Church is meant to be so much more than just a preaching station. The New Testament emphasizes its worth and value in Acts 2:42 where it declares that the early church “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”

We are supposed to be devoting ourselves to fellowship. That is the intentional effort to “build a personal tribe” where we are connected in meaningful ways.

Some in my tribe are dear friends. We have known each other for years. Others are new pals, we just started to share insights with each other. Some are real young (they could be my grandkids). Others are couples who have grandkids of their own. Some are guys, others are girls.

Some I have gotten to know as we served together on a VBS staff, or through women’s ministry or while subbing in a children’s class. Others have become friends because we sit near each other every Sunday.

One friend and I text when certain basketball teams are playing. Another one stops and picks up dinner on her way over to my house (it’s the “one buys/one flies” method). We love catching up before we play some cards (can I confess that I usually win?).

I hugged a friend this last Sunday and we laughed again about me sneaking into her back yard one morning a few months ago. She was going through some medical stuff, and I just stood in the yard holding up a cardboard sign that read “Will pray for coffee…” I got the coffee and we prayed.

Hanging out after service works. Recently one couple met me for lunch after church and now I know a lot more about their family. I can pray much more intentionally now.

One of my pals routinely corners me and asks probing questions so she can pray for me more specifically. She won’t let me gloss over stuff. (And I am grateful for her care.)

Each of these friends contributes to my life. They genuinely care. They are available to me. When they say they will pray, they will. If I needed something they would come running with the help. They are committed and engaged.

And I need to be available. I need to reach out and share some details of my life. I need to listen and learn. So together, we can grow, mature and glorify God. My life with the Lord is not just about me and Him. It includes all these wonderful folks in my tribe.

Make sure you have one!