“And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” — Hebrews 10:24–25 (BSB)
“Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” — Galatians 6:2 (BSB)
“For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ… Now you are the body of Christ, and each of you is a member of it.” — 1 Corinthians 12:12, 27 (BSB)
The Church is a family of redeemed sinners, called to walk in humility, holiness, and unity. In the Christian community, I am not only encouraged but also held accountable. I rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep, and bear burdens with grace. This fellowship is a gift and a responsibility—it is where the love of God is made visible in the world.
Canon Dr. Joel Scandrett (Trinity School for Ministry) writes, “Christian community is the place where grace becomes tangible. It is a school of love, a hospital for sinners, and a household of truth.”
Bishop Julian Dobbs (Diocese of the Living Word, ACNA) explains, “To belong to the Church is not to attend an event, but to enter a covenant. The Christian life cannot be lived alone. We need one another to grow, serve, and endure.”
The 1662 Book of Common Prayer upholds the centrality of Christian community in its liturgies, especially in Holy Communion, where we “join our voices with Angels and Archangels” and with “all the company of heaven.” The daily offices, collects, and baptismal vows all point to life in the Church as the setting for sanctification and mission.
J.C. Ryle wrote, “A solitary Christian is a very imperfect Christian. The sheep that wanders from the flock is in danger. We are meant to strengthen and edify one another in the fellowship of Christ.” (Practical Religion, 1878)
Archbishop Foley Beach (ACNA) has said, “Christian community is not optional—it’s essential. The Church is where we are formed, healed, and sent out. We cannot be disciples in isolation.”
Christian community glorifies Christ because it displays His love, embodies His unity, and carries forward His mission in the world.
St. Augustine of Hippo (354–430 AD): “The Church is a people made one with the unity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. In its fellowship, we learn love and practice truth.” — The City of God, XIX.17
St. Basil the Great (c. 330–379 AD): “The Christian must live in community, for where two or three gather in Christ’s name, there is grace, there is growth, and there is God.” — Long Rules, 7
St. John Chrysostom (c. 347–407 AD): “The Church is not walls but hearts knit together in love. In community, we bear each other’s burdens and fulfill the law of Christ.” — Homily on Acts, 7
An Anglican Catechism (Expanded) offers over 350+ Scripture-based answers to the core truths of the Christian faith. Each entry includes biblical texts, theological insight, and reflections from historic and contemporary Anglican voices. Rooted in the classical tradition, it is designed for teaching, discipleship, and spiritual formation.
An Ancient Worship Movement invites readers into the rich, historic worship of the early Church rediscovered through the Anglican tradition. This book calls believers into a deeper, Spirit-filled encounter with Christ through timeless practices.
St. Thomas Church
PO Box 873
Abbotsford, BC,
V2T 7A2, Canada
If you are interested in starting a St. Thomas Church in your area and or ordination path fill the contact card form.
St. Thomas Church is a Church planting movement in ancient tradition.
