The Importance of Presence, Connectedness in Absence

For those of us who have been in church for any length of time, we understand the value of having interpersonal connections with others. It’s often through those regular interactions that we find opportunities to connect and grow together in our Christian journey. Phone calls and text messages are helpful tools for maintaining basic communication, but when we think about evangelism and discipleship, there is no doubt that consistent, meaningful connections are essential to preserving our faith. From the apostolic church onward, this practice has been part of our church’s DNA, holding believers together through both dark seasons of Christian history and times of peace and tolerance.

Paul often uses the imagery of family when describing the community of believers. These allusions remind us not only of our calling and our relationship with God—as His sons and daughters—but also of our responsibility to bless and encourage one another. Writing to the Ephesians, Paul says: “So now you … are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. You are members of God’s family.” Ephesians 2:19 (NLT).

When I think of family, I think of more than just sharing information or presenting a list of tasks. Family is about connecting and building relationships with love. A healthy family longs to spend time together, to create memories and to grow closer. It is in those shared experiences that we strengthen one another, build each other up and truly experience love.

As a husband and father who often travels overnight multiple times a month, I appreciate the technology that allows me to connect with my family when I am away. But, as grateful as I am for those tools, nothing compares to being with my family in person, enjoying each other’s company. Likewise, as believers in Christ, online options for worship and fellowship can be a blessing when in-person attendance isn’t possible. Yet, I think we can all agree that they cannot replace face-to-face ministry and in-person worship. It’s not even close!

There are many blessings that come from being present at church, joining a small group or serving in ministry. There are two sides to this coin: we position ourselves to be blessed, and we also make ourselves available to be a blessing to others. Scripture reminds us that “iron sharpens iron,” (Proverbs 27:17); to “encourage one another and build each other up,” (1 Thessalonians 5:11); to “bear one another’s burdens,” (Galatians 6:2); and to “love one another … contribute to the needs of the saints … rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep,” (Romans 12:10–15).

Let us “hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching,” Hebrews 10:23-25.

By Daniel Ortega

President