At CLA, there's a steady flow of newcomers brimming with enthusiasm and a genuine desire to build connections. As the women’s pastor, I often find myself among the first to welcome them to our community—whether they've relocated to the Fraser Valley for work or are simply looking for a home church. In our conversations, I often ask the question: "What do you value most in a church?" Time and time again, the resounding response is a heartfelt desire for meaningful community. I love that answer. And yet friends, there’s more.
Don't get me wrong... I love good community. I have witnessed miracles through the fruit that church community produces. I have seen the beauty of friendship heal deep loneliness in women of all ages. I have watched young moms’ bond at the back of the conference hall on Wednesdays at Mornings with HER as they share the joys and struggles of parenting. Godly community reminds us that we are not alone in this world and offers a glimpse into the love of Jesus for His church. So yes, I love community. I’m so thankful for the community our church offers.
But as much as I love community, I also recognize, it should not be our most important priority. Our priority should be knowing and encountering Christ. Community is a beautiful fruit of our gathering together around Jesus, but if we make it our focus, we miss out.
The Apostle Paul was clear about his focus, as he explained in Colossians 1: 27-28 “God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ.”
Paul’s priority was not to gather a community. His priority was helping communities gather around the person of Jesus and help one another follow Him. It’s a seemingly small—but significant—course correction.
At women’s ministry we desire rich and meaningful community. We desire friendships that encourage and build one another up. But our primary focus is Jesus - worshipping Him, loving Him and growing in Him together. My prayer for women’s ministry this Spring as we gather for Mornings with HER and HER Night Out, is that over and above seeking out godly community and friendships , we would have a desire to primarily seek out the person of Jesus together. It’s only Jesus that encompasses everything that we could ever desire – wisdom, counsel, knowledge, and understanding.
Beginning this week, we warmly invite you to join us every Wednesday mornings at 9:15 for Mornings with HER as we join our hearts for praise and worship, enjoy coffee, treats and a weekly Spring feature, journey through the Book of Ruth and above all else, seek after more of Jesus together.
