How Real Community Can Transform Your Faith Journey

As our church begins a new season of Connect Groups (or Home Fellowships), I'm excited to share the value of having a community of people in my life and how finding the proper community can skyrocket your faith and your walk with Christ.

One Brave Step

I got saved when I was in 5th grade. Before then, our family was raised Catholic, but it wasn't until my mom's search for a new school introduced us to Christianity—and more importantly, what a relationship with Jesus looked like.

At the time, we were attending a charter school near our house, and my youngest brother had just started preschool. He bounced around from preschool to preschool until we finally landed at Calvary Christian Academy, a non-denominational PK-12 private Christian school. My mom was taken back by the kindness and attention of the staff, along with the education my brother was receiving. The next year, my older brother and I joined him.

Being raised Catholic, I remember thinking how strange it was that only one person—the priest—could hear from God. Little me, in all my boldness, thought, "Why is he so special? He's just a person like me." Then came the routine: stand, kneel, sit... stand, kneel, sit, and leave.

There wasn’t much understanding for me beyond “we go there for Easter and Christmas because… God.” It didn’t feel real.

So when we arrived at Calvary, I was introduced to Bible stories that were spoken about like they had just happened. People shared how God was moving in their lives and how this same God wanted a personal relationship with ME.

I remember sitting in the back-right corner of the school sanctuary during chapel when the pastor asked if anyone wanted to begin a relationship with Jesus. I lifted my little hand with all the bravery I could muster. Everyone's eyes were supposed to be closed—or so I thought—until my friend whispered, "Did you raise your hand?" To which I quickly replied, "No."

I didn’t realize it then, but there was so much more to my walk than I could've imagined.

Wishy-Washy Faith

We stayed at that Christian school until I graduated high school. I made lifelong friends, fell in love with sports, and took classes like Old/New Testament Survey and Apologetics. We even attended a spiritual retreat that pushed me closer to Christ. That summer, I got baptized and made my faith “official.”

I wish I could say from that moment forward I lived a devout Christian life. But like my mom will tell you, I’m stubborn. I went off to college and started exploring my newfound freedom… in all the wrong ways. I settled down with someone I thought I’d marry. I pursued what I believed was my future calling.

I came back to the Lord my senior year of college, ready to make things right—but not long after, I found myself lost again in what the world had to offer.

I Get By With A Little Help From My Friends

Why do we keep running back to the very things that keep us lost? I can't be the only stubborn one who wants more for their life.

In my most recent “coming to Jesus moment,” I had seen myself go in and out, back and forth, and I knew something had to change. God, in His grace, started showing me answers.

As I pressed into my relationship with Christ, I realized I needed a mentor—someone to walk with me through it all. I met with a friend who was a pastor and he invited me to dinner. I thought, “This is it. I found my person!”

Our conversation was transformational. He helped me see things I hadn’t noticed and gave me direction I didn’t know I needed. I couldn’t wait to meet again. But life happens. Schedules didn’t align, and days slipped by.

I was disappointed—until I started meeting with one of my pastors. That, too, was incredibly helpful. But it still wasn’t enough. That’s when God reminded me: mentors are a blessing, but they aren’t Me.

God showed me that while people can guide me, they can’t be my source. He wants my time. He wants to walk with me.

Once I accepted that truth, I started leaning into Him—and He continued placing people in my life to support and sharpen me.

It Takes A Village

As I met new people and found myself in different groups, I saw how shared interest in God created deeper alignment. God began surrounding me with the right people to help push me forward.

I was invited to be part of a men's group another church with one of their lead pastors and it was comprised of a phenomenal group of men who inspire me to be better for God’s glory.

Then, as I wrestled with my own hurts, habits, and hang-ups, I saw what real community looked like in a Celebrate Recovery group: people who see all of you—the good, the bad, and the ugly—and still choose to walk with you in love.

Ecclesiastes 4:12 says:

"Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."

True Community Aligns You With Christ

For so long, I tried to white-knuckle my faith on my own. My original walk with Jesus started with Him pursuing me, but it wasn’t until much later that I realized—if I wanted to push through the distractions and temptations of this world and fully receive the life God had for me—I needed the right people around me.

Hebrews 10:25 (NIV)

"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

So, Who’s Sharpening You Right Now?

Take a moment and think about the people in your life. Are they drawing you closer to God? Encouraging your calling? Speaking truth when it’s hard—or just keeping things surface level?

If the answer feels unclear, it might be time to realign. And if you’ve been walking this road alone, it’s time to start building.

That doesn’t mean clinging to one person and hoping they become “your person.” It means taking consistent steps:

👋 Send that “Let’s grab coffee” text.
📱 Reach out to more than one person.
📆 Try a new group at church.
📞 Follow up, even when it feels awkward.

It may not all click right away. Some people won’t respond. Schedules won’t line up. But keep going. Keep asking new people. Keep showing up. Because community doesn’t build itself—and it’s worth fighting for.

💬 Subscribe below to stay connected as we keep pursuing faith and authentic relationships—together. Let’s become the kind of people who sharpen one another, carry each other’s burdens, and reflect Christ in community.