Dear Redeemerites,
Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about what it means to live in community. A passage of scripture that comes to mind is Acts 2:42: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” This beautiful description of the early church reminds us that authentic community has always been at the heart of Christian life.
Yet in his groundbreaking book “Bowling Alone,” sociologist Robert Putnam painted a troubling picture of American society: we’re increasingly disconnected from one another. While more Americans bowl today than ever before, fewer bowl in leagues. We’re literally “bowling alone” – engaging in activities by ourselves rather than building relationships through shared experiences.
Putnam’s research revealed that since the 1960s, participation in civic organizations, social clubs, and community groups has dramatically declined. We attend fewer town meetings, join fewer clubs, and know our neighbors less well than previous generations. This erosion of what he calls “social capital” – the networks of relationships that bind communities together – has profound consequences for our collective wellbeing.
But here’s where our faith community offers something deeply countercultural and desperately needed: the church as a “third space.”
Sociologist Ray Oldenburg coined the term “third space” to describe places that aren’t home (first space) or work (second space), but rather informal gathering spots where community naturally forms. Think of the classic corner café, the library, the neighborhood pub, or the town square – places where people from different walks of life encounter one another, build relationships, and create the social fabric that holds communities together. As of late, the YMCA in Towson has become a third space for me where I’ve been intentional about meeting those that workout alongside me on a daily basis.
Since arriving at Redeemer, my family and I have experienced our church beautifully embodying this third space concept. We gather not because we must (like work) or because we live together (like family), but because we choose to be in community with one another. In our pews, fellowship halls, and small group meetings, relationships form across generational, economic, and social lines that might never intersect elsewhere.
When we share lemonade or coffee after worship, participate in Bible study, volunteer for community service projects, or simply linger to chat in the parking lot, we’re actively building the social capital that Putnam found disappearing elsewhere. We’re choosing connection over isolation, community over individualism.
This makes our church not just a place of worship, but a vital community institution – perhaps one of the last remaining spaces where people regularly gather face-to-face, form meaningful relationships, and work together toward common goals. In an age of digital connection but physical separation, we offer something irreplaceable: embodied community.
The implications are both humbling and inspiring. Every time we welcome a newcomer, every small group that meets, every shared meal, every time we gather to partake in Christ’s body and blood, every act of service we undertake together contributes to the health of our broader community. We’re not just growing in faith; we’re countering the social isolation that weakens our society.
As we look ahead, let’s embrace our calling as a third space with renewed intention. How might we open our doors wider? How can we create more opportunities for meaningful connection? How do we ensure that anyone seeking community finds a genuine welcome here?
In a world increasingly bowling alone, we choose to gather, to worship, to serve, and to build community together. In doing so, we don’t just strengthen our church – we help weave the social fabric that makes all our lives richer and more meaningful.
What connections have you made through our church community that you might not have found elsewhere? We’d love to hear your stories of how this sacred third space has impacted your life.
Join Us for a Special Celebration
Speaking of community connections, you’re invited to virtually attend my priestly ordination service on Saturday, July 26 at 10:00 a.m. (CST)/11:00 a.m. (EST). This milestone represents not just a personal journey, but a celebration of how God works through community to call and shape leaders. Your presence – even from afar – would mean the world to me as we mark this sacred moment together.
You can watch the service online here.