Jesus once taught that wherever and whenever two or three people gather in the Way of Christ, God is among them. Jesus’s words make sense to most people, because most of us have had the experience of deep meeting and connection when we intentionally meet with one or two others… especially when we covenant to be present to each other whether its a single encounter, a season of time, or even a lifetime.
In the Celtic tradition they called these kinds of friends “soul friends” or Anam Cara. In much of the Western world this kind of friendship is becoming rare. Yet many of us long for it. If you have ever found yourself desiring connection, to get to know people and to be known, there is only one way to do so – and it always involves risk, commitment, repentance, and forgiveness. Frankley, such friend and community may be the primary means the richness of character which the Apostle Paul termed, the “fruit of the Spirit” is forged.
It is really important to note that this is NOT as church program. Everyone needs a friend or two. We make no assumption that your soul friends will be or should part of our collective. Rather we dare each other to intentionally foster the friendship that nudge you toward wholeness, healing, and God’s Shalom. So “Community Groups”aren’t something a person one signs up for, as much as a relationship that emerges from your faithful presence. As a collective we strive to help each other foster healthy, differnienced, kenotic relationships, in which we discover and practice Divine love.
So as a collective, Quest encourages people to band together with one or two friends to invite each other toward Christ, covenanting to meet regularly, sharing life, and assisting each other in hearing and responding to the Divine. These relational hotspots are the natural place for interpersonal care, leadership development, and community building in Quest. Times together may often include worship, bible discussion, fellowship, eating, drinking, movies, sharing, listening, prayer, and playing or whatever the friends feel they need.
Quest’s Rhythm of Gathering
Peace, dwight
