Finding Your Tribe: Navigating Faith and Community
Growing up I never fully understood the importance and value of finding your tribe and a community of faith worshipers you can surround yourself with. As an adult, I feel this is important to have in your life as it helps you navigate your responsibilities of being a Christ follower. It also helps teach our children the value of surrounding yourself with Christ followers and setting good examples. I am fortunate enough to have a great church that has group offerings, prayer group and have some girlfriends that also attend. It helps us stay accountable, we ask each other questions when we are confused on a passage in the Bible and give a different perspective. It’s very thought provoking and without judgement which I find truly refreshing.
A tribe can be anything from a group at a church or it could be a few friends or a combination of both. It isn’t just about people who share similar interests but it’s about people that share the common belief that we believe in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. There are many types of tribes but the one that I’m focusing on in this article is the tribe to deepen and strengthen your spiritual journey through faith.
Building and finding your tribe reassures you that you are not alone in the physical and there are others like you that are here to support you and lift you up. It’s a safe place to ask questions and help provide further guidance in your journey through faith.
For me personally I have two girlfriends that I have been blessed to have in my life on this faith journey. I’m also in the works of joining a local group to strengthen the bond and help provide outreach in the community. Once I finish reading the Bible, which I hope is soon, I want to dive into some Bible studies. Everything takes time but carving out some time each day and seeking Him is so beneficial to the mind, body and soul.
How to find your tribe?
Research and find a Bible based church.
If you are a part of a church, join a Bible study or small group that interests you. If you're unsure if your church has one, check their website or ask one of the pastors. You would be surprised at how helpful people are!
Attend a prayer session at your church, many churches’ offer these either weekly or monthly.
Build connections with those at church by volunteering opportunities. Many churches have volunteering opportunities such as Summer Bible Camp, helping out on Sundays in the children’s rooms, outreach programs with the community, food drives, etc. There are so many opportunities to give back while finding those tribe connections that can be impactful to you and your family.
Hebrews 10:24-25: And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12: Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
Galatians 6:2: Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
Matthew 18:20: For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”
How to Overcome Challenges?
I will be the first to tell you, I’m rather introverted. I’m not one to seek out and just show up unless I know someone is with me or going to be there. Find that friend that you can lean on that is also on the same journey as you and attend these together. Or, seek out a neighbor that you know that also attends the same church. You don’t have to go it alone!
Bring your family with you or your spouse! You can do this journey together which can help strengthen your marriage and your bond.
You may come across some that don’t align with you and that is O.K! Try another avenue or another group until you find one that Clicks and is a right fit!
It’s okay to feel vulnerable or scared, but don’t let fear stop you from seeking Him and finding that group of people or those connections as it can be so impactful to your life.
Overcome those obstacles, the fear or the setbacks you may encounter, it’s perfectly normal. The sense of fulfillment and personal growth and overall joy of finding your tribe is worth those challenges.
Cultivate Your New Connections
We are in this together, we are here to encourage one another in our path of faith as faith in numbers is far more impactful. I hope you have decided to make the leap and take the plunge and expand your faith by seeking out those connections. Stay the course and attend those meetings, or prayer groups or having those personal connections with those new friends. You will feel better for it mind, body and soul.