Weekly Devotional: Finding College Community

Throughout Scripture, Jesus taught his followers that they were beloved children, part of a family of God. They were not designed to be solely independent but rather part of Christ’s living body (the church).

Today, nearly two-thirds of college students report feelings of loneliness.¹ While loneliness is an emotion we all experience during some seasons of life, God did not intend for us to be stuck in this. Thankfully, there are practical ways to find college community.

In This Article:

• What Is Community?
• Importance of Community
• Practicing Community in College

What Is Community?

Before we can address how to find college community, we first must answer the question, What is community? The best place we can look for wisdom on community is God’s Word. Here are some truths from Scripture we can use to understand God’s vision for community:

• Encouragement: “So encourage each another and build each other up, just as you are already doing,” (1 Thess. 5:11, NLT). Being in community involves uplifting, speaking life and bearing others’ burdens.
• Accountability: “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed,” (James 5:16, NLT). In community, we are to confess our sins and seek accountability from others, so that we may walk in righteousness.
• Hospitality: “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling,” (1 Peter 4:8-9, NIV). We are called to humbly demonstrate deep love and care for those around us.
• Prayer: “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them,” (Matthew 18;20, NLT). God tells us here that he is with us and moving in power when we come together in prayer.
• Growth: “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another,” (Proverbs 27:17, NIV). God-centered relationships should sharpen, refine and grow each other. Author Adele Calhoun says it exists when believers connect in authentic and loving ways that encourage growth in Christ.² Engaging in community means engaging in transparent relationships that cultivate, celebrate and reveal God’s love for humanity.²

Importance of Community

Now that we have answered the question, What is community? we must further understand the importance of community. In addition to encouragement, accountability, hospitality, prayer and growth, being in community can produce evident God-given fruit. Calhoun suggests community offers:²

• Constant company with Jesus
• Prevention from isolation
• Elimination of pride and self-absorption
• Growth in love and concern for others
• A relational rather than a functional definition of identity
• Forgiveness and reconciliation
• Revelation of God’s love

The importance of community is true for not only college students but for believers of all ages. God greatly values our community because he knows the weight it holds.

Practicing Community in College

When we gather with other believers, we become part of something bigger than ourselves — bigger than our own possessions, beliefs or achievements.² As a spiritual practice, we can partake in community in numerous ways. Here are some ways we can engage in college community:

• Build authentic relationships that connect you to God and his plan to love and serve others
• Exercise your gifts in fellowship (encouragement, service, mercy, etc.) 
• Demonstrate hospitality (bring your friend a coffee, write someone a kind note, invite others to your dorm to share a meal)
• Join a small group
• Find an accountability or prayer partner

When finding quality college community begins to feel difficult or lonesome at times, I encourage you to be reminded of the ultimate friend and companion we have in Jesus. While there spiritual practices we can put in place, look to him as your source and trust that he will provide you with all that you need. 

At Grand Canyon University, a Christian university, the journey to finding college community becomes much easier. Through GCU’s Spiritual Life Department, you will be provided with several unique opportunities to grow in your relationship with Christ and in fellowship with other students. Fill out the form on this page to take the first step in joining our community.