The Beloved Community

Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. -Acts 4:32

How would you like to be a part of a community where in spite of external persecution, trials and tests, everyone is in one accord with complete integrity, trust and transparency? A community where out of the surplus of trade, the needs of the suffering and vulnerable are met so that essentially none suffers any lack of material provision? This type of community sounds unreal and even impossible to achieve - but not only is it real but very possible. This type of community did exist within the original Christian community; it was how the church began. It was a beloved community led by compassionate and just leadership. It was a community that adhered to the doctrines of scriptures. It was a community that grew in spite of persecution. It had a stable micro economy that self corrected when there was any internal economic issues because it had a clear mission and vision.

So what happened to that beloved community? How did we get so far from where we started? Unfortunately, today's Christians have a reputation for being the poor and needy in society. Even the word "Christian" doesn't equate with integrity anymore since Christian's cheat, lie and steal just like the rest of the world. Unity among us is a slogan, and prosperity is a catch phrase for church growth but has nothing to do with empowering individuals. Stewardship is a gimmick used to increase giving within a local assembly rather than a way to better care for all that God has entrusted us. Individuals give not with a pure heart but as a way to manipulate God into blessing them. As a result, the harsh reality we face is that Christians would rather not do business with other Christians because of perceived mediocre products and services. Also, Christian consumers conclude that being a Christian business means giving discounts and free services to all who call on the name of Jesus. This creates a spirit of entitlement that calls for everything Christian to be free or at a reduced cost.

If we, the disciples of Jesus, are to fulfill the mandate of the great commission, we must renew our commitment to restoring that beloved community. What is a beloved community? It is a redemptive network that unashamedly recognizes Jesus Christ as Lord; adheres to the bible as its governing principles and is committed to establishing the kingdom of God within a micro level that will be so powerful and be such a light that it will influence the macro economy towards a more righteous system of Government and commerce. It is a community that is in the world but not of it. It is a redemptive network that is self sufficient, sustainable, and profitable. A community that is uncompromising in its principles but compassionate in its approach, a community that is the envy of the world. How do we build this community?

There are seven key guiding principles and concepts that are essential to establishing a beloved community:

1. There is one Lord, one Savior, one King, Jesus Christ - Acts 2:36

2. The bible is the basis for all activities with clear rules of engagement  - Acts 2:42, Acts 5:1-11

3. Leadership is called and is held accountable - Acts 1:15-26

4. The Holy Spirit is active and alive - Acts 2:1-4

5. We are all stewards - Acts 4:32

6. Individuals and industries are profitable - Acts 4:34-37

7. We have compassion for the needy and the lost - Acts 3

Are you a part of a beloved community? Let us each commit to joining with others to build these communities throughout the world, beginning with our homes and our churches. Imagine a network of beloved communities throughout the world that is lighting up the world and restoring flavor in a rotten world to ensure that God's redemptive purpose for the world is accomplished.

Through Biblical Entrepreneurship we are committed not just to build kingdom businesses, but to create a community of kingdom business stewards who provide God-honoring services and products in a God-honoring way and are contributing to the fulfillment of the Great Commission. This is our contribution towards the building of the beloved community. We can build kingdom businesses - but unless they become a part of a community whose purpose is to fulfill the mandate of Christ, we have failed in our mission. Join us as we attempt to build that which is impossible without Christ - let us build the beloved community as we wait for Jesus to come. Come soon, Lord Jesus, come.

Copyright © 2010 Patrice Tsague
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Scripture quotations are taken from the King James Version of the Bible.