What does it mean to live in Christian community at Calvin? It’s not a set of rules, though rules are needed at times for the orderly operation of any community. And it’s not the presence of Bible studies, prayer groups, or opportunities for worship, though you’ll find those here. Instead, it’s the character of the people who live in the community, and their desire to actively live as Christians. Christian community depends on you as a resident of your hall or apartment building. All of you can become leaders in this, as you all have a role in the community.
There will be some students who contribute much to Christian community, through active participation, care for other students, and intentional service. Others will need some help and support as they make their way. And still others may work against community at times by actions or attitudes which they might not even realize are antithetical to Christian community. To give us all a shared plan for Christian community and how we should be a part of it, the following three passages from the Bible serve as our guiding principles:
1. “It’s not about you!”
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests but also to the interests of others.
~Philippians 2:3-4 (NIV)
This is the guiding principle for the way we treat each other—from roommates, apartment-mates, and suitemates, to people on our floors or in our buildings. As Christians, our lives are not our own – we live for others – just like Jesus did. Our actions and decisions have an effect on others, and knowing this calls us toward care, sensitivity, and responsibility for the way we live in community.
2. “We are all growing in God”
…grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
~II Peter 3:18 (NIV)
The overall goal of Residence Life is student learning – intellectual, social, and spiritual – through the varied experiences of life on campus. All of this learning is done in the context of faith, so that we understand more fully how we relate to each other and to our God. The implication for our life together? – we strive to learn and grow personally and we actively encourage this growth in others.
3. “Be a problem-resolver”
If a fellow believer hurts you, go and tell him – work it out between the two of you. If he listens, you’ve made a friend. If he won’t listen, take one or two others along so that the presence of witnesses will keep things honest, and try again. If he still won’t listen, tell the church.
~Matthew 18:15-17 (From The Message)
This is a guiding principle for dealing with conflict. We are bound to hurt, anger, or frustrate each other at times, often without knowing it. We avoid gossip and resentment by talking with the person who hurt us directly and honestly. If someone confronts us on something, we are gracious in listening, honest in taking responsibility, and eager to make things right. When we are able to speak, listen, confront, and forgive each other, we grow as a community.