The Importance of a Community of Faith

“For I am longing to see you so that I may share with you some spiritual gift to strengthen you — or rather so that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine.”

Romans 1:11-12

Individual prayer is important, and it is important to have a personal relationship with Jesus, but it is also important to pray and worship in community. There are times when we need those who stand side by side to uphold one another. When we attend a baptism service, there is a part when the celebrant asks the congregation, “Will you who witness these vows do all in your power to support these persons in their life in Christ?” The answer from all in attendance is, “We will.” This role of the community in our lives, in our faith formation, is significant. We are not called to pray and strengthen our faith in isolation.

We stand each Sunday and affirm our beliefs as we recite the Nicene Creed and sometimes we don’t actually believe every word of the Creed. Sometimes, we have doubts. On a day when our faith is weak and doubt keeps us from saying the words, it is important to be surrounded by those in our community whose faith is strong that day, saying the words for us. Our liturgy is the backbone of our worship. In the book, “Faith Rules, An Episcopal Manual,” it says, “Sometimes we need the liturgy to just carry us. Sometimes watching the dancing flame of the candle or admiring the flowers or studying the stained glass in the window is the spiritual food that you need that morning. So let others say the prayers, provide the responses, and sing the hymns for us.”^[i] 

Next time you are in worship on Sunday morning feeling strong in your faith, remember that you may be lifting someone who is having a day filled with doubt. And when you have that day of doubt, listen for the strong voices around you that are lifting you up and supporting you in your weakness. That is why it is important to pray and worship as a member of a community.

[i] “Faith Rules, An Episcopal Manual.” Ian S. Markham with Samantha R. E. Gotlich, page 49.