Belonging: A Critical Need in Challenging Times
Author: Chris Castaldo, PhD
September 21, 2023
As we discussed during Sunday evening’s Community Chat & Chili, and in light of the prevalent issues of loneliness, alienation, and despair in society, NCC’s leaders have discerned a pressing need to reemphasize God’s gift of “Belonging.” In a world characterized by disconnection and isolation, it is essential for our church to be a beacon of hope and refuge of safety.
Loneliness has become an epidemic, exacerbated by the impersonal nature of modern life, the disenchantment of technology, and the increasing religious pluralism of our culture. Our hearts have become empty theaters of longing in which we search for genuine connections and a sense of purpose.
Into this desert comes the person of Jesus: “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28). Because this message of salvation is the only way of hope and transformation, we want to create a context where individuals can encounter it. As we explore what it means to belong to God and to one another, we are convinced that many will discover the profound truth that they are valued and loved by their Creator. Our return to the theme of Belonging is not just about addressing a societal need but also about fulfilling our mission to proclaim the gospel and make disciples.
As your pastor, I am committed to shepherding our congregation on a journey of deeper faith, one that radiates to our community. Together, we can become a place where individuals find the belonging for which they yearn. Therefore, as you consider God’s calling and your role in this great ministry, here are some Bible verses that I would love for you to carefully reflect upon.
In Worship
- Psalm 100:2 - “Serve the LORD with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!”
- John 4:24 - “God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”
- Hebrews 10:25 - “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.”
- Colossians 3:16 - “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”
- Revelation 4:11 - “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.”
In Community
- Romans 12:5 - “So we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.”
- 1 Corinthians 12:26 - “If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is
honored, all rejoice together.”
- Hebrews 10:24 - “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good
works.”
- Galatians 6:2 - “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
- Ephesians 4:3 - “Eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
On Mission
- Matthew 28:19-20 - “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
- Acts 1:8 - “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
- 2 Corinthians 5:20 - “Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.”
- Isaiah 6:8 - “And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’ Then I said, ‘Here I am! Send me.’”
- 1 Peter 2:9 - “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”
We will, of course, keep you informed as ministry opportunities take shape and the Lord’s direction comes into sharper focus. Should you have questions or sense Christ’s leading, we would welcome your call or email. May our Lord, the source of all our belonging, bless you!
Chris Castaldo, PhD, is lead pastor of New Covenant Church in Naperville and author of the new book, The Upside Down Kingdom, from Crossway.
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