The Ouse Valley Benefice

Operating as a Community

In our ongoing exploration of the Healthy Churches Handbook, we recently reached the fifth mark of a healthy church: Operating as a Community. It sounds simple enough, but there is a vital distinction to be made between a true, relational community and a mere religious organization or social club.

A club often focuses on rules of entry and norms of behavior; an organization focuses on structures of control. In contrast, a healthy church should be a space where anyone can belong. 

In Mark 3, we see Jesus calling his apostles primarily to be with him. Their togetherness was established before any mission was assigned; relationship came first. This mirrors the heart of the early church described in Acts 2, where believers shared their lives within their homes, extending community far beyond the four walls of the building.

When we turn to 1 Corinthians 12, the Apostle Paul offers us the beautiful imagery of the body. We are many members, yet one body. In a true, relational community, every part is vital. There is no division, because each role—whether visible or hidden—is inherently valuable. When one of us suffers, the whole body suffers, and when one rejoices, we all rejoice. This is the essence of being a church that functions as a body rather than an organization or a social club.

My prayer for the Ouse Valley Benefice is that we be defined not by the physical walls of our churches, but by the tangible love and genuine relationships that bind us together in Christ. Let us continue to strive to be a space where anyone can truly belong, knowing that as we embrace one another in love, belief will naturally follow. When those outside our community look in and see us genuinely operating as a supportive, relational family, they will see not just a religious institution, but a reflection of Christ’s own love—and they will want to be a part of it.

Weekly Church of England Online Service

Do you know someone who is unable to get to church? 

If so, why not point them in the direction of the weekly online service from the Church of England. They can sign up to a weekly mailing with details of the service and watch each of the services online. Click the button below for more details and to sign up.