Finding Your People: Why You Can’t Follow Jesus Alone
Most of us know what it feels like to get stuck. Maybe it’s in fitness, work, or even in our walk with God. We try to make progress, but eventually we stall out. Why? More often than not, it’s because we’re trying to do it alone.
Take running, for example. Olympic medalist Deena Kastor trained with other runners who pushed her to go faster and further. She knew she couldn’t set records by running solo. The same principle is true spiritually. It’s called “social facilitation”—we do better when we do things with others instead of alone.
The Bible makes it clear: discipleship was never designed to be a solo sport. Acts 2 gives us a picture of the first church, and it’s striking. After 3,000 people came to faith on the day of Pentecost, what did they do? “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers” (Acts 2:42).
They learned together.
They lived life together.
They worshiped the Lord together.
Notice the rhythm: they didn’t just attend meetings, they were tethered to one another like climbers on the same rope. If one fell, they all felt it. If one held strong, they all benefited. That’s biblical community.
The Epidemic of Loneliness
We live in the most “connected” generation in history, yet loneliness is skyrocketing. One survey found 40% of people ages 16–24 reported feeling lonely, compared to 27% of those over 75. Being around people isn’t the same as being with people. You can be in a crowd and still feel completely unnoticed.
David knew this pain when he wrote in Psalm 142:4, “No one cares for my soul.” Loneliness doesn’t just hurt emotionally—it leaves us vulnerable spiritually. An isolated believer is an easy target for discouragement, temptation, and attack.
Why does community matter so much? Because God created us in His image, and He Himself has always existed in community: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. That means being known and knowing others isn’t optional—it’s built into our design.
Life Transformation Happens Together
At First Moss Bluff, we believe small groups are where life transformation happens. A small group is more than a meeting; it’s a gospel-centered community where people build authentic relationships, grow spiritually, and experience life change through Jesus.
When you pair consistent Bible engagement with consistent community, growth multiplies. Research backs this up: people in small groups are more likely to trust God, understand the Bible, and feel close to Him.
But it’s not just about growth. It’s about how we live together. In groups, we practice three essential values:
Authenticity: taking the mask off, being honest about our struggles, and helping one another run to Jesus instead of hiding.
Curiosity: asking good questions, listening well, and truly knowing people who may be very different from us. The gospel tears down walls and builds surprising friendships.
Accountability: not control, but care. It’s checking in on each other so no one has to walk through life alone.
A Call to Commit
Here’s the truth: nobody has “extra” time for community. But we all make time for what matters most. Groups may feel inefficient, even messy at times, but God uses that “mess” to grow us in ways books and podcasts never could.
The first church in Acts didn’t treat community as an interruption to “real life.” They treated community as life itself.
That’s the invitation in front of us. Not just to attend church, but to live as the church. To be tied together, devoted to Jesus, and devoted to one another.
So, are you ready to find your people? Maybe it’s time to join a group. Maybe it’s time to commit more deeply to the group you already have. Or maybe it’s time to start leading one.
Because the truth is, you can’t follow Jesus alone. And the good news is, you don’t have to.