Community - Koinonia

No man is an island entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main.” John Donne

Koinonia is the powerful fellowship that exist between Christians.  It stems from the relationship that Christians have with Jesus: through him, Christians share the relationship that Jesus has with God.  This bond ties together the Christian community into one family; a family where all the members are interdependent.  At the heart of this connection is love, demonstrated in the love shown by Christ’s sacrifice on the cross.

Children will explore this theme in some of the following ways:

  • 'God has also given each of us different gifts to use...' (Romans 12:6, CEV - see also vv. 4 - 8). In other words, to each is given a gift for the good of all.
  • Paul uses the image of the human body as an example of how different parts work together for the good of the whole. Each part is important and necessary. He develops this image in 1 Corinthians 12:12 - 31.
  • Nehemiah in the Old Testament led his team of all ages to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem on the return from exile. Their cooperation won the day against hostility and fear.
  • In his letters, Paul recognises that he needs others to get God's work done - for example, one person sows, another waters, but God gives the growth (1 Corinthians 3:6).
  • It was teams that led the first Christian churches, first in Jerusalem where deacons were appointed (Acts 6) and in Antioch (Acts 13). You could link this to a list of those with responsibility in a local church.
  • Children could reflect on the important roles played by different members of the local community.

PSHE Links – Relationships

The links here are very strong and easy to draw out.  The community is a complex hub of relationships and, in order to maintain a strong community, we need to learn to foster healthy and secure relationships.

PDF Attachments