Better Together: Discover the Power of Community

George (When You, Then God), lead pastor of Real Life Church in Valencia, Calif., encourages Christians to focus on the “we” in biblical teachings. George asserts that “selfie society” is leaving people more depressed, lonely, insecure, and anxious than ever before. He shares stories of his recent struggles with beginning a congregation and trying to feel at peace on trips with his family. It wasn’t until he opened up to a fellow preacher who told him of his own broken friendship with a congregant that George’s perspective turned around: “As a result of all my meetings with trainers, coaches, sages, and other rent-a-friends, I left with mere platitudes. Yet with this man, I left with hope. It must have something to do with community. Life is better lived together—especially in our pain.” George suggests that Christians often balk at prioritizing community because they seek perfection, and goes on to offer practical ways to transition into closer relationships with others by discovering the good in the less than perfect: “Leverage others’ giftedness; acknowledge the imperfections and find plan B’s.” Christians will find value in George’s slim primer on seeking community. (Feb.)