🗝️ This is The Key To Unlock Your Spiritual Growth
The Fruit of Community: Unlocking Spiritual Growth and Kingdom Destiny
Are you sensing a call to step out of old ways, longing to be part of something fresh and Spirit-led? This journey toward Kingdom purpose isn’t meant to be traveled alone—God designed us to thrive in community. Scripture, our own experiences, and the lives of those around us all point to the undeniable truth: God-centered community produces strength, clarity, and purpose.
In this edition, we’ll explore the fruit of community, especially its power in overcoming spiritual warfare, helping us find our purpose, and launching us into our God-given destiny. As you consider your own community, perhaps God is prompting you to ask how you might go deeper or find new support systems for this season.
The Power and Diversity of God-Centered Community
God’s design for community is varied and rich, offering different kinds of relationships that each serve unique purposes in our lives. Some communities are local and intimate, others larger and more functional, and some start organically but become intentional over time. Here are four types of community you might find in your life as a believer:
Local Faith Communities: These are often smaller, close-knit groups like home churches or Bible study gatherings. This type of community fosters deep, authentic connections and a level of vulnerability that brings encouragement, support, and spiritual growth. In these settings, people walk closely together, celebrate each other’s victories, and walk through trials side by side. These groups also carry the formation of Christ being developed within individuals. They are the places where real discipleship happens, where believers are sharpened, challenged, and nurtured in their faith.
Larger Gatherings of Believers: Some refer to these as Hub gatherings or gatherings of the ecclesia. These gatherings are often where greater Kingdom assignments take place, including strategic-level spiritual warfare, broader-based training, and the distribution of regional assignments. There is a strong connection between these apostolic, Kingdom-centered gatherings and the local house churches. Together, they create a powerful network that enables Kingdom assignments to be pursued with greater authority and unity, equipping believers for broader Kingdom impact.
Communities Formed Around Shared Interests or Mentorship: Often starting informally, these groups become intentional gathering points over time. Whether focused on activities, shared interests, or mentoring around specific topics, these communities develop as relationships deepen. They provide an environment where individuals are spurred on in their unique callings.
Online Supportive Communities: This is where The Equipping Community that I am developing comes in. This online community is meant to be a supportive, functioning network, not a replacement for in-person fellowship, but a supplement—especially for those who may not have access to a local, Spirit-led community. This calling has been burning in my heart for some time, and I’m thrilled to announce that we will be launching this community in PHASE 1 very soon. Phase 1 will open a unique enrollment period for founding members, from mid-November through January. As a founding member, you’ll receive exclusive benefits, not only to help you find the community you desire but also to help shape The Equipping Community. More details are coming soon!
Would you consider replying to this email or posting in the comments below and letting me know one or two things you would love to receive from The Equipping Community?
In each of these types of community, life-giving relationships are what transform a gathering into a place of true belonging and spiritual impact. God desires that we approach these relationships thoughtfully and invest time, prayer, and openness, allowing them to grow and deepen naturally.
Overcoming Spiritual Warfare in Community
In a world where spiritual warfare is a reality, community serves as a powerful defense and support system. Scripture speaks to the strength we find when we stand together in faith. In Acts 12, for example, when Peter was imprisoned, the church gathered in prayer, and miraculously, he was freed from his chains and the prison doors opened. United, the believers petitioned God, and their prayers overcame the physical and spiritual barriers Peter faced.
Spiritual battles are often isolating. When we face doubts, trials, or spiritual attacks, it’s easy to feel alone or to question our purpose. But a faith-filled community can remind us that we’re not alone and offer tangible help through prayer, support, and spiritual insight. In times when you feel weary or discouraged, community becomes the backbone that keeps you moving forward.
When Andrea and I moved to Haiti to launch a church planting movement and children’s home, we faced daunting challenges that tested us spiritually and emotionally. The courage we needed came from God and from a small group that gathered every Monday night for prayer. It was through this group that our faith was strengthened, our fears quieted, and our courage developed to step into the calling God had placed on us. Surrounded by friends who knew us well, we found our weaknesses covered and received encouragement to walk boldly in God’s will.
In The Equipping Community, we bring together God-inspired, Holy Spirit-led change-makers who are transitioning out of old wineskin traditional ways of thinking so we can overcome spiritual warfare, foster courage, exchange breakthrough strategies, and produce healthy, cutting-edge Jesus communities. For those seeking support in the spiritual battles that arise in Kingdom work, this community will provide a powerful foundation of prayer, encouragement, and accountability.
Finding and Strengthening Purpose Through Community
Another significant fruit of community is the way it shapes and clarifies our purpose. Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” When we walk with others who love Jesus and seek His Kingdom, our calling is strengthened, our vision becomes clearer, and we find encouragement to pursue our purpose with fresh vigor.
Being in community creates opportunities for feedback, affirmation, and wisdom that we can’t find alone. As others speak into our lives, they often help us see aspects of our calling that we might overlook. For example, someone in your community might notice a gift in you that you haven’t fully recognized, or they might share a word of encouragement that ignites a passion for a new direction in your ministry.
Andrea and I have experienced this firsthand. During times of uncertainty, the community around us offered insight and confirmation, strengthening our resolve to step into what God was calling us to do. Their voices reminded us of God’s faithfulness and His promises over our lives. And while we couldn’t see the full picture, we learned to trust that God was leading us, one step at a time.
In The Equipping Community, we aim to foster an environment where each person’s unique calling is nurtured and celebrated. It’s a place for Holy Spirit-led change-makers to come together, share their journeys, and discover their purpose with others who understand the Kingdom mandate. In this space, your God-given purpose can flourish and be affirmed, allowing you to walk confidently in the calling He has set before you.
Launching into Kingdom Destiny Together
One of the greatest fruits of community is the courage it instills to step out into our God-given destiny. Stepping into a new calling or assignment can feel intimidating, and the unknowns can be overwhelming. But when we are surrounded by people who believe in us, pray for us, and walk alongside us, we find the courage to press forward, even when the path is uncertain.
In our move to Haiti, it was our small prayer community that gave us the strength to launch out into a foreign land, to plant churches, and to establish a children’s home. Their unwavering support allowed us to face the challenges of the unknown with confidence, knowing we had a community that was praying, encouraging, and cheering us on.
Communities don’t just offer encouragement—they foster courage. They remind us that we’re not alone in our fears and doubts. With others standing by us, we gain a sense of confidence that allows us to step into the fullness of our Kingdom destiny. This is one of the central goals of The Equipping Community: to bring together those who are ready to step into God’s next chapter, fostering an environment where courage is built, purpose is affirmed, and Kingdom destiny is launched.
An Invitation to The Equipping Community
This community is a place to find support, guidance, and connection with others who are passionate about seeing God’s Kingdom advance.
Are you ready to experience the full fruit of community? Consider joining us as we create a space for Holy Spirit-led leaders to walk together, find strength, and courageously pursue the assignments God has placed on each of our lives.
If you resonate with this vision and are seeking a community that empowers, equips, and encourages, stay tuned. We would love to have you join us in The Equipping Community.