This episode is a practical, hands-on application of some of the foundational ideas of living the inviting life as a Christian. (For more in-depth, biblical underpinning for this fun episode, see the related episodes below!) Find full show notes here. Key ideas: We need each other in the body of Christ. We're going to have to work for it. My husband and I are currently three years into being the "new kids" in a very inter-connected community at Camp Bethel, in a southwest Virginian Appalachian Mountain town. While our new neighbors and "family" in ministry have been welcoming, it's also a very interconnected community, and it often takes work to connect on a deeper level with new friends. What I've found first hand over many years of being new in various communities, is that it takes work to go beyond surface-level relationships and pursue the kind of transformative Christian community that God calls us to. What we can not do as we pursue healthy Christian relationships: Stay in a community that is unhealthy. Bully our way in with an arrogant or critical spirit. Two things to look for in a healthy church, in particular: Expository biblical teaching Biblically modeled leadership (Paul writes extensively about what church leadership should entail, and we should seek that out in a solid, Bible-teaching church!) We need to go into our church setting, local study, neighbor group, workplace, and whatever community God allows us to be part of, with a heart that is humble to learn and hungry to serve. We need to ask Him to help us find a place to serve, even as we seek to continually grow as Christ-followers who seek to continually, increasingly, know Him through His word and be transformed by His Spirit. It can be hard to pursue healthy relationships as a Christian; but God calls us to it, and it is worth the work. Related episodes: Grow Mature Lead with Jahlil Jefferson (episode 43) Be Kingdom Minded (episode 9) We Need Our People (episode 35) Dwell Richly - The Word-Rich Inviting Life (episode 39) Where is the Stapler? An Unexpected Way to Create Welcome (episode 38) Ask Good Questions - Invite Genuine Community (episode 20) Refine Your Focus: Pursue Community in Truth and Love (episode 21) When We Feel Afraid, But God is Bigger with Kim Russo (episode 7) Resources: The Gospel Comes With A House Key (Rosaria Butterfield) 9 Marks of a Healthy Church Pastor John Piper on How to find a Good Church Let's Connect: Instagram Facebook Join the Facebook Community! Pinterest YouTube