A “Cheers” Church

Denice Colson

Cheers was a wildly successful sitcom set in a bar in Boston. The story line followed the lives of the staff and regular customers in the bar. The theme song was also very popular. “Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name, and they’re always glad you came. You want to be where people see, our troubles are all the same. You want to go where everybody knows your name.” The writers created not only a catchy tune, but words that have actual meaning.

There are several basic human needs being addressed in this song. The need to belong, the need to have value in other peoples eyes, the need to know and be known, and the need to be accepted just like you are. Of course, the script writers would have people believe that these needs can be met in a bar; that is unlikely, for a variety of reasons. However, the fact that these needs must be met while being a part of a group is true. This activity of grouping to mutually meet needs creates what is called community—common unity.

Community happens when we create an atmosphere where intimacy can develop and people can grow and thrive. That’s what our families are supposed to be like. That’s what our churches are supposed to be like. That’s what our Life Group classes are supposed to be like. Why? Because God created us, male and female, in His image and His image is one of unity-community.

God presents Himself as a triune being. He is Father, Son and Spirit. He is One God. When He created a male human being He said “It’s not good for this man to be alone.” For the first time since beginning His creation He said it’s not good rather than it is good. Therefore, He created a woman to be with the man. Together God now said “It is good”. Together in union with each other we reflect the image of God.

But God’s expression of community didn’t stop with human marriage. He