UR the Church: Presence

“1 I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea; 2 that you receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and that you help her in whatever matter she may have need of you; for she herself has also been a helper of many, and of myself as well. 3 Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, 4 who for my life risked their own necks, to whom not only do I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles; 5 also greet the church that is in their house. Greet Epaenetus, my beloved, who is the first convert to Christ from Asia. 6 Greet Mary, who has worked hard for you. 7 Greet Andronicus and Junias, my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners, who are outstanding among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me. 8 Greet Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord. 9 Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and Stachys my beloved. 10 Greet Apelles, the approved in Christ. Greet those who are of the household of Aristobulus. 11 Greet Herodion, my kinsman. Greet those of the household of Narcissus, who are in the Lord. 12 Greet Tryphaena and Tryphosa, workers in the Lord. Greet Persis the beloved, who has worked hard in the Lord. 13 Greet Rufus, a choice man in the Lord, also his mother and mine. 14 Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas and the brethren with them. 15 Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them. 16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you.[1]” (Romans 16:1–16, NASB 95)—Romans 16:1-16

Personal presence is a powerful thing. Showing up for people and just being there speaks volumes. Romans 16:3-16 shows how much Paul missed the presence of his friends and colleagues. Their presence in his own life communicated care, loving concern, and solidarity. Our presence in church speaks those same three things. It says we care about the worship of God and the people of God. It says we have a loving concern for each other. Our presence says we are in solidarity with each other regarding the gospel of Jesus Christ. Just showing up and being there is powerful!

Begin by reading Romans 16:1-16 aloud.

1. Do you recall when someone’s presence alone brought you encouragement and joy? What was it? Conversely, do you remember when you had to muscle through something alone and wished someone was there?
2. Brag on yourself for a moment; when were you present for someone? When did you miss a chance to be present for someone?
3. We all know that personal presence is essential, but have you ever considered being present in a corporate situation? We get told “thank you” for attending weddings, funerals, graduations, and sporting events. Why? Does the same apply to attending church? Why?
4. Personal presence has been perfectly modeled by all three members of the Godhead. God shows his care, loving concern, and solidarity with us. How does that make you feel? When have you experienced it? How does it motivate us to spend time with God?
5. Bonus: Most of the time we think about being present for someone, we think about that person experiencing hurt or pain. Showing up for people and just being there speaks volumes, even when we don’t say a word. What do you think of Joseph Bayly’s words after having lost three children:

“I was sitting torn by grief, Someone came and talked to me of God’s dealings, of why it happened, of hope beyond the grave. He talked constantly, he said things I knew were true, I was unmoved, except to wish he’d go away. He finally did.
Another came and sat beside me. He didn’t talk. He didn’t ask leading questions. He just sat beside me for an hour and more, listened when I said something, answered briefly, prayed simply, left. I was moved. I was comforted. I hated to see him go”