Five Levels of Community
5 Levels of Community For a Healthy Believer
Pastor Philip A. Jackson
- Personal, abiding relationship with Jesus.
- Committed discipleship relationship
Purpose: to help individuals process their abiding relationship and apply biblical truth to their lives.
- Intimate and long-term small group
Purpose: to allow individuals to find discipleship through others who will join them in applying God’s word to their lives.
- Small community group (20-70 people).
- Large corporate events (100-1,000+ people).
Expectations for God and us as His children.
God wants us to be in a community
“It is not good that man is alone...” -Genesis 2:18
“That they may be one just as we are one…” -John 17:11, 22-23
“There is one body and one Spirit…” -Ephesians 4:4-6
“...The body is not one part but many…” -1 Corinthians 12:12-31
We want to be in a godly community because it is what God intended for us
Godly community and social relationships are different by nature
Godly community will push you toward the Father and life change
Ungodly community will be content to not change
Godly community comes with the promise that we will always have a family
Mark 10:29-31, Luke 18:29-30, Matthew 19:29-30
Why understanding these levels of community is important.
Expectations: we are hardwired to be a part of a community. Understanding how each of these plays a role in our lives and ministry will help us meet the needs that God has given us.
Unmet/unknown expectations are the reason people grow dissatisfied with their community and the ministries that they lead.
By understanding how God designed each level and how it impacts ministry, we will be able to see our ministries more clearly.
In order for us to be fulfilled as ministry leaders, we must work according to God’s design for church life.
Examples of Level 1 relationships:
Where we begin: We cannot bear fruit or be satisfied if we are not abiding (remaining in) Christ
“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vineyard keeper. 2 Every branch in Me that does not produce fruit He removes, and He prunes every branch that produces fruit so that it will produce more fruit. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in Me, and I in you. Just as a branch is unable to produce fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in Me.
5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without Me. 6 If anyone does not remain in Me, he is thrown aside like a branch and he withers. They gather them, throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you want and it will be done for you. 8 My Father is glorified by this: that you produce much fruit and prove to be My disciples. -John 15:1-8
Jesus teaches the disciples how to pray: abiding begins in private.
“But when you pray, go into your private room, shut your door, and pray to your Father who is in secret…” (Matthew 6:6)
When Jesus was pursued by people with overwhelming needs, he withdrew himself to spend time alone with the Father: abiding restores us when people are extra.
“But the news about Him spread even more, and large crowds would come together to hear Him and to be healed of their sicknesses. 16 Yet He often withdrew to deserted places and prayed.” (Luke 5:16)
Before preaching the sermon on the mount (Matt 5-7), Jesus went away to pray: abiding helps us prepare for what God calls us to do.
“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, He got up, went out, and made His way to a deserted place. And He was praying there.” (Mark 1:35-39)
“During those days He went out to the mountain to pray and spent all night in prayer to God.” (Luke 6:12-16)
The disciples often had to find Jesus after he had secluded himself to pray: abiding helps us frame our priorities
“And it happened, as He was alone praying, that His disciples joined Him, and He asked them, saying, ‘Who do the crowds say that I am?’” (Luke 9:18-22)
“Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed. And Simon and those who were with Him searched for Him.” (Mark 1:35-36)
After Jesus sent the disciples away to preach, heal the sick, and cast out demons, He told them to rest and go to a secluded place: abiding is something to be taught and encouraged.
“Then the apostles gathered to Jesus and told Him all things, both what they had done and what they had taught. And He said to them, ‘come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.’ For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.” (Mark 6:30-31)
After feeding the 5,000, Jesus went away to pray: abiding restores us when we are tired and overwhelmed.
“After dismissing the crowds, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. When evening came, He was there alone.“ (Matthew 14:23 )
“After He said good-bye to them, He went away to the mountain to pray.“ (Mark 6:46)
Before crucifixion, Jesus went away by himself to pray: abiding helps us face hard things.
Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and He told the disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” (Matthew 26:36-46)
Then they came to a place named Gethsemane, and He told His disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” (Mark 14:32-42)
Main Point: A healthy community starts with an abiding relationship with Christ just like He abided in the Father. If we want to have healthy relationships and love people well (1 Cor 13, John 15:9-17), we must be God abiders.
Examples of Level 2 Community:
We are called to create disciples (Matthew 28:16-20)
“And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’ Amen. “ (Matthew 28:18-20)
What is discipleship and how do we create disciples?
Disciples of who? (1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1)
We are called to be an example so that others can follow Christ through our example (1 Corinthians 11:1)
Paul tells Timothy to take the things he has learned from him and entrust them to other men who can teach others also (2 Timothy 2:2)
We are called to pursue godliness, but scripture tells us to do that within the context of community.
Godliness and discipleship does not happen separate from God’s community.
We are disciples of older believers, but we are all called to holiness.
Jesus sent the disciples out in pairs of two for ministry (Mark 6:7-13, Luke 10:1-12)
Mark 6:7, Luke 10:1
Solomon encourages the strength of working together (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)
Jesus modeled this intimate community in His relationship with Peter, James, and John
Jesus calls them to follow first (Luke 5:1-11)
The discipler makes the invitation
Jesus’ transfiguration (Matt 17:1-13, Mark 9:2-13, Luke 9:28-36)
The discipler invites his followers to see God move in his life
Jesus’ prayer before His death (Matt 26:36-56, Mark 14:32-50)
The discipler is vulnerable and allows his followers to share in his weak moments
Jesus sends Peter and John to prepare for Passover (Luke 22:7-13)
The discipler gives his followers responsibilities and a portion of the ministry
Peter and John recognize Jesus after His resurrection (John 21:1-14)
Disciples will know the heart of their discipler because they have spent time with them
Jesus gives John responsibility for his mother at the cross (John 19:25-27)
Spiritual Growth comes from the Spirit. God uses us collectively to manifest the gospel in the lives of others (1 Corinthians 3:5-17)
We are called to share life and learn from one another (Galatians 6:6-10)
Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the church sent out the Apostles in pairs:
Peter and John after Pentecost (Acts 3:11-4:22), Barnabas advocates for Paul’s conversion (Acts 9:27), Barnabas and Paul sent to Antioch (Acts 11:19-26), Barnabas, & Paul are called out for ministry together (Acts 13:2-3, 13:42-14:28), Paul, Timothy & Mark are sent out (Acts 16:1-17:34), Silas and Timothy ministered in Macedonia (Acts 18:5)
Noone is exempt from this calling: Within the community of the church we are called to a life of discipleship. Older, more experienced believers are meant to train and teach the younger. (Titus 2)
Key Points: “Discipleship is caught, not taught”
Noone is exempt from the responsibility of discipleship
Personality is not a godly reason to live disobedient to God’s command to be a disciple or to disciple.
In order for us to bear much fruit, we must be obedient to what God commanded.
Discipleship must be a priority in your life.
Discipleship is less about adding another thing to your life and more about inviting someone to be a part of it.
Examples of Level 3 Community:
Jesus specifically called out 12 men to experience life with Him.
Matt 10:1-4, Mark 3:13-19
Application: We should seek out the community. It can of course occur naturally, but Jesus didn’t just let that happen randomly. He met each of these men at some point prior to this time, and now He specifically called each disciple. At Evergreen we have Life Groups, which serve our congregation as an avenue for Level 3 community.
Jesus reserved special revelation to this group apart from the rest of His followers, to put the meanings of his parables into context and to teach them how to minister.
Explanation of the parables (Matt 13:10-52, Mark 4:10-34, Luke 8:9-18)
Explanation of the tactics of the Pharisees (Matt 15:12-20)
Explanation of the importance of taking care of people’s needs (Matt 15:32-39, Mark 8:1-10)
Warnings against the teachings of the Pharisees (Matt 16:5-12, Mark 8:13-21)
Celebration of the Lord’s Supper and the charge to remember His sacrifice (Matt 26:26-30, Mark 14:22-26, Luke 22:14-23)
Jesus gives further context to why he sent out the 70 to perform miracles in His name and what life will be like after He is gone (Luke 22:35-38)
Jesus teaches them the importance of rest in the midst of ministry after returning from their assignment and the news of John the Baptist’s death (Matt 10:5-15, Mark 6:30-32, Luke 9:10)
Jesus explains that the power they had during their mission journey was from the Spirit and comes through belief (Matt 17:14-21, Mark 9:14-29,
Jesus teaches the weight of the responsibility that comes as a steward of the gospel (Luke 12:35-48, Matt 24:45-51)
Jesus gave them divine understating of scripture (Luke 24:45)
When the disciples tried to create positions for themselves, Jesus rebuked them and told them to serve each other (Matt 18:1-5, 20:20-8, Mark 10:35-45, Luke 22:24-30)
When faced with the choice of His blood family over the disciples, Jesus publicly claimed the disciples as his family (Matt 12:46-50, Luke 8:19-21, Mark 3:31-35)
Jesus specifically allowed the disciples to experience His power in an intimate, private way together so that they could learn to trust Him.
Jesus commanded the wind and waves to obey Him (Matt 8:23-27, Luke 8:22-25. Mark 4:35-41)
Jesus walking on the water with Peter after feeding the 5,000 (Matt 14:22-33, John 6:15-21)
Jesus telling Peter, Andrew, James, and John to cast their nets on the other side of the boat and delivering fish (Luke 5:1-11, Mark 1:16, Matt 4:18-22)
Jesus feeding the multitudes (Matt 14:-13-21, Mark 6:30-44, 8:1-10, Luke 9:10-17, John 6:1-14
Level 3 community comes together as you build trust with your small group. This is done by spending quality time with each other and showing that they are a priority. Help each other seek the Lord, encourage each other.
Jesus modeled servant leadership by washing the disciple’s feet (John 13:1-17)
Jesus sent out the 12 to lead the rest of His followers as they were empowered to cast out demons and heal the sick (Matt 10:5-15, Mark 6:7-13, Luke 9:1-6)
After Jesus’ death, all 11 remained together to support each other (Mark 16:14, John 20:19-23)
Key Points
Small group community is intentional
Small group community must be vulnerable
Small group community requires intentionality
Everyone is equal in a small group community
Small group community is where disciples are stretched by giving them uncomfortable tasks.
Examples of Level 4 Community:
After the ascension of Jesus, the core community of 120 followers met in the upper room to wait for the anointing of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would come and be the teacher and do His work (John 16:5-15)
Matthias is selected to replace Judas (Acts 1:15-26)
The Holy Spirit comes and fills the body of believers. (Acts 2:1-13)
The relationships in this community of people who had followed Jesus became the core of ministry as the church grew exponentially (Acts 2:44-47)
This community were focused on unity and serving one another
They did not separate themselves from their greater community (v 46)
This community had favor with everyone (v 47)
This is the same language that is used in the description of Jesus’ reputation in Luke 2:40
This did not mean a socialist, or communist worldview. Everyone was compelled to pool resources by the Holy Spirit. They were not mandated by the state or an authority figure to do anything.
The culture of the church was driven by spiritual calling. The early church understood Biblical stewardship and freely offered all of themselves for the sake of the gospel.
This led to the empowerment of everyone to be obedient to Christ (Acts 4:32-37)
Our obedience to the leadership of the Holy Spirit gives others the freedom to obey His calling.
Story of Jonathan paying for his trip to Nicaragua.
Jesus sent out the disciples with this community of believers to do miracles (Luke 10:1-12,17-20)
This group had previous experience in serving with one another
They were sent out in pairs (level 2)
Their power was rooted in the Holy Spirit
They are cautioned to not focus on the work of the spirit, but their relationship with Chist (v 20)
The apostle Paul encourage the assembling of the church to encourage each other and build this type of community (Ephesians 5:19, Hebrews 10:23-25, Gal 6:10)
We cannot give up on our community because God is faithful (v 23)
Unity and service to one another are where love and good works come from (v24)
Our conviction and drive to be together should grow as time goes on (v 25)
This verse is a direct command to be in community with your church
When the church began to grow to the point where certain needs were being neglected, the 12 apostles directed the church to select leaders from this community to oversee their needs (Acts 6:1-7)
This is the creation of the office of deacon (ones who serve)
This shows that the expectation to serve is not just restricted to clergy, but the body
Through this community, the Holy Spirit will call people to specific ministry. From this calling, we share in ministry together in both preparation and obedience (Acts 13:1-3)
This community is God’s bullpen. It is from this community that people are pulled out into specific ministry to equip others.
Specific example is Philip Jackson
As Paul traveled back to Jerusalem before his arrest and trial in Rome, he charged the leaders in Ephesus to protect the community of the church after he was gone. The integrity of this community is vital to the health of the church. (Acts 20)
Paul calls the leaders of Ephesus together and warns them of false teachers and dissenters
This is an example of the seriousness of protecting God’s community (Acts 20:28-38)
Paul writes to the churches that as a community of believers is successful for the kingdom, Satan will push back. He encourages them to avoid divisive people and to be known for their obedience (Romans 16:17-20)
There are people within the body that will try to manipulate others for their own selfish desires
This is not limited to tangible things they can gain. It can be anything that serves their pleasure. (titles, relationships, influence, power, gossip, making themselves look better in their own eyes)
We are called to reject those who foster division within the body based on unbiblical technicalities and understand that we are not divided by the law, but are held together by grace (Titus 3:9-11)
You are not responsible to make sure everyone understands what we do
It is OK to reject someone if they will not value the body (v 10)
A divisive person who will not be corrected has condemned themselves (v 11)
Examples of Level 5 Community:
We are called to stand out in our culture as beacon of hope (light of the world) and preserve what is good (salt) (Matthew 5:11-16)
God has made us to stand out in our culture
Our presence is provocative in a sinful world (vv 11-12)
God will elevate us to be seen on purpose (vv 13-16)
Jesus used larger events to engage with the culture: We have to understand that the purpose of a large community is two fold, 1) to be salt and light to the world, and 2) be driven by a sincere compassion for the lost.
Modeled compassion of those who needed a community (Matthew 9:35-38; Mark 6:34)
A defining characteristic for a child of God is that they see people’s need for healing and have compassion on them.
If we are truly children of God we will have the same priority as Jesus
The foundation of a Level 5 community is a godly compassion for people
Defied the cultural norms of the day by engaging with non-Jews (Matthew 8:5-13; 8:28-34; 15:21-28; Luke 7:1-10)
The Centurion was a powerful Roman. Jesus teaches us here that 1) God does not divide people into categories based on their race or background, and 2) God cares deeply for everyone and is anxious to bring them into His family.
We are called to boldly speak the truth of the gospel in public and share publicly what we learn privately. (Matthew 10:27-33)
What is taught and spoken from the pulpit is important. If truth is not being taught, it is in defiance to this commandment from Christ.
We have to be people who embrace the truth and proclaim it boldly.
Taught in parables so that the unchurched could understand - teach plainly (Matthew 13:10-17; Luke 8:9-10; Mark 4:10-12)
The purpose of engaging with our culture is evangelistic. Jesus went out of His way to teach people who didn’t understand godly things in a way they could understand (v13)
Met the physical needs of people (Matthew 25:31-46; 4:23-25; 14:13-21, 34-36; 15:29-39; Mark 1:32-34, Luke 4:40-41)
If the purpose of a Level 5 community is to show compassion to those who need God, it takes precedent over everything else in our lives,
Jesus had just lost His cousin, John. But in the middle of His grief, He still showed compassion for those who were lost. (vv13-14)
Our hardship is not an excuse for disobedience.
The hunger of the people seeking Jesus was a byproduct of their real hunger for something bigger in their lives.
Pointed out the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and false teachers - Identify religious lies (Matthew 12; 15:1-20; 16:1-12; Luke 6:6-11)
The pharisees thought that living a godly life was only about keeping a checklist. Jesus highlights their disconnection from God (vv8-9)
We have a responsibility to show the world the redeeming power of God through the way we live. In the context of a Level 5 community, that means challenging false religious norms.
Encouragement of public worship
Apostle Paul encouraged corporate worship (Ephesians 5:19)
Our community is driven by corporate worship.
Psalms: Song of praise set to music. (Typically scripture or a psalm of David)
Hymns: Song of praise the celebrates who God is (“Holy, Holy, Holy,” “God of wonders”)
Spiritual Songs: Song of praise that celebrates what God has done (“a mighty fortress is our God,” “Good Good Father,” “Amazing Grace”)
Our community is driven by submission to one another
Jesus drove the money changers out of the temple and insisted on authentic worship (Matthew 21:12-17
Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem (Matthew 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:28-40)
Jesus Insisted on a public baptism (Matthew 3:13-17, Mark 1:9-11, Luke 3:21-22)
We are called to have genuine love for each other (1 Peter 4:7-11)
Through hospitality: As we welcome others into our community, we are called to open ourselves up and host them without complaining. This is a picture of what Christ did for us and taught. (Marriage feast)
Through gifts: Through the gifts of the Holy Spirit God has supernaturally empowered His people to influence the church and the world. The use of these divinely administered gifts put God’s glory on display
Encouragement of public worship (Ephesians 5:19)
Apostle Paul encouraged corporate worship
Jesus drove the money changers out of the temple and insisted on authentic worship (Matthew 21:12-17
Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem (Matthew 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:28-40)
Jesus Insisted on a public baptism (Matthew 3:13-17, Mark 1:9-11, Luke 3:21-22)
Have genuine love for each other (1 Peter 4:7-11)
Live together and pursue a lifestyle of community (Hebrews 10:24-25)
Key Points:
The Level 5 community offers a broad appeal for people to come to Christ.
The Level 5 community puts Christ’s love on display through the genuine testimony of His children.
The Level 5 community is centered around modeling God’s character through worship and teaching the gospel.
