The Power of Community

Yes, I know.  Not many options.

I decided to join a half-day Zoom call to participate virtually in an A Common Call conference sponsored by Faculty Commons. I didn’t expect my decision that February of 2021 would lead to so many changes in my life.

Although “online” is not usually my thing, I was deeply engaged that day, meeting faculty from across the United States and around the world who love Jesus and identify as Christians in academia. Yet, this conference was only the beginning of my journey.

Next Steps

As the A Common Call conference wrapped up, I responded to an opportunity to join a virtual small group led by a regional Faculty Commons leader. My experience with the Zoom conference had been such a positive experience that joining a “growth group” online was a great next step.

At our first meeting, I was impressed with the diversity of our newly formed group across locations and disciplines. We met twice per month and enjoyed lively and thoughtful discussions pertaining to our calling to serve God on our college campuses.

The True Power of Community

Each individual in our group became a “co-journer” as we shared challenges, concerns, strategies, and action steps while holding our shared goal of honoring Christ in our teaching, research, and service.

Together we experienced the true power of community: encouragement, refreshment, friendship, growth, and prayer support.  

Behold, I Am Doing a New Thing

Realizing the impact this group made on my life, and seeing how this community of believers encouraged me to truly be salt and light for Jesus on campus, I have now decided to take a huge step of faith and start a group on our local university campus to help others experience and grow in the same way. 

We will start small, taking steps of faith, and begin to build connections so we can create a community where faculty on our campus can also experience this deep level of connectedness. I have learned and grown so much through my women’s growth group that now I am excited to see what God will do locally at Central Michigan University! 

Pass It On

2 Timothy 2:2 tells us, “You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others.” Starting a group on campus is one way I can apply this verse; I can pass on what I have learned to other faculty!

Just as I have experienced a deep sense of connectedness and belonging and have enjoyed access to fresh new ideas for sharing the love and hope of Christ and continual encouragement amidst the challenges of academic life, I am praying God will use me to be an instrument in the lives of others here on my own campus. 

I step out in faith, feeling my way forward somewhat like I did my first year teaching, but stirred with hope to see how God will change the lives of others as He has mine.