I want you to journey back with me to 2009, the heyday of commercial jingles. McDonald's had
just stepped out with, “Ba da ba ba ba, I’m lovin’ it,” and J. G. Wentworth had the operatic, “Call
877-CASHNOW.” With so many contenders, it was hard to settle on a favorite; but one song
rose to the top. It was a tune so catchy that you’d stay and sing along, and it’s since had a
resurgence on TikTok for being that good. I’m talking about none other than the Education
Connection song. For those of you who are unfamiliar, I highly encourage you to give it a listen
before continuing with this article.

Best commercial break ever! Now you’re probably wondering why I’m rambling about ads; stay
with me here. I was thinking about our values at Word of Life, and when I got to Connect, the
Education Connection song popped into my head, “Get connected for free, FREE!” I
remembered how valuable connection is and how the world tries to rob us of something so
essential to the human experience. Commercials lie to us, apps distract us, and social media
isolates us. Now more than ever, we have to intentionally seek community, but not just any
community. You need people who will celebrate your wins and mourn your losses, people who
encourage you in your calling and let you know when you begin to stray. You need a
God-centered community whose faith inches you away from the world and closer to Jesus.
Fortunately, you can actually get connected for free at Word of Life.

I know this church seems massive, and you can feel like a drop in the bucket whether you’re
joining us online or in person, but there is a community waiting for you here. Through some trial
and error, I was able to use the power of connection to make this big church feel small, and you
can do the same. Here are a few tips to help you get connected.

1. Connect with God first. He wants to be in a relationship with you. The word says that if
   anyone hears His voice and opens the door, He was commune with them (Rev. 3:20).
   When you spend this time with Him, you learn how to listen, and you’ll be able to hear
   when He directs you toward people.
2. Find your campus. Sometimes the house is exactly what you’re looking for, but you need
   to find the right room to settle into. Each campus has the same heart and vision but your
   people may be found among the young professionals at Fondren or with the seasoned
   saints at Lakeland. If you’re a new parent, Highland Colony could be the perfect fit or if
   your heart is to serve the community, Poindexter is your spot. You’ll know which room is
   right for you when you visit and sense that warm feeling of belonging.
3. Step out on Sundays. You know how you have a favorite seat for services? Well,
   chances are the person who sits two seats down from you feels the same way about
   their seat. Next Sunday, step out of your comfort zone and introduce yourself to your
   fellow section-er. Ask them how long they’ve been at the church. This is a simple way to
   create familiarity on Sundays. And you never know, that person may even save your
   seat for you when you’re running late.
4. Join a serve team. By joining a serve team, you not only help meet the needs of the
   church, but you also meet a community that loves the Lord and checks in on you
   throughout the month. Each team prays together and celebrates together. By serving
   just once or twice a month, you get looped into all the fun!
5. Join a Life Group. I know you probably saw this one coming, but it really is one of the
   best ways to get connected. Groups are designed to help you find like-minded people to
   do life with. My mom joined a group last year that completely changed her life. What
   started as a Tuesday night bible study turned into day trips to flea markets, help painting
   her house, and a new devotion to the Lord. That’s just one of the thousands of testimonies
   from groups, and yours is waiting for you.