ve been going through and offered prayer to them? What if you provided for a need they have, or organized a group to provide the need?
Today as you reflect on your community, I want you to go to God and ask Him what He wants your community to be. Ask Him what steps you can take to grow your community and to love your community well.
At Motherhood Meets Faith, we are PASSIONATE about community, and have several resources for moms in ANY stage or season that can make finding yours easier. We have a private, online community through the Mighty App that we use to connect with, pray for and encourage each other. We have in-person events in two different locations in Ohio, including one coming up on April 18th. These in-person events are a great way to find community because we always offer time to connect with moms. I encourage you to talk to God about what ways to plug into this ministry to find community.
Written by Cathrine, mom of 4
