Find Your Tribe: Belong, Believe, Become
As we approach the holiday season, the spirit of togetherness is on full display—yet for many, it’s also a time when feelings of loneliness can creep in. Whether it’s your first holiday without a loved one, a recent transition out of a relationship, or the sting of a job loss, the weight of life’s facts can feel overwhelming. But here is the truth: God’s Word offers us a community of hope, love, and belonging—a place where you are not alone, no matter what the circumstances look like.
In this season, I want to encourage you to find your tribe. In Christ’s community, we are called to belong, to believe, and ultimately, to become everything God has called us to be. But finding your place in this community is crucial. If you have ever felt like your environment is fixated on the “facts” of life—like the heartbreak or loss—you know how hard it can be to see beyond them. But there is only one truth, and that is the truth of Jesus Christ! God’s truth is eternal, and it is his truth that will set you free.
My father used to say to me, “You are the sum of the five people closest to you.” Those words have stuck with me throughout my life. Whomever you allow closest to you will influence your actions, your mindset, and ultimately, your life. If you are surrounded by people who only see the facts, it will be hard for you to see the truth. On the other hand, if you surround yourself with a tribe that speaks life, encourages you, and helps you see beyond the surface, your entire perspective will shift.
The key is to find a tribe that believes in you. The people you allow into your inner circle should challenge you to become the person God created you to be. They will push you to grow, to thrive, and to see beyond your present circumstances. My father also gave me this wisdom: “If you don’t like where you are, look around. If you want better, find five people on the level you want to be on and start spending time with them.” And once you make it to that level, find five more on the next level and expand your network.
This is what community is all about—constantly encouraging each other to become more like Christ and to grow into the fullness of what He has destined for us. Your tribe can dictate your perspective, and your perspective shapes your future. That is why it is so important to find your place in a thriving, Christ-centered environment where you can grow and belong.
If you are searching for that kind of tribe, we would love for you to join us at the YAM Collective. We are a community of young adults aged 18-35 who are committed to walking alongside one another in faith, truth, and love. We have three cohorts for you to connect with: The Connect (ages 18-21), The Crew (ages 22-26), and The Culture (ages 27-35). Each offers a unique space for you to grow, believe in your God-given potential, and become all He has called you to be.
The holidays may bring a wave of emotions, but you don’t have to face them alone. Whether you are navigating a personal loss, a transition, or simply looking for a place to belong, there is room for you in Christ’s community. This season, let’s focus on the truth—not just the facts. Surround yourself with people who will help you see beyond the hurt and remind you of the hope we have in Jesus. Go find your tribe, so you can belong, believe, and become!
Call to Action: If you are ready to find your tribe, we invite you to join the YAM Collective today. Together, we will navigate life’s challenges, celebrate victories, and grow deeper in our faith. Your place is waiting! You can join us for our next Kickback event on November 15th, where our theme is “Friendsgiving.” Bring a friend and enjoy a Thanksgiving-style meal with us or catch us every 3rd Fridays in 2025!
If you’re not in the Chicagoland area, we encourage you to find community at a local Bible-based church and connect to Christ’s beloved community in your hometown! If you’d like to create a satellite Belong Group of young adults at your job or in your community, and want to connect with us virtually, we would be happy to assist you with that as well!
Author Bio: Meet Minister Gary Foster Jr., a passionate advocate for young adults and creative leadership. As Acting-Director of Youth & Young Adult Ministries at The Apostolic Church of God in Chicago, Gary is dedicated to inspiring this generation to live out their God-given potential. With his background in Marketing, Leadership Development, and Youth Advocacy, he stands as a beacon of faith, creativity, and ethical leadership. Follow him on social media @GAFJUN or visit www.garyfosterjr.com.
In this season, I want to encourage you to find your tribe. In Christ’s community, we are called to belong, to believe, and ultimately, to become everything God has called us to be. But finding your place in this community is crucial. If you have ever felt like your environment is fixated on the “facts” of life—like the heartbreak or loss—you know how hard it can be to see beyond them. But there is only one truth, and that is the truth of Jesus Christ! God’s truth is eternal, and it is his truth that will set you free.
My father used to say to me, “You are the sum of the five people closest to you.” Those words have stuck with me throughout my life. Whomever you allow closest to you will influence your actions, your mindset, and ultimately, your life. If you are surrounded by people who only see the facts, it will be hard for you to see the truth. On the other hand, if you surround yourself with a tribe that speaks life, encourages you, and helps you see beyond the surface, your entire perspective will shift.
The key is to find a tribe that believes in you. The people you allow into your inner circle should challenge you to become the person God created you to be. They will push you to grow, to thrive, and to see beyond your present circumstances. My father also gave me this wisdom: “If you don’t like where you are, look around. If you want better, find five people on the level you want to be on and start spending time with them.” And once you make it to that level, find five more on the next level and expand your network.
This is what community is all about—constantly encouraging each other to become more like Christ and to grow into the fullness of what He has destined for us. Your tribe can dictate your perspective, and your perspective shapes your future. That is why it is so important to find your place in a thriving, Christ-centered environment where you can grow and belong.
If you are searching for that kind of tribe, we would love for you to join us at the YAM Collective. We are a community of young adults aged 18-35 who are committed to walking alongside one another in faith, truth, and love. We have three cohorts for you to connect with: The Connect (ages 18-21), The Crew (ages 22-26), and The Culture (ages 27-35). Each offers a unique space for you to grow, believe in your God-given potential, and become all He has called you to be.
The holidays may bring a wave of emotions, but you don’t have to face them alone. Whether you are navigating a personal loss, a transition, or simply looking for a place to belong, there is room for you in Christ’s community. This season, let’s focus on the truth—not just the facts. Surround yourself with people who will help you see beyond the hurt and remind you of the hope we have in Jesus. Go find your tribe, so you can belong, believe, and become!
Call to Action: If you are ready to find your tribe, we invite you to join the YAM Collective today. Together, we will navigate life’s challenges, celebrate victories, and grow deeper in our faith. Your place is waiting! You can join us for our next Kickback event on November 15th, where our theme is “Friendsgiving.” Bring a friend and enjoy a Thanksgiving-style meal with us or catch us every 3rd Fridays in 2025!
If you’re not in the Chicagoland area, we encourage you to find community at a local Bible-based church and connect to Christ’s beloved community in your hometown! If you’d like to create a satellite Belong Group of young adults at your job or in your community, and want to connect with us virtually, we would be happy to assist you with that as well!
Author Bio: Meet Minister Gary Foster Jr., a passionate advocate for young adults and creative leadership. As Acting-Director of Youth & Young Adult Ministries at The Apostolic Church of God in Chicago, Gary is dedicated to inspiring this generation to live out their God-given potential. With his background in Marketing, Leadership Development, and Youth Advocacy, he stands as a beacon of faith, creativity, and ethical leadership. Follow him on social media @GAFJUN or visit www.garyfosterjr.com.
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