Building Faith Through Community When God Leads Us Into Something New
How many of you have ever felt like God was nudging you into something that just was not on your radar? Or maybe you’ve sensed Him pulling you out of your comfort zone, asking you to trust Him in a new way, and suddenly, the reality sets in that you can’t do it alone. Building faith through community isn’t just a catchy phrase. For me, it’s been the secret ingredient every time I’ve said yes to God, even when I felt unsure, unqualified, or flat-out afraid.
I remember the first time God asked me to lead something I honestly didn’t think I was equipped to lead. And in that moment, I had every excuse ready: someone else is better for this, maybe later, I don’t have what it takes. Sound familiar? Here’s what happened next. God didn’t just send me off by myself. He surrounded me with people who saw what I couldn’t see, spoke truth, prayed for me, laughed (and sometimes cried) with me. Looking back, I know now my faith wouldn’t have been built without them. That’s the heart of building faith through community.
Why Building Faith Through Community Matters When We Step Out in Faith
Let me tell you: saying yes to God isn’t about bravado or just pushing through alone. It’s about building faith through community and letting others walk with you. Remember in this week’s podcast, Allison shared how the vision for her ministry seemed to arrive out of nowhere. She didn’t feel qualified at all. But she went to her husband, her church mentors, her circle of godly friends. And what happened? Confirmation, encouragement, help with the practical steps – from the website to the logo to refining the questions and even just praying it through. Each person brought something only they could give.
I used to think faith was only between me and God. Quiet, private, just us. But can I tell you something? Some of my deepest growth has come from sharing my fears, my excitement, my questions, and letting people speak into it. When we open up, it’s like our faith gets multiplied by everyone around us. We start building faith through community, letting their courage fill up our empty places and helping us believe God for more than we could on our own.
Community is God’s Plan for Faith to Flourish
Scripture is full of stories about community. Hebrews 12:1-2 (CSB) says, "Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every hindrance and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith." I love this picture – we aren’t running alone. There’s a cloud of witnesses, cheering us on. That’s real, living, life-giving community.
What Happens When We Lean on Community During Life’s Transitions?
Here’s the thing: every new season brings a little fear (at least for me). Obedience almost always brings resistance – mostly from inside myself. But when we start building faith through community, we find people who give us perspective, hold us accountable, and remind us of God’s promises when we get wobbly.
Can I share something personal? When I stepped into leadership years ago, I kept telling God, “Are You sure it’s me? I’m still dealing with so much.” But it was my community – friends who prayed, my husband who encouraged, mentors who reminded me of how God equips the called – who wouldn’t let me shrink back. They let me process disappointment, celebrate small victories, and keep going. I know some of you have known that exact fear. Building faith through community doesn’t take the fear away, but it gives you something stronger to hold on to.
Sharing Stories Connects Us and Reminds Us We’re Not Alone
One thing I love about Allison’s story is that her ministry was born because she listened to God during a quiet moment and then leaned right into her people for support. She didn’t retreat into isolation or try to muscle through. She invited her husband, her friends, church leaders, even her running group. And every time she tried to bow out or pass the baton, her community said, “Nope, we see this in you.” That’s how building faith through community works. It’s not always glamorous, but it’s powerful. When fears about failure or being unqualified show up, community steps in and reminds you of who you are and Whose you are.
I see this every week on the podcast. Someone shares a story, someone else listens and thinks, “Wait, I’m not crazy for feeling this way.” Or, “God can use even that? Maybe He can use me too.” Those moments, shared together, are what building faith through community looks like in real life.
How to Start Building Faith Through Community When God Calls You
Maybe you’re reading this, feeling like God’s inviting you into something, but you have questions. Or you don’t know who would understand. Let me just say: you’re not alone. Here’s a simple list for building faith through community:
- Tell a trusted friend or mentor about what you feel God prompting you to do
- Ask someone to pray, not just for you, but with you
- Let people help you – with advice, encouragement, even practical support (think websites or logos!)
- Find others who have walked a similar road – their wisdom is gold
- Share your story as you go, not just after you succeed
Each small step invites others in. That’s how building faith through community begins. Nobody expects you to have it all together. We need each other. It takes humility to let people in, but that’s where the beauty is.
Obedience Grows When We Are Surrounded By Others
I know for sure: every time I’ve had a big leap of faith ahead, I’ve needed those check-in texts, those “Did you do the thing yet?” questions, the friend who makes me laugh when I want to quit, and the real conversations about why this matters. That’s community. And that’s how building faith through community moves faith from an idea to something we live out loud.
Frequently Asked Questions About Building Faith Through Community
What if I don’t have a strong faith community yet?
Start small. Pray for God to bring you people, and look for small ways to connect – maybe a local Bible study, a church group, or even online spaces. Building faith through community usually starts with just one courageous conversation. And yes, it can take time, but keep showing up.
How do I know who to trust with new steps God’s calling me to?
Look for people who are already walking faithfully, those who care more about your heart than your performance. Share your hopes and fears, ask for their wisdom, and see how they respond. True community supports, prays, and gently points you back to God.
Can community help with practical steps, not just encouragement?
Absolutely. There’s nothing too “small” or “practical” for building faith through community – whether that’s help with logistics, brainstorming, childcare, or just cheering you on. God often works through the gifts and strengths of others to equip us for what’s next.
What if someone lets me down?
No community is perfect, and that’s okay. Grace is key. Sometimes people don’t understand, but keep looking for those who show up, listen, and care. It’s worth the effort to find your people, even if it takes a few tries.
What’s the Eternal Impact of Building Faith Through Community?
Here’s what gets me excited. When we link arms and build faith through community, it changes us but also people around us. It’s like Allison said about running and finish lines – the celebration isn’t just for one, it’s for everyone who ran, watched, prayed, or cheered. And in eternity, all the little acts of obedience, all the stories shared, every act of faith built up through community – it matters. Not just now, but forever.
If you’re feeling that tug from God but worried you don’t have what it takes, remember: you don’t, and neither do I. That’s why He gives us each other. Run your race. Invite your people in. Building faith through community is how we grow, heal, and see God show up in real ways. That’s the story I want to tell, and the one I hope you get to live too.
Ready to hear more stories of how community changes our obedience and our faith? Listen to our full podcast episode for more encouragement and practical wisdom about building faith through community. And if this resonated with you, reach out or leave a comment. I’d love to hear your story. Let’s put these simple perspectives into practice, together.
