Teamwork: what stands in the way of real community?

For those who have read the post from earlier about the biblical “one-anothers”, I hope it has inspired you to consider the need for community life and teamwork. I thought I would share a great quote about this with you

“Community is the commitment to care for each other and act together- it is not friendship” John Hosier 1991

John then went onto list some hinderances to community which I have adapted slightly:

* 1.Some don’t want it
* 2. Some say they want it but really they don’t- they are not willing to pay the price.
* 3. Some genuinely want it but feel no-one else does, and become depressed.
* 4. Some find it difficult and give up. There is much scope for irritation. The foot tappers and throat cleares of this world will exasperate you.
* 5. Some find life too busy. They are only surviving and shudder at ‘more meetings’
* 6. Leaders who fail to model it and add too many meetings rather than meeting.
* 7. Some think one day it will happen magically.

The truth is that creating community is HARD WORK! It takes a real effort, and we need to think creatively about practical ways we can do it. In this spirit I offer you some suggestions for modern “one anothers”

* Phone one another to simply chat -not ask them to do something
* Write cards to one another expressing your appreciation.
* Drop in unanounced on one another. Leave one another without creating embarassment if the time is inapropriate.
* Babysit for one another.
* Cook dinner for one another.
* Arrange surprise holidays for one another.
* Slip envelopes full of money under one another’s doors.
* Leave bags of food for one another.
* Remember one anothers name and small details about each other.
* Do one another’s housework.
* Insist on washing up for one another.
* Offer lifts to one another even if it means going out of your way.
* Share one another’s possessions.
* Take one another to the airport, even if the flight leaves at 5am.
* Lend your cars to one another.
* House sit for one another.
* Clean one anothers cars.
* E-mail one another.
* Meet one another for lunch.
* Try a new activity with one another simply beause the other one likes it.
* Make friends with one another’s friends.
* Go out for dinner with one another.
* Go shopping with one another.
* Have a baking party with one another.
* Do your ironing with one another.
* Take the kids to the park with one another.
* Throw surprise parties for one another.
* Listen to one anothers favorite music.