Our Mission
by Lydia Whitley
It was the perfect Mexican-German day.
After enjoying tacos al pastor with warm corn tortillas and a hint of lime, we went on a post meal Spaziergang or a two hour stroll through the fields of Baden-Württemburg. Our friends that day graciously shared their cultures with us. The wife from Mexico City showed off the tastes of her home and the husband showed us the German response to a heavy meal—walk it off.
To this day I still enjoy going for a walk with someone. It is a chance to get out side and exercise. It is also an easy way to spend time with others. On a walk you have time to listen, talk, and get to know each other. You can laugh, joke, vent, grieve, and daydream together. My favorite part happens when a walking buddy becomes a friend to share life with both on and off the walking path.
The Bible sometimes describes the journey of faith as walking with God (see Genesis 5:24 or Micah 6:8 for some examples). I appreciate this image because it reminds me of two things.
First, God wants a personal relationship with us. Instead of being a distant deity, God is present and personal. He wants to be involved in our lives. Jesus helps us understand God’s relational character. Instead of staying in heaven, Jesus became an embodied human who literally walked on the earth. He showed God’s love in the way he lived, talked, and cared for people, even to the point of giving up his life and dying for his friends. When we trust who Jesus is and what he has done, we too can enjoy a personal relationship with God.
Second, the journey of faith will not always be easy. Sometimes a Spaziergang can be a simple downhill stroll. Other times a walk can be a challenging uphill hike with obstacles and an unclear path. In the same way, life is full of ups and downs. Yet, God remains present with us regardless of the situation or season. When we walk with Jesus, we do not face difficulty and uncertainty alone.
At Community Church our vision is to create an international worshipping community in Prenzlauer Berg, Berlin. In order for this vision to become a reality our goal is simple—
to invite people from all nations to walk with Jesus.
So, if you live in Berlin, whether you grew up eating tacos, schnitzel, curry or pho, this invitation is open to you. We do not have to walk the journey of faith alone. Together, we can encourage each other on this journey. The invitation to walk with Jesus is an invitation to trust, adventure, friendship, and life.
Who are you walking with today?
If you live in Berlin, we would love to connect with you. On 18 April we start a four week study exploring the teachings of Jesus. On 20 May we will be at Mauerpark. We can literally go on a walk together or just sit and enjoy a good picnic. For more information, see our Connect page.