A shepherd who shovels snow

The word “belong” originally meant “to go along with, pertain to or be the rightful property of.” It conveys connection, place and rightful relationship – a sense of being linked to something or someone. Belonging is relational; it’s about care, trust and responsibility.

When Christ came to earth, the Gospel of John expresses this beautifully: “He tabernacled among us” – literally, “He pitched a tent among us.” Jesus’ arrival at Christmas echoes the Old Testament tent of meeting, where God dwelt among his people. His presence among us is relational. It reminds us that Christ belongs to us and we belong to him. We are intimately linked, entrusted to one another’s care. It is theology that feels like a hug: safe and warm.

Trust and service

Belonging naturally fosters trust. When two people are connected – whether through a handshake, a shared celebration or mutual care – they demonstrate that each has the other’s well-being in mind. In the same way, when we belong to Christ and to one another, trust grows organically. We mysteriously belong to one another: my hurt inspires your grace; your weakness invites my service; your need becomes my duty. This mutual belonging cultivates a community rooted in care.

Perhaps that is why, at Christmas, we are drawn to serve our neighbours – in soup kitchens, hospitals or by shovelling snowy driveways. Our actions flow from a sense of belonging that began in Bethlehem.

Belonging also builds moral credibility and social trust, the very foundation of Christian witness. Historical examples abound: during the plagues of the second and third centuries, Christians stayed behind while most fled. They nursed the sick, buried the dead and cared for orphans and widows. Their sense of belonging prompted service; service generated witness; and witness grew the church. Belonging initiates care. Care builds credibility. Credibility strengthens community.

Selfish leaders

Contrast this with today’s leadership culture, where self-interest often eclipses communal care. Headlines reveal leaders whose focus on personal gain has undermined trust: Ravi Zacharias, Bruxy Cavey, and James MacDonald (financial mismanagement and misconduct). Each case illustrates the consequences when leaders forget they belong and are accountable through and to a wider community. Selfish leadership erodes witness and isolates the church from its neighbours.

This connection between belonging and accountability is precisely why the American Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA) updated its leadership standards for Christian organizations. A leader is accountable to those to whom they belong – the people, communities and congregations entrusted to their care. Accountability flows from belonging. Leaders are called to prioritize the good of the community over personal interests, demonstrating through governance, transparency and action that the church can be trusted. The principle is clear: Christian leadership is rooted in belonging – to Christ, to the community and to one another – and from that belonging flows accountability.

Jesus’ example

It is therefore surprising that some, like Franklin Graham’s ministries (known for running Operation Christmas Child), publicly resist such standards. Yet this principle is modelled perfectly in Jesus’ own life. From infancy onward, he built public trust by serving the least and lost, demonstrating credibility through action. Any organizational posture – standards, leadership evaluations, healthy governing boards – that fosters a sense of “we belong” strengthens both community and witness.

This Christmas, especially for leaders in a Christian context, embrace Christ’s belonging. Model it in your actions. Serve your community. Prioritize their well-being. Accept accountability to those you belong to. When leaders act from a true sense of belonging, their behaviour amplifies Christ’s witness, builds trust and cultivates flourishing communities. Belonging is the lifeblood of Christian care and community.