My friend Mike invited me to check out Mars Hill Church in February 2005, and I joined the Gospel Class a few of months later. Some people from the class invited me to a community group, and I asked Mike to join me – he was also new to Mars Hill and had also never been to a community group, so it was reassuring to go with a friend for the first time.

The experience seemed so bizarre, yet comforting. It was an awkward feeling because I hadn’t been a Christian for very long (and didn’t even know for sure if I really was a Christian at that point). As the group leader turned our attention to the previous Sunday’s sermon, to how it and we related to Christ, I remember feeling a mixture of both strangeness and curiosity. I even felt some fear because people in the community group didn’t know of my past drunkenness and sexual immoralities – what would they think if they found out? Fortunately my curiosity and the kindness of those in the group allowed me to put my shame aside. I began to learn more about why people in this group enjoyed being in community. They were all a bit younger than me, but were very welcoming and seemed to genuinely care for each other in the day-to-day stuff of life.

I remained with this community group until we grew so large that we needed to replicate. During this time I learned much about Christ, Scripture, and how He calls, encourages, and allows us to come together in community. I had the opportunity to develop some genuine bonds with others. I think Christ was showing me how to interact and be a part of His family in a sincere manner. One highlight was being the best man in the wedding of a friend I had met through the community group, as well as another friend who was a high school classmate of mine back in Fairbanks, Alaska!

Christ showed me His love, grace, and care for my needs through the community group, in a way was very humbling at one point. I had decided to leave my job and pursue another career. I had planned for a three-month job search and had saved for that amount of time. But my plan failed, I had a very difficult time trying to get back into my previous field, and I went completely broke. In another month I would not be able to pay any of my bills or my rent. I prayed that God would help me through this time and allow His will to direct me through it. I contacted the church for help, and one of the pastors recommended that I talk to my community group. This was a very hard thing for me to even consider! How could I ask my community group to help me pay my bills due to my poor planning and foolishness?

I prayed about it and then mustered enough courage, through God’s grace, to call my community group leader and explain my situation. He was thoughtful, comforting, filled with grace and understanding. He asked me if I wanted him to communicate this situation to the group, and even offered to loan me money until I could repay him. I thanked him for his offer but said I wanted to follow the pastor’s advice and ask the group for help. He sent an e-mail to the group about my need, and at the next meeting, I explained my situation with much humility. I had a feeling that this was what God wanted me to do, so although I didn’t feel great about asking my group for help, God gave me peace about the situation. To my amazement they gave enough money to cover the entire amount of rent and bills due! God also blessed me with a great job in an industry that I’m still working in today and enjoying!

Looking back, I see that through this experience Christ was showing me that I can trust Him to provide growth and grace through community with His people.

~Lee