Proximity cannot create community—but it can enhance the experience of those who are seeking to become a community. As groups form remember to pay attention to proximity. It will allow people greater levels of interaction and spontaneous connection that is difficult to create across distances.

Some churches, and Willow Creek is an example, have restructured the pastoral staff geographically. We have an Area Pastor (AP) assigned to each high school district within a 20-minute drive. As we form groups of all kinds, we strive to foster a connection process that honors place.

We have also learned, however that place is not everything (as Jesus modeled). So, while proximity is promoted it is not mandated. This was a problem during the neighborhood initiative, where place became the mantra for everything. It devalued groups on campus, serving groups, support groups, affinity groups of all kinds, and long-term relationships people developed in the workplace or when serving together.

People will be encouraged to evaluate the benefits of proximity as they seek group life. For many groups this will greatly enhance their community-building activity and their opportunities to impact neighborhoods and towns for Christ. But be wary of forced geographic groupings that do not make sense or serve the greater purpose of communal life. Biblically, it was clear that place was only one potential factor affecting group life, and often was not considered with respect to ministry teams, discipleship practices and certain gatherings.

Post 3 of 4 in this series.