Moving to Germany for us meant stepping out in faith in a big way. It was a new level of trusting Jesus; we had moved internationally a few times but never with four little kids under 5 years old, and we did not make the decision lightly. We talked and prayed with our small group, pastor, and trusted family members for over a year before we even began the process to try to move here. Then it took another year to find a job and decide when and where we would move. This was no off-the-cuff decision. We left a thriving community of friends, mentors, and a wonderful, Biblical church. Not to mention leaving the stability of having a house to live in and being able to speak English!
Community Series Q&A: Deeper Friendships
Question: I’ve been wondering how to build deeper friendships—how to go from casual friend to more intimate.
Answered by Caitlin Lieder
What a great question! In my experience, a lot of people do not know how or do not want to go deeper and have intimate friendships. It’s exciting to me to see that you desire this because there is a treasure cove of love and safety and understanding God more when you have a deep friendship.
Unknown, poured out, and lonely
You know the loneliness even in the midst of a crowded room? You’re at the party of your colleague’s birthday and no one approaches you or seems to notice you. The sermon has wrapped up and everyone seems to have friends and a reason for conversation while you’re awkwardly standing there, not sure where to go. You start a new school or new job... On and on the list can go. It even happens to me, the extrovert who will talk to anyone at a get-together; I often leave a gathering feeling unknown, poured out, and lonely.
A Dying Love
A dying love is the secret of all community formation. ~Paul E. Miller
Blythe posted this on FB last week and I couldn’t stop thinking about it. My initial thought was, No, no way. But as I thought longer about it, I realized how correct and whole this quote actually is.
What is this, this dying love? Obviously, Jesus is the ultimate example as, in love for all of us, He calls friends. The Bible talks a lot about dying to self, but how does this show up in community and why is it the secret of forming a community?
Community Series Q&A: Family Pursuit
Answered by Caitlin Lieder
What does it look like to pursue and grow a community when you have small children?
As a mother of young kids, I understand some of the complications of trying to build a community amidst another spill, constant interruption, and the inability to put a sentence together. During the last almost 9 years of motherhood, God has gifted me with friends who have come alongside me and showed me intention and a deep love. To those reading this who are in that camp, thank you. I hope the following will be a help to you who are in this season of life or to you who want to minister to people like us!
