KEEPING COMMUNION WITH GOD [THROUGH LEADERS]

Communion with God is understood as an intentional and intimate relationship where thoughts, feelings, and desires are shared; it is at the heart of the Christian faith. From the very beginning, God’s design for humanity was to live in close relationship with Him (see Genesis 1:26 & Revelation 21:3-4). 

When sin infiltrated the world, it broke this communion, casting humanity out of God’s direct presence. Despite this separation, God placed a longing for Him in the hearts of people—a desire for the Divine that continues through the generations (see Ecclesiastes 3:11). In response, God took steps to restore the broken relationship, beginning with His call to Abraham and the establishment of Israel as His chosen people. 

Through Israel, God gave the commandments and instructions for worship, creating a framework for communion with Him. Ultimately, God then sent Jesus Christ, who announced the coming of the Holy Spirit to guide, teach, remind, and reveal the truth of God to His people, ensuring that the communion once lost could be restored and maintained (see John 14:16). The Holy Spirit birthed the church as the community where this restored communion with God could flourish. 

Within the church, spiritual leaders are appointed to shepherd, guide, and teach believers, helping them stay connected to God and His purposes. The church, therefore, becomes the vital space where individuals receive spiritual nourishment, correction, and encouragement, fostering an environment where faith can grow and flourish. Therefore, belonging to a local church is essential for every believer, as it provides a context for discipleship, collective worship, and mutual growth. It is within the church that we are equipped to live out our faith, taught the truths of Scripture, and held accountable for our spiritual walk (see Matthew 28:19-20). 

The church offers unique blessings through its collective unity, where the gifts and grace of each member contribute to the spiritual well-being of the whole body (see Psalm 133:1-3). In the church, believers are not only encouraged to worship and pray together but also to stand in solidarity against the forces of darkness, fighting spiritual battles through collective prayer and intercession (see Mark 3:24–26, Acts 12:5). The church also serves as a place for personal growth, as members use their unique gifts in service to one another, maturing as followers of Christ (see Romans 12:5-7). 

More importantly, the church offers protection, as it serves as a refuge where believers can find support and strength in times of trial, preventing spiritual isolation that leaves them vulnerable to the enemy’s attacks (see 1 Peter 5:8). The church also provides accountability, encouraging believers to live lives that reflect their faith, while offering correction when necessary (see 1 Timothy 4:15, Luke 2:52). 

Ultimately, the church is a spiritual family, where believers encourage one another, bear each other’s burdens, and grow together in love, unity, and faith (see Hebrews 10:24-25, Ecclesiastes 4:9). A church grounded in biblical truth, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and centred on Christ’s love is essential for maintaining and deepening communion with God, as it provides the environment and support necessary for spiritual flourishing and the fulfilment of God’s purposes in our lives.