THE ART OF COMMUNITY
to check out the app he had opened. It was a pre-release app for Museum of the Bible—a non-profit started by the Green Family who own and operate the major national craft store Hobby Lobby.
He had my attention.
Scott invited me to come to Los Angeles for an awareness event for the museum to gain support for the project. I could not pass up the opportunity to get in front of people I would never have dreamed of being in front of.
When I walked in, I met a man, and we exchanged life journeys while mingling before the event. He happened to be the one who wrote, directed, and produced the movie Barbershop.
When the event was about to begin, a friend of his came in, and he intro- duced me to him. His name is Dave Drever, and get this—Dave lives just down the road from me in Northern California, a mere six-hour drive from where we met in Hollywood.
The reason why I mention this story, which at this point has no end to it, is because it is a current story playing itself out all because of being obedient to what I believe God was asking me to do; that is, to get connected and take every opportunity to build relationship and expand my community. All of this started because I connected with people. The story goes on, and I am so glad to be a part of it.
Don’t underestimate the effectiveness and power of expanding your community of friends and connections. All it takes is some time, intentional- ity, asking some good questions, a listening ear, and allowing yourself to know others and be known by them. From this, you will be surprised at how the hand of God is working, even though it may take time.
Building a community is more than just making an infinite number of connections. It is being an influence for Christ in as many arenas as possible, which gives you more opportunity to be an extension of God’s hand in this world. Plant seeds of relationship. Be patient. Nurture these new relationships and stay connected to the ones you have always had. Pray and trust God to work through them.