The concept of community has been lost in much of the American culture, but the post-modern generation is attempting to revive this lost concept.  The majority of the world places much emphasis in family and the communal idea, yet at some point individualism conquered the West.

If you are wondering what who is a post-modern, I willingly admit, I am a post-modern to a T.  The typical characteristics are an emphasis on community, a struggle with traditional authority and a rejection of boundaries and stereotypes.  I feel my life has been a constant fight against authority, whether my parents, teachers, or employers.  My family calls me “the vagabond” for the vast amount of travels I have taken and my tendencies to move abruptly.  Options are a necessity.

The community aspect continues to grow in me.  Josh Elek, and old friend of mine would invite people to his house every Tuesday for a pot-luck fellowship night.  These times were some of the greatest memories I have from that time of my life.  The open house, fellowship, great cuisine, laughter, music, the warmth of friends; all bring a sense of warmth to my heart.  Once I lived in a place of my own, I quickly took and implemented community dinner to my life and the lives of my friends.  Some diners were followed by bible studies while other sand volleyball.  Regardless the warmth of friendship and fellowship flowed.

Looking back at my time in Columbia and now in Denver, community dinner weighed in the back of my mind, something my heart longed to have.  After a few weeks in Columbia, community dinner began; the idea of ministering to other students by simply spending time with one another outside of school brings joy to my heart.  As a person studying in seminary, I have needs.  I need ministered to.  I can’t do it alone!  Often I thought, in the past, ministers simply pour into others and he receives all his energy from his time with the Lord.  This is a lie which leads to ministers to burning out.

My post-modern mindset has helped me to understand this need, the need for community.  Without people come beside me at times to encourage me while others hold me steady through difficult times, I would be unable to continue without them.  For me, community dinner is a place people can receive love, fellowship, a place to put aside the difficulties of seminary and life to laugh and enjoy the company of others.  The post-modern aspect of my personality revealed this need, but I feel it is a need for every person, postmodern or modern.  We need the Lord.  We need each other.  We need community.