Why an Online Discipleship Community? 

The benefits of walking in together in community

Join our Discipleship Community today to experience the joy of being in a Christian cohort alongside other like-minded believers who:  

• Long to see God’s Word being brought alive in a lived reality.
• Desire to learn and grow together in a safe, nurturing environment.
• Cherish supporting and being supported by others through prayer.
• Seek to encourage and be encouraged, to support and be supported through a shared humility and unconditional positive regard.
• Purpose to journey together with a desire to live out 1 Corinthians 13 as Jesus intended, and to learn to reflect and model the Fruit of the Spirit to the glory of God.
• Cultivate a sense of belonging and identity. 

The early Church is a wonderful example of how a loving, caring, thriving community of believers can transform lives and see the Kingdom of God becoming a lived reality. This community is described by Bible Stories Hub as one that learned how to live in harmony, sharing their lives in genuine fellowship. They collectively fostered an environment of mutual support, clearly demonstrated by the way they held everything in common.

Hebrews 10:25 further encourages us to live out our faith in community:

‘And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.’ (NLT)

In her article The Importance of Community, Dr Samantha Stein points out that being in community provides several benefits for our mental and emotional wellbeing by providing a sense of belonging, support, and identity that can enrich our lives in profound ways. During tough times, for example, a community becomes a pillar of strength, offering emotional backing, practical help, and valuable advice, reassuring us that we are not alone in our struggles.

In addition to support, she states that being part of a community also shapes our sense of identity. By engaging with shared values, traditions, and beliefs, and connecting with history and culture, we discover our place in the world and feel like a part of something meaningful.

Moreover, communities play a crucial role in reducing stress and isolation. Sharing conversations and connections with others alleviates feelings of loneliness and helps us feel part of a larger whole. This sense of connection is also linked to physical health benefits, such as improved blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and an overall healthier lifestyle.

In summary, a strong community nurtures both mental and physical well-being, emphasising the importance of finding and maintaining meaningful connections.

Campus Crusade for Christ (CRU) define a community as a spiritual haven where believers forge meaningful connections, encouraging one another to grow closer to God. It's more than just a collection of friendships—it's a dynamic environment where relationships can flourish through mutual encouragement and accountability as we collectively strive toward Christlike living. This interconnectedness forms the very essence of a thriving community, reflecting the beauty of shared faith and purpose.

References:

Stein, S. (2023) The Importance of Community | Psychology Today, United Kingdom

CRU (Accessed 2025) The Role of Community in Discipleship | Cru

Bible Stories Hub (2025) The Early Church – Acts 2:42-47