Pursuing a Deeper Life: Belonging

Gen Z:1997-2012 (11 - 26)
Millennials: 1981-1996 (27-42)
Gen X: 1965-1980 (43-58)
Boomers: 1955-1964 (49-68)

MAIN IDEA: Belonging - Moving from connection to belonging. We must cultivate connections that lead toward belonging.

1.BELONGING IS WHAT WE ARE ALL WIRED FOR
So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. Genesis 1: 27

This letter is from Paul, chosen by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus. I have been sent out to tell others about the life he has promised through faith in Christ Jesus. I am writing to Timothy, my beloved son. May God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord give you grace, mercy, and peace. 2 Timothy 1:1-2

"We are called to live in community because it is only in community that we can learn to be Christians." (Life Together, p. 18)

We need one another in order to live our lives as Christians." (Life Together, p. 21)

"The Christian community is the body of Christ, and it is through the body of Christ that God works in the world." (Life Together, p. 29)

Our community is not based on our own achievements or our own goodness but on the grace of God in Jesus Christ." (Life Together, p. 19)

This vertical connection grounds our sense of belonging, providing a sense of security and stability that transcends the ups and downs of life.

"In the Christian community, we are united not by our own efforts or our own righteousness but by the grace of God." (Life Together, p. 20)

Think about two to three people who you feel a true sense of belonging with…
● What makes this relationship unique?
●Are there any ways you have noticed that relationship shift as you have gotten older?

2. BELONGING MUST BE NURTURED & CELEBRATED

Timothy, I thank God for you—the God I serve with a clear conscience, just as my ancestors did. Night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. I long to see you again, for I remember your tears as we parted. And I will be filled with joy when we are together again. I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you. This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:3-7

When people find a place to belong, they become open to what we believe.

Relationship creates trust which leads to influence.

Most people find 1% they disagree on and spend 100% of their time focused on it. We should find 1% we agree on with others and spend 100% of our time focused on it. John Maxwell - 101% rule

BARNA STAT: Gen Z teens (39%) are more likely than older adults (especially Boomers, 26%) to say they often interact with people “who do not share or do not understand important parts of my identity.”
— A Diverse, Inclusive Generation Who Embrace Differences

Are there any people who have intentionally invested time into your life or who have been a consistent presence through different seasons?

How can you provide this sense of belonging for the next generation?

Is there anyone who comes to mind who you would like to be pouring into

3. BELONGING MUST BE CULTIVATED & STRENGTHENED

Deeper belonging is often forged through challenges.

So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. And don’t be ashamed of me, either, even though I’m in prison for him. With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the sake of the Good News.

For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his grace through Christ Jesus.
And now he has made all of this plain to us by the appearing of Christ Jesus, our Savior. He broke the power of death and illuminated the way to life and immortality through the Good News.

And God chose me to be a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of this Good News. That is why I am suffering here in prison. But I am not ashamed of it, for I know the one in whom I trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until the day of his return.
Hold on to the pattern of wholesome teaching you learned from me—a pattern shaped by the faith and love that you have in Christ Jesus.
Through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within us, carefully guard the precious truth that has been entrusted to you. 2 Timothy 1:8-14

Faith is a strong gift that needs to be developed and bolstered.

A life marked by holiness is one that is cultivated through the process of sanctification.

Every human is in equal need of God redeeming grace which reconciles individuals to himself and to one another.

Facing the challenges of life with others will build confidence and connection with both God and others.

The Church is a community of like-minded, mission-driven,
purpose-centered followers of Jesus.

BARNA STAT: Demographically, Gen Z are more likely than Gen X and Boomers to be in a discipleship relationship. This demographic pattern is consistent as we explore discipleship: Younger Christians are inclined toward a vibrant, social experience of spirituality.
– The Need for Mentors & Intergenerational Connections

We can often limit younger people’s exposure to the hard challenges we’re facing or feel like we are less worthy of being a role model / mentor figure in certain seasons.

How might you honestly share some of the questions or challenges you are processing with a Gen Z individual in your life?

What are you learning about your faith through the season you are facing currently that might benefit their formation as well?

We must cultivate connections that lead toward belonging.

We want this church to be a space and place where you belong. Let us know how we can best do this.