{"id":497,"date":"2023-10-15T19:57:29","date_gmt":"2023-10-15T23:57:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/theleadershipwell\/?p=497"},"modified":"2023-10-15T19:57:29","modified_gmt":"2023-10-15T23:57:29","slug":"becoming-community","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/theleadershipwell\/2023\/10\/becoming-community\/","title":{"rendered":"Becoming Community"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<\/head>

\u201cI need you. You need me.\u00a0 We\u2019re all a part of God\u2019s body. It is His will that ever need be supplied.\u00a0 You are important to me; I need you to survive.<\/em>\u201d These are the words by Bishop Hezekiah Walker<\/a>.\u00a0 The words to \u201cI Need You\u201d<\/em> have been sung everywhere from the church to the public square.\u00a0 The song reminds us of our interdependence as a community of believers.\u00a0 Romans 12:4-5 says, \u201cFor as in one body we have many members and not all the members have the same function,\u00a0so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another\u201d.\u00a0<\/em>We are all called, as children of God, not to see ourselves as separate from one another.\u00a0 Instead, we are to see ourselves as a necessary part of each other\u2019s lives.\u00a0 Knowing we are called to be in community, why are we so easy to deny the need for becoming community?<\/p>\n

Human Connection<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nCommunity Defined<\/h3>\n***
** To understand the concept of community, it is important to know the definition of community.\u00a0 According to the dictionary, community means \u201ca group that shares some trait or quality that separates it from the wider population\u201d<\/em>. It can also mean \u201ca group of people having cultural, religious, ethnic or other characteristics in common\u201d.<\/em>\u00a0 The term community is derived from the Latin word \u2018communitas\u2019<\/em> meaning \u201ccommon\u201d<\/em>.<\/p>\n
** ***However, a better way to understand the idea of community is derived from its scientific definition.\u00a0 Scientifically, community is defined as \u201ca group of organisms or populations living and interacting with one another in a particular environment.\u00a0 The organisms in a community affect each other\u2019s abundance, distribution, and evolutionary adaptation\u201d<\/em><\/strong>.\u00a0 Through the scientific definition, we understand community as being vital to the survival and thriving of the individuals involved.\u00a0 There is a sense of interdependence that happens which is necessary to the furtherance of the collective.<\/p>\n

Community<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThe Structure of Community<\/h3>\n****

For a community to take shape, there are certain components which are necessary to its formation.\u00a0 According to Britannica<\/a>, the factors that determine a community\u2019s structure are:<\/p>\n

\nNumber of species (diversity) within it.<\/li>\nNumber of each species (abundance) found within it.<\/li>\nThe interactions among the species.<\/li>\nThe ability of the community to return to normal after a disruptive influence.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n*******
** *******For a community to form, it requires for there to be a diversity of groups within it.\u00a0 The diversity of groups within should be substantial.\u00a0 None of the groups should operate independently of the other.\u00a0 Instead, there must be interaction and involvement of the groups with each other.\u00a0 The groups must be able to work together to create balance within the community after an event which disrupts the equilibrium of the community.<\/p>\n

False Sense of Community<\/h3>\n*********
** *********As we look at our society \u2013 whether in individual communities, corporate America, or the larger society, we can put these communities to the test against the criteria issued.\u00a0 It would cause us to ask the question whether we truly have community or not.\u00a0 We say we live in communities \u2013 both our neighborhoods and our local areas.\u00a0 We state in work environments, we are a team which would allude to a form of community.\u00a0 Even in our worship spaces, we speak of them as community.<\/p>\n

Diversity and Equality<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

However, if each of these places are truly a community, why do we rail against welcoming diversity of persons within the community?\u00a0 Why do we separate ourselves by certain groups or cliques?\u00a0 Why do we fail to identify and interact with those whom we see as different or other than us?\u00a0 Why does the inception of diversity within our so-called communities create further conflict rather than being a tool or resource to help a community return to normal? Along racial, gender, socio-economic, educational and sexuality spectrums, we do more to divide than to include which challenges the concept of building community. Romans 12:16 and 18<\/a> says \u201cLive in harmony with one another; do not be arrogant, but associate with the lowly;[b<\/a>]<\/sup>\u00a0do not claim to be wiser than you are.\u00a0If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Isolationism Rising and Its Effects on Society<\/h3>\n

If ever there was a time when the necessity of community is growing in importance is now.\u00a0 According to CDC<\/a>, social isolation and loneliness is becoming a widespread problem in the United States.\u00a0 These two issues pose a threat to our mental and physical well-being.<\/p>\n

\nSocial isolation is the lack of relationships with others and little to no social support or contact.<\/li>\nLoneliness is feeling alone or disconnected from others. It is the feeling of not having meaningful or close relationships or a sense of belonging.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

Isolation and Loneliness<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Social isolation and loneliness are becoming a public health problem.\u00a0 Loneliness costs the US economy approximately $406 billion per year.\u00a0 Persons experiencing social isolation and\/or loneliness increase their chances of developing major health challenges.\u00a0 Some of the noted health challenges attributed to social isolation and loneliness are heart disease and stroke, type 2 diabetes, depression and anxiety, addictions, suicidality and self-harm, and even premature death.\u00a0 According to the American Psychological Association<\/a>, \u201cLoneliness, it seems, can lead to long-term \u2018fight-or-flight\u2019 stress signaling, which negatively affects immune systems functioning.\u00a0 People who feel lonely have less immunity and more information than people who don\u2019t\u201d.<\/em>\u00a0 If we do not address the disintegrating idea of community within our society, we will see increased pressure on our medical systems to address the results.<\/p>\n

The Need for Community in the Workplace<\/h3>\n*************
** The issue of community is not simply an issue that affects our neighborhoods and churches.\u00a0 The failure to build authentic community also affects the workplace.\u00a0 There is a push to force the idea of teams within the workplace, yet many employees do not feel a sense of community within the workplace.\u00a0 In recent years, there has been an attempt to blame the failure of community on the change in work.\u00a0 Whereas people once worked together within offices, due to the pandemic, many learned how to work remotely.<\/p>\n
** *************Though it is easy to believe the cause of the lack of community is on remote working, when we look at the characteristics for the structure of community, is the lack thereof due to remote working?\u00a0 Or is it a sign of a bigger issue?\u00a0 There has been a change to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.\u00a0 More companies are dismantling this area within its organizations.\u00a0 There is a lack of diversity throughout organizations.\u00a0 Additionally, we must evaluate whose voices are heard or who is brought to the table to be a part of interactions for corporate thriving.<\/p>\n

Working Alone.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n*************
** *************According to Science Direct, there are three types of isolation within the work environment:<\/p>\n

\nWorkplace isolation<\/strong>: the employee\u2019s longing to have support either from the company or colleagues.<\/li>\nCompany isolation<\/strong>: the extent to which an employee believes they belong to the company and whether they feel recognized for their contributions to the organization.<\/li>\nColleague isolation<\/strong>: reflects how the employee perceives casual interactions and friendships with colleagues.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n*************
** *************As a result of experiencing one or more of the isolations named, employees can experience workplace loneliness.\u00a0 Workplace loneliness is the distress which arises when an employee believes they do not have adequate interpersonal relationships at work.\u00a0 Like with social isolation and loneliness, individuals who experience workplace loneliness or isolation can experience lack of performance and physical health challenges due to the stress and anxiety of the experienced isolation.<\/p>\n

How Do We Build Community?<\/h3>\n

Rather than draw away from the concept of community, we should be intentional to create authentic community in our neighborhoods, workplaces, and places of worship. \u00a01 Peter 4: 9-10<\/a> says \u201cBe hospitable to one another without complaining. Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received.\u201d<\/em>\u00a0 Building community is necessary, according to Green America<\/a>, because \u201cwhen we make a point of forming relationships in our communities across socio-economic and racial or cultural lines, we help increase tolerance, understanding and mutual respect, and decrease fear.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

***************
** Becoming Community<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
** Some of the ways we can begin the journey towards building community are:<\/p>\n
** \nDecide what type of community we seek to build.<\/strong> Create a vision for the community.<\/li>\nDetermine who is missing causing this vision not to be achieved.<\/strong> Look for ways to invite diverse persons into the community.<\/li>\nShare stories.<\/strong> We have a lot to learn from one another.\u00a0 When we share our stories, our experiences, our challenges, then we learn not only how different we are but also how alike we are.<\/li>\nRecognize each person brings value, talents and gifts that are necessary to the community or organization.<\/strong><\/li>\nCreate intentional safe space.<\/strong> Everyone has a role to play in ensuring everyone feels safe to share, contribute and receive within this community.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
** There is great purpose in understanding no man (or woman) is an island unto themselves.\u00a0 We need each other in this life if we are to thrive.\u00a0 Associate Professor of Psychology Ani Rokach says it perfectly, \u201cThis period may remind us of how much we longed for a hug, for real human contact, for warmth and support, which requires mostly face-to-face interaction.\u00a0 We may learn now to relate more meaningfully to others, to appreciate them and to realize how much we need them in our lives\u201d.<\/em><\/p>\n
** Let\u2019s talk about it:<\/p>\n
** \nHow has the lack of community affected your life?<\/li>\nHow are you working to take part in and build authentic community?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
** \u00a0<\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
** ***************\u201cI need you. You need me.\u00a0 We\u2019re all a part of God\u2019s body. It is His will that ever need be supplied.\u00a0 You are important to me; I need you to survive.\u201d These are the words by Bishop Hezekiah Walker.\u00a0 The words to \u201cI Need You\u201d have been sung everywhere from the church to the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5270,"featured_media":509,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-497","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"\nBecoming Community<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"We are all called, as children of God, not to see ourselves as separate from one another.\u00a0 Instead, we are to see ourselves as a necessary\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/theleadershipwell\/2023\/10\/becoming-community\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Becoming Community\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"We are all called, as children of God, not to see ourselves as separate from one another.\u00a0 Instead, we are to see ourselves as a necessary part of each other\u2019s lives.\u00a0 Knowing we are called to be in community, why are we so easy to deny the need for becoming community?\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/theleadershipwell\/2023\/10\/becoming-community\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"The Leadership Well\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2023-10-15T23:57:29+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/wp-media.patheos.com\/blogs\/sites\/2000\/2023\/10\/pexels-pixabay-209728.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"780\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"585\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Rev. Evita L. Smith, M.Div, MSOL\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:title\" content=\"Becoming Community\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:description\" content=\"We are all called, as children of God, not to see ourselves as separate from one another.\u00a0 Instead, we are to see ourselves as a necessary part of each other\u2019s lives.\u00a0 Knowing we are called to be in community, why are we so easy to deny the need for becoming community?\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:image\" content=\"https:\/\/wp-media.patheos.com\/blogs\/sites\/2000\/2023\/10\/pexels-pixabay-209728.jpg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Rev. Evita L. Smith, M.Div, MSOL\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"9 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/theleadershipwell\/2023\/10\/becoming-community\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/theleadershipwell\/2023\/10\/becoming-community\/\",\"name\":\"Becoming Community\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/theleadershipwell\/#website\"},\"datePublished\":\"2023-10-15T23:57:29+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2023-10-15T23:57:29+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/theleadershipwell\/#\/schema\/person\/ac049921d37302f7f22054f26a28f45e\"},\"description\":\"We are all called, as children of God, not to see ourselves as separate from one another.\u00a0 Instead, we are to see ourselves as a necessary\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/theleadershipwell\/2023\/10\/becoming-community\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/theleadershipwell\/2023\/10\/becoming-community\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/theleadershipwell\/2023\/10\/becoming-community\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/theleadershipwell\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Becoming Community\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/theleadershipwell\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/theleadershipwell\/\",\"name\":\"The Leadership Well\",\"description\":\"The Leadership Well explores the intersection between faith and leadership to help build healthy leaders holistically - mind, body and spirit.\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/theleadershipwell\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":\"required name=search_term_string\"}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/theleadershipwell\/#\/schema\/person\/ac049921d37302f7f22054f26a28f45e\",\"name\":\"Rev. Evita L. Smith, M.Div, MSOL\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/theleadershipwell\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/f7398b16dcdd2890cddc2bbbdf0af3f4?s=96&d=identicon&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/f7398b16dcdd2890cddc2bbbdf0af3f4?s=96&d=identicon&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Rev. Evita L. Smith, M.Div, MSOL\"},\"description\":\"Evita L. Smith is a ordained minister and founding pastor of a non-denominational church in Atlanta, GA. Additionally, she has over 20 years experience in corporate Accounting and Finance. She is a certified life, leadership and wellness coach. She holds a Master of Divinity from Candler School of Theology at Emory University and a Master of Organizational Leadership from Brenau University.\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/theleadershipwell\/author\/evitasmith\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Becoming Community","description":"We are all called, as children of God, not to see ourselves as separate from one another.\u00a0 Instead, we are to see ourselves as a necessary","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/theleadershipwell\/2023\/10\/becoming-community\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Becoming Community","og_description":"We are all called, as children of God, not to see ourselves as separate from one another.\u00a0 Instead, we are to see ourselves as a necessary part of each other\u2019s lives.\u00a0 Knowing we are called to be in community, why are we so easy to deny the need for becoming community?","og_url":"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/theleadershipwell\/2023\/10\/becoming-community\/","og_site_name":"The Leadership Well","article_published_time":"2023-10-15T23:57:29+00:00","og_image":[{"width":780,"height":585,"url":"https:\/\/wp-media.patheos.com\/blogs\/sites\/2000\/2023\/10\/pexels-pixabay-209728.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Rev. Evita L. Smith, M.Div, MSOL","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_title":"Becoming Community","twitter_description":"We are all called, as children of God, not to see ourselves as separate from one another.\u00a0 Instead, we are to see ourselves as a necessary part of each other\u2019s lives.\u00a0 Knowing we are called to be in community, why are we so easy to deny the need for becoming community?","twitter_image":"https:\/\/wp-media.patheos.com\/blogs\/sites\/2000\/2023\/10\/pexels-pixabay-209728.jpg","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Rev. Evita L. Smith, M.Div, MSOL","Est. reading time":"9 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/theleadershipwell\/2023\/10\/becoming-community\/","url":"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/theleadershipwell\/2023\/10\/becoming-community\/","name":"Becoming Community","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/theleadershipwell\/#website"},"datePublished":"2023-10-15T23:57:29+00:00","dateModified":"2023-10-15T23:57:29+00:00","author":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/theleadershipwell\/#\/schema\/person\/ac049921d37302f7f22054f26a28f45e"},"description":"We are all called, as children of God, not to see ourselves as separate from one another.\u00a0 Instead, we are to see ourselves as a necessary","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/theleadershipwell\/2023\/10\/becoming-community\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/theleadershipwell\/2023\/10\/becoming-community\/"]}]},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/theleadershipwell\/2023\/10\/becoming-community\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/theleadershipwell\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Becoming Community"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/theleadershipwell\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/theleadershipwell\/","name":"The Leadership Well","description":"The Leadership Well explores the intersection between faith and leadership to help build healthy leaders holistically - mind, body and spirit.","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/theleadershipwell\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":"required name=search_term_string"}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/theleadershipwell\/#\/schema\/person\/ac049921d37302f7f22054f26a28f45e","name":"Rev. Evita L. Smith, M.Div, MSOL","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/theleadershipwell\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/f7398b16dcdd2890cddc2bbbdf0af3f4?s=96&d=identicon&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/f7398b16dcdd2890cddc2bbbdf0af3f4?s=96&d=identicon&r=g","caption":"Rev. Evita L. Smith, M.Div, MSOL"},"description":"Evita L. Smith is a ordained minister and founding pastor of a non-denominational church in Atlanta, GA. Additionally, she has over 20 years experience in corporate Accounting and Finance. She is a certified life, leadership and wellness coach. She holds a Master of Divinity from Candler School of Theology at Emory University and a Master of Organizational Leadership from Brenau University.","url":"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/theleadershipwell\/author\/evitasmith\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/theleadershipwell\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/497","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/theleadershipwell\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/theleadershipwell\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/theleadershipwell\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5270"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/theleadershipwell\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=497"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/theleadershipwell\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/497\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/theleadershipwell\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/509"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/theleadershipwell\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=497"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/theleadershipwell\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=497"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/theleadershipwell\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=497"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}