Rediscover the importance of community
The power of community cannot be overstated. Community in action brings people from all walks of life together for a greater good. We advocate for community, as we have seen firsthand the positive impact it can have, especially in the face of challenging times.
The importance of community involvement
The Oxford Dictionary defines ‘community’ as a body of people or things viewed collectively. Community is at the very heart of everything we do at CAP. Strong communities are a lifeline for people who may need a helping hand.
We know that wherever there is community, there’s support.
Tobias, leader of Grace Church Brockley
At the centre of Jesus’ message was the idea of community and caring for its members. From the parable of the Good Samaritan, to his healing of those in physical need, Jesus valued his community. Viewing the entire community as equal and treating all fairly, Jesus’ selfless example drives us to also champion people with that same community spirit.
The second is this: “Love your neighbour as yourself.” There is no commandment greater than these.
Mark 12:31
The Bible promotes the idea of caring for one another – from being our brother’s keeper to loving our neighbours. To nurture and support the communities around us means no one has to suffer alone. For CAP this means helping those in the community who are in debt and financially vulnerable. We do this through money coaching, Life Skills and Job Clubs. These free programs offer practical help to uplift the community.
People do their best to live with their conditions, but at times it can impact their ability to connect with the community.
Jackie Adie, MBE
By offering this help, we reduce the shame and pain that can cause individuals to withdraw from their community. We’ve spoken to debt help clients who said they stopped meeting up with friends and family because they couldn’t afford to buy a coffee together or get someone a birthday present. Poverty isolates people.
How communities can make a difference
At CAP, we believe thriving communities can offer:
Support for the most vulnerable
Promotion of positive emotional and mental health
Prevention of loneliness and isolation
Shared goals and purposes
The community space
The community space is also another important aspect of the community. Community spaces are central to bringing people together. You may find community spaces local to you like your nearest church hall, library, community hub or even local businesses like a coffee shop that’s decided to host groups and classes. They all serve as hubs for connection, offering warmth, resources, and opportunities for growth. Over recent years, we’ve seen how vital these spaces are—whether for hosting meetings and workshops or simply providing a welcoming environment. Community spaces are key to bringing people together.
Can you explore the community spaces near you? They may offer spiritual support, or well-being classes or practical sessions such as exercise or parenting groups that you could find useful.
The importance of church community
The Church has filled vital gaps in services and is such an asset for the community. Churches bring people together, fostering unity and ensuring no one is left behind. From spiritual guidance to practical programs like Job Clubs and Life Skills, churches bridge the gaps for those in need.
Warm Welcome Spaces, is a campaign where churches provide a warm space for people to come indoors, get a hot drink, charge their phone and connect with others.
May God Almighty bless you and make you fruitful and increase your numbers until you become a community of peoples.
Genesis 28:3
Top tip
Find out what your local church is doing to support your community.
Our mission is to put Jesus in our community and lead more people to Christ. I really feel that CAP is a way of helping people practically but also spiritually, showing them what life could be like.
Anne, former client
Connecting to a community
Are you new to a community or hoping to connect with your existing one? Consider visiting a local church or community space to begin building relationships and discovering ways to get involved or receive support.
For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbour as yourself.
Galatians 5:14
To serve the community is a gift. Through the selfless work of volunteers and workers, the importance of being part of a community is showcased when communities truly thrive when individuals unite for the good of all.
At CAP, we’ve partnered with local churches to provide essential community support programs such as:
Scriptures
Here are some key scriptures reflecting God’s heart for community and the importance of treating others with grace, kindness, and respect:
- ‘May God Almighty bless you and make you fruitful and increase your numbers until you become a community of peoples.’ Genesis 28:3
- ‘Do to others as you would have them do to you.’ Luke 6:31
- ‘Each of us should please our neighbours for their good, to build them up.’ Romans 15:2
- ‘Do not plot harm against your neighbour, who lives trustfully near you.’ Proverbs 3:29
- ‘Love does no harm to a neighbour. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.’ Romans 13:10
- ‘It is a sin to despise one’s neighbour, but blessed is the one who is kind to the needy.’ Proverbs 14:21
- ‘…better a neighbour nearby than a relative far away.’ Proverbs 27:10
There are lots of ways to get involved in your local community, and the benefits make it really worthwhile!
