Living Acts 4: How Recent Chaplains’ Training in Italy Revealed the Power of Christian Community

In June 2024, after years of vision-casting and planning, Chaplain Endorser David Reynolds hosted a training event in Rome and Assissi, where PCG chaplains (military and civilian, as well as chaplains-in-training) gathered together from around the world to encourage one another in the faith. General Bishop Wayman Ming Jr. and wife, Kimberly, along with special guest speaker Dr. Stephanie Okolo, also participated.

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Community. That’s what the church is supposed to be, right? The Triune God’s existence is proof that a perfect life is lived in harmony with others, and as His image-bearers, we’re designed for living together. The evangelist Luke made this point in the beginning of his gospel’s companion:

Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them… (Acts 4:32-34a)

Luke was describing the church directly after Pentecost, who was living afresh with the resurrection of Christ and the testimony of their hope in His return! This warm, communal image of believers gathered around the table breaking bread, sharing provisions, and opening up their homes sadly doesn’t “vibe” with the most contemporary models of various church organizations. Modern services often rely on flashy worship and pop-psychology sermons sprinkled with out-of-context Scripture to deliver a fleeting sense of weekly spiritual accomplishment. Some even offer programs, food, and freebies to attract attendees.

Perhaps this modality isn’t all bad, but the salient point here is that it leaves many of us still feeling disconnected. Western culture is already individualistic, but the distance between individuals and cliques has only been further intensified by recent COVID restrictions and their aftermath. In a secular culture that suggests we need nobody but ourselves, how radical is the idea of sharing everything with others? With technology minimizing conversation, how rare are face-to-face discussions over meals? With pressure to keep religion private, how controversial is the open discussion of faith?

How are we to follow Scriptural instruction to “be united in the same mind and the same judgment” (1 Cor. 1:10), “bear one another’s burdens” (Gal. 6:2), or “confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed” (Jam. 5:16)? We are called to “stir up” one another to love and do good works, not neglecting to meet together and encouraging one another (Heb. 10:24-25), ushering in the presence of Christ through our gathering (Matt. 18:20). How are we to be strong as a triple-braided cord (Eccl. 4:12) if we act and live as one-person islands? 1 Corinthians 12 reminds us that we are each created with specific strengths, weaknesses, personalities, passions, and callings which complement one another. We are a complete body of Christ in our wholeness!

With so much isolation being lived out in modern culture, it’s no wonder depression and anxiety rates are soaring through the roof, most alarmingly for youths! We are not created to live like this! It separates us from the perfect design that God created for His “very good” (Gen. 1:31) creation, not only dividing us from one another but from the presence of God that is amplified in our gathering!

While these Biblical principles of community may seem hopelessly out of reach in our modern context, I recently had the privilege of experiencing authentic Christian fellowship during a trip to Rome and Assisi with the PCG Chaplains’ Commission. This journey not only allowed us to explore the rich history of our collective faith, but it also provided a living example of how believers can still embody the communal life exampled and prescribed by our Savior and His apostles.

Our time spent in Italy together was a beautiful illustration of Acts 4:32, as our group truly became “of one heart and soul.” Before our gatherings, we shared devotionals where we took turns leading meditation on Scripture, fostering the unity of mind and judgment that Paul refers to in 1 Cor. 1:10. As we explored the ancient streets of Rome and the tranquil paths of Assisi, gelati in hand, we engaged in deep discussions about our faith, our struggles, and our hopes—a modern-day example of iron sharpening iron (Prov. 27:17).

Chaplain (COL) James Foster, US Army, also reflected on these ancient paths, sharing an example of the kinds of meditations we collectively experienced:

One weapon that the enemy still wields today is division. This assault is older than the streets of Rome and even the days that Christ walked the earth. Jesus’ brother Jude wrote about it in his epistle, warning of false teachers, grumblers, faultfinders, and “scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires” (vs 18). He saw that our Christian faith was under attack, so he urged his readers (and, during this trip, he urged me) “to contend for the faith” (vs 3). Jude would have stood before the troops and delivered a motivational speech to fight strenuously, to give a vigorous effort, and not hold anything back for the sake of the faith.

There in Rome, I was suddenly aware of the countless men and women who went before me to “contend for the faith.” While some inspired others in the midst of persecution, others of later centuries were enabled to utilize the skills and abilities they had. I was particularly amazed by the ordinary people who dedicated their lifetimes to designing, engineering, building, and decorating one great basilica after another…With each chiseled stone and each gentle brushstroke, they sought to creatively communicate and preserve the true Gospel in a manner that would survive long after their own short lives…

My trip to Italy and my fresh reading of Jude’s epistle have given me new vigor for the faith. While I didn’t find any current cracks or compromises in my wall, the sites of such great dedication to a shared faith breathed new life into the soldier of faith within me. So with Jude’s encouragement in mind (vs. 21-22), I write: “But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.”

The diverse backgrounds and gifts within our group beautifully reflected Paul’s teaching in 1 Cor. 12. Each member contributed uniquely to our shared experience—from those with historical knowledge that enriched our understanding of the sites we visited to those with pastoral gifts that offered comfort and counsel during moments of reflection. When someone from our group had their wallet pick-pocketed on a train, one of us went to search for it, another reported the incident to the local police, while others watched after the affected family. All were collectively concerned. When one confessed to struggling, another of us prayed, another spoke Scripture, another comforted, and still others provided encouragement and hope! We effectively bore each others’ burdens (Gal. 6:2), rejoiced with those who rejoiced, and wept with those who wept (Rom. 12:15)!

With a similar sentiment, Rev. John Schneider, chaplain in-training for the US Navy, shares:

I am fairly new to the Pentecostal Church of God. At the time of the trip, I had only been part of the Movement for a few months, and I only knew two people who would be attending. As the “new kid,” my heart leaped at the chance to learn from and alongside men and women with such varied depth of experience and perspective in the very field I myself will soon be working in… [The training] was exceptional. Dr. Stephanie Okolo brought us insightful, engaging, and relevant training on “Compassionate Presence—the Role of Chaplains in Crisis and Recovery”…which broadened my horizons on practical ways to more effectively minister to those under my care through the Lord’s presence in me…

Yet despite how incredibly insightful and enjoyable the training aspect of the trip was, the true highlight of the experience was the opportunity to fellowship with my peers. Being surrounded by men and women of the same vocation with the same calling and vision was extremely edifying. As a newcomer, I think I expected to feel somewhat like an outsider—like I somehow had to prove that I belonged. But truthfully, from the very first moments, the whole experience felt like a homecoming—like I was stepping into my childhood home for a long-awaited family reunion. This sense of camaraderie, familial welcome, and above all, love of God covered the entire trip. Whether it was enjoying pleasant conversation about the days’ training during our communal dinners, traipsing around the ancient streets of Rome imagining what it was like for the early Christians, fending off pickpockets, discussing church history while admiring the art and architecture at the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, or worshiping God with one voice in a family chapel during an ordination service—the presence of God and the bonds of Christian love and brotherhood were everywhere present. It was continually evident that every chaplain in attendance (regardless of seniority or experience) cared deeply for each other as well as those under their care. I feel truly blessed to be a part of their ranks. In many ways, I was repeatedly reminded of the early church where everyone was of one mind, of one accord, caring for each other (Acts 4:32; Philippians 2:1-4).

Our journey through Rome and Assisi was more than a mere trip; it was a living testament to the power of Christian community as described in Scripture. For those brief, precious days, we experienced a glimpse of what the early church must have felt—the joy of shared faith, the strength of unity, and the transformative power of genuine fellowship! This experience has profoundly impacted my understanding of what it means to be part of the body of Christ. It has shown me that the kind of community described in Acts isn’t just a relic of the past, but a vibrant possibility for today’s believers!

So how can we, as modern Christ-followers and leaders, cultivate this kind of community? It starts with intentionality. Consider hosting regular meals where faith discussions are welcomed and encouraged. Form small groups that offer more than Bible study by bearing one another’s burdens through prayer and practical support. Look for opportunities to serve together, whether in your local church or the wider community. Prioritize face-to-face gatherings over digital ones when possible. Remember, building a deep community doesn’t happen overnight; it requires patience, vulnerability, and a willingness to step out of our comfort zones. But as we take these steps, guided by the Holy Spirit and the model of Scripture, we open ourselves to experiencing the fullness of life that God intends for His people.

My fellow believers, let’s not settle for a watered-down version of community. Instead, let’s courageously pursue the rich, transformative fellowship that Christ calls us to. As we do, we’ll not only enrich our own faith journeys but also shine as a powerful testimony to a world desperate for genuine connection and love. The early church changed the world through their unity and love for one another. With God’s grace, so can we.