It Takes A Whole Village

Thank you for joining us this Sunday as we worship together and receive an inspiring message from Pastor Mark. 'It Takes A Whole Village'

Dr. Shelly opened her second paper on Sacred Community with a powerful African proverb: “It takes a whole village to raise a child.” That same truth applies to our spiritual lives. Our development into a healthy disciple will always take more than just ourselves. It takes a spiritual community. It is far easier to find your identity and understand your purpose when you are planted in a healthy community, but when isolation is allowed to take root, especially in our homes, it begins to stunt growth.

God has given parents the responsibility to both place and create. We are called to place our children into safe, spiritual communities where they can grow into healthy disciples, and to create environments at home that support that same growth. And now, as adults, no one is making those decisions for us. We are responsible for our own development and growth. Why? Because it still takes a whole village to develop a disciple.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:8–15, we are reminded that we belong to the day, called to live grounded in faith, love, and the hope of salvation. Jesus died so that we could live together with Him and share His life. He didn’t just save us individually, He created a way for us to live in community with Him for eternity. And if we are going to be ready for His return, we are going to have to challenge each other.

Paul cared so deeply about people’s eternity that he was willing to call things out, not to tear people down, but to help them become something better. Scripture tells us to encourage one another, build each other up, and to recognize and respect those who lead and correct us. We are called to be at peace with one another, but that peace doesn’t come from avoiding truth. It comes from living it out together.

We are instructed to warn those who are out of line, encourage the timid, support the weak, and be patient with everyone. We are told not to repay evil with evil, but to pursue kindness and do good to one another. In other words, each of us has a role to play in keeping the peace within our community. Accountability is part of sacred community. Not judgment from a place of pride, but loving correction rooted in sincere concern. Scripture makes it clear that while God judges those outside the church, we are responsible for holding one another accountable within it.

In sacred community, there are no slackers and no casual followers. We call one another out, not to shame, but to call out what God has placed within each other. We speak to who someone is becoming, not just who they are right now. And this is not just the role of pastors, it belongs to all of us. We are called to be patient, attentive to individual needs, and careful with one another. When we get on each other’s nerves, we don’t snap. Instead, we choose to look for the best in each other and help bring it out.

The problem is, most of us naturally look for the worst. But in sacred community, when I look at you, I should be looking for the best in you, and you should be doing the same for me. Then together, we call that best forward. At the same time, if I know what you are capable of, if I see your gifting and I care about your eternity, then you should expect me to speak into your life when needed.

Because believers were never meant to do life alone. We don’t fly solo. We engage in community, and we stay present in it. Being present means more than just showing up, it means being fully engaged in the moment, focusing your attention, and actually experiencing what is happening.

In today’s culture, genuine community is harder to find. We may feel connected through screens, but there is a difference between digital connection and true, present, relational community. There is a difference between presenting a polished version of ourselves online and sitting across from someone, letting our guard down, and being real. It is in intentional presence that real healing, acceptance, hope, and transformation take place.

In fellowship, we are shaped. We are corrected, instructed, and equipped to walk out our purpose, both individually and together. In collective presence, when a group of people focus their attention and intention on a shared purpose, we are empowered to serve others and participate in what God is doing. It is in community that the next generation learns what it means to follow Christ, and where future leaders are formed.

So what are we meant to take from all of this? It takes a whole village to raise a disciple, which means we cannot just sit back and do nothing. Each of us has a role to play. We are called to warn those who are drifting, encourage those who are struggling, and reach out to those who are exhausted, helping pull them back to their feet.