Going Deeper: Beloved Community and Theology

Assumptions aren’t the best foundation for any kind of relationship. Community is formed by its lived theology. Often that theology is unspoken or assumed. Many of us come from churches where assumptions were made about what we believed and how we practiced. So let’s take a few moments to talk about the theology, not assumptions, that supports beloved community. 

Authenticity is an important value in the theology that forms beloved community. I came from a tradition that was about performance, dressed up as holiness. Looking the part was critical to success. But that’s not a great recipe for building healthy community. When we’re pretending who we want to be versus showing up in fullness, it changes the dynamic of our own experience and that of our community. Being encouraged to show up authentically and showing up fully helps build a strong foundation. 

In beloved community, as Jason mentioned, we privilege relationships. Having relationships with people just as they are and just as we are. How many of us have been to a church that’s super friendly, but the little cliques make sure to keep us in our place - outside of relationship? Instead, in beloved community, we are able to lean into relationships out of genuine interest, compassion, and love, co-creating a type of community that nurtures everyone involved. It is a resilient community that can weather life's changes.