Why Christian Creatives Need Community

The more I have pursued writing, the more I realize what a solitary endeavor it can be. As an introvert, I thought I would be totally fine. Over recent months, I discovered that, despite my introverted preferences, I still need community in a big way. God shows me daily how much I rely on those around me in my journey as a writer. Even when I don’t want to interact in person, I need the support of my people. None of this creative work we do would have any substantive meaning without community. As we read in the following verses, we see God intends for us to be in community and fellowship with each other.

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. Hebrews 10:24-25

If this is His design for us as believers, then certainly we need to extend the same principle in our work. God does not expect us to live or create in a vacuum. Although we may sit alone at our computers when we pen the words He gives us, or draw and paint the images He shows us, or play the melodies He sings to us, we do not accomplish the work alone.

I’ve been thinking about this for weeks and it seems like everyone around me shares the same message. What a reminder to me how important that message is to all of us. We cannot do this work without community. As I pondered my thoughts for this article, one of the authors I follow on social media posted these words.

“Writers (creatives) need encouragers, prayer warriors, mentors, colleagues, friends, family, inspirers, readers (consumers), and everyone in between. Life wasn’t meant to do alone, and neither is writing (being a creative).” From author Natalie Walters

I have found this to be so true for me. Every step of the way God provided people to walk alongside me. Each time I reached in my work when I did not know how to move forward, God brought someone into my life who helped me figure it out. I have been absolutely overwhelmed with His goodness. He knows just who and what we need at exactly the right time.

Whether you work as an artist, a writer, a composer, a singer, or an entrepreneur, remember that you are not meant to do it alone. If you lack community, pray, and ask God to bring you into contact with your people—the ones He ordained to walk this journey with you. He has certainly done that for me, and I know He will for you as well.

For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you—that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine. Romans 1:11-12