“Jesus likened his community to a family. At first this sounds nice and even sentimental, but this was actually one of Jesus’ most radical ideas, one that got Him killed. It was radical in the first century and it is just as radical in the 21st Century.” —John Mark Comer
While he was still speaking to the people, behold, his mother and his brothers [and sisters] stood outside, asking to speak to him. But he replied to the man who told him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers [and sisters]?” And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! – Matthew 12:47-49
And he would not allow anyone to carry anything through the temple. And he was teaching them and saying to them, “Is it not written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations’? But you have made it a den of robbers.” And the chief priests and the scribes heard it and were seeking a way to destroy him, for they feared him, because all the crowd was astonished at his teaching. – Mark 11:16-18
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 2:44-47
- Family is the Goal
- Fostering Family is the Method
- Know and be Known
- Live life together
Have healthy expectations.
- The weekly meal together around the practices is the essential commitment; everything outside the meal is optional.
- Build intentional time for personal connection
- Love and build relationships with the “difficult” people
- Look for everyday, ordinary moments to connect
- Pray for one another… and do it often.
- Look for tangible needs you can meet in each other’s lives
- The goal at North Ridge is to create an environment for you and your Community to Grow as Family
If you’d like to know more about joining a North Ridge Community,