There are many things that need to connect over time for a neighborhood economy to emerge, and it takes a connected community committed over time to see it come into view. This week, I want to emphasize a different factor in the work. We were a part of a committed community of faith that wasn’t the center of the work but was committed to each other and the neighborhood that brought a significant connection and commitment to bear.
Community Fellowships was a small gathering that I had the distinct honor of pastoring for fourteen years. It started in a living room and wound its way through many iterations over time. Some of them were quite challenging at times, to say the least.
This church wasn’t your traditional expression, and, as far as tradition goes, it was far from conventional. What made this place special was its absolute commitment to follow Jesus, to our relationships with one another, and to the neighborhood where we lived. South Atlanta, Jesus, and our families were where the dedication was centered.
Our faith led us to love each other deeply no matter what the challenge and to be present in our neighborhood. This was not centered on a pastor or a building, but our faith commitment leading us to love even when it was uncomfortable. This in effect de-centered our theology and made our presence the focal point.
We were then present on every level of neighborhood life. This presence emerged based on each person’s strengths and call to serve the world. CF was present in local schools, neighborhood youth groups, summer camps, job creation, leadership training, sports leagues, holiday parties, business creation, administrative operations, civic associations, barbecues, parties, and home purchases. This faithful presence was a part of a neighborhood economic that has lasted more than 20 years, and it still continues to grow.
This is critically important as we see many communities of faith struggling to connect and understand community, and as the disconnect with neighborhoods seems to be growing as more and more people see themselves outside of church life. I believe there is a path forward that will show the best parts of faith communities.
I think the commitment to see all people thrive is a hidden call of church, and the practice of walking with people through hard spaces and situations is an untold part of the faithful commitment to follow Jesus. What we discovered at CF is that being present for people in the whole of life supports a neighborhood economic and lifts justice better than any sermon or Bible study. We embodied faith in the streets, in boardrooms, in jails, and at barbecues.
Oh, and we had fun. We lived a life of outrageous shenanigans. Polar bear swims on retreats, water balloon fights in the streets, ultimate frisbee (I was much younger), turkey trots on Thanksgiving, and giant Super Bowl parties. We were and are human; perhaps the key to churches and people of faith doing good in the world is recognizing the humanity of all people and being present as all of life unfolds in our neighborhoods.
I am forever grateful for the relationships that continue to this day and for a thriving neighborhood that supports all people.